By Quinn Beblow
Museum workers and others from around the northwest gathered at the Heritage Park Museum here in Terrace Oct. 5 for a first annual gathering of its kind to talk about common challenges and solutions.
A key part of the day was spent in a workshop discussing how museums can act as a community space to uplift the greater community and the various issues that are faced.
Participants then shifted to presentations by three key speakers.
Holly Peterson from the Kitimat Museum and Archives spoke on their facility assessment. Travis Freeland from the Kitselas Canyon Historical Site spoke on the recent stewardship of the site. And Louise Avery, also from Kitimat Museum and Archives, spoke on the Kitimat Museum’s recent collaboration with the Haisla community.
After lunch, which was provided by Heritage Park Museum and sourced locally, we had a learning market. This was designed so that every organization involved could share something at their table.
It allows everyone to learn about each other and begin discussions. The discussion session took up the last portion of the conference. Discussions were held around topics such as children and seniors, museum admission, visitor experience, and collaborations.
The 2024 attendees are supportive of next year’s conference, which may be held at a new location.
Quinn Beblow is the curator of Heritage Park Museum.
