The Oliver and District Heritage Society held its annual general meeting at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on April 16. Shown in middle is member Patrick Hampson introducing guest speaker Randy Manuel who gave a historical overview of the Haynes Ranch. In forefront is community heritage manager Pam Woolner. At right is treasurer Elizabeth Wagner. Lyonel Doherty photo
In a dream come true, the Oliver Museum has acquired, at a steal, desperately needed shelving to store its precious artifacts.
That was the big news at last week’s 35th annual general meeting of the Oliver and District Heritage Society.
The recent closing of the Target store in Kelowna prompted the society to “go out on a limb” and purchase the shelving on credit.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said society president Sue Morhun, who noted they saved $3,000 in the process.
The sudden purchase prompted the board to unexpectedly launch a campaign to pay for the shelving ($1,800) by December. Morhun said more than $1,400 has already been pledged.
“This is such a generous community. I am sure we will meet our campaign goal.”
Morhun explained the board had to move quickly (less than two weeks) to take advantage of the deal; hence the calculated risk. She noted that volunteers and staff transported the shelving from Kelowna, and installation is planned for later this year.
PCL, the company responsible for building the new correctional centre, had offered to deliver the shelving, but the timing wasn’t right. However, the company plans to install the shelving for the society.
Paul Devriendt, PCL’s construction superintendent, told the Chronicle that the company wants to be a part of the community by helping the society preserve history. Besides, they love the fact that the museum is the home to the old Fairview jail.
Oliver can soon boast it has one of the oldest jails and the newest prison in the province.
Morhun said the need for significantly improved storage was identified in a recently completed artifact conservation plan.
During the annual general meeting, Morhun and community heritage manager Pam Woolner reiterated the goal to “rejuvenate, refresh and reorganize” the museum and archives. Helping to do this are nine members of the board and 36 volunteers who have logged more than 1400 hours in the past year. That is the equivalent of nearly a full-time staff person.
Already this year, more than 600 volunteer hours have been recorded. It was noted that the museum is looking for volunteers to work in artifact collection and computer filing.
Woolner reported that they will have three summer students working for the museum this summer, including two returning from last year.
The museum can be considered quite famous now that it has acquired exhibit display cases from the movie set “Night at the Museum,” Woolner pointed out.
Collections manager Julianna Weisgarber admitted they still have a disorganized collection with a lack of storage space.
“We’re trying to get the artifacts off the floor and on shelves,” she said.
Weisgarber brought up an interesting method they use for pest management at the museum. They kill insects by putting artifacts in a freezer.
She noted it’s a common technique that museums use when items are suspected to have insects crawling around. The artifact is sealed in a plastic bag and placed in a freezer for a week. After being on ice for that long, any insects should be dead, she pointed out.
“It’s a very useful technique and the most cost effective method (we use).”
Woolner reported on several project highlights that the society wants to focus on in 2015. These include restoring the museum’s windows, reopening the Fairview jail with all new exhibits, and partnering with the Royal BC Museum in a summer day camp featuring endangered species.
In addition, they want to complete the museum’s two large rooms and install some interactive exhibits.
Society members recognized the people whose passion for heritage truly shines. They are standing directors Sue Morhun and Bruce Fuller, new directors Dave Mattes, Bruce Hamilton, Bob Golosky and Linda Gergley, and continuing two-year-term board members Carolyn Bowering, Dave Janzen and Patrick Hampson.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
