The Oliver and District Heritage Society (ODHS) has had some major challenges to overcome this past year, but extensive work continues on the many action items undertaken a year ago to realize the board’s vision set in 2012, said acting chair Sue Morhun at the ODHS annual general meeting at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre May 1.

Although a month or so behind schedule, Morhun was happy to announce that a soft re-opening of the museum is scheduled for June 1 and a grand re-opening for June 8. The society will provide additional information for the grand re-opening over the next several weeks, and Morhun expects a wonderful day of community celebration.

An important and poignant moment at the meeting was the announcement that a commemoration for former ODHS chair, and Oliver Chronicle owner Michael Newman will also take place on June 8. Newman died February 23  after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His thoughtful input into redefining the vision for the museum and society, his tireless roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic, and his general passion and love for all things historical contributed tremendously to all that has been accomplished thus far. Indeed, Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes once referred to Newman as a “champion for hard causes.”

Although mum is the word on what will be revealed to the public on June 8, it will no doubt be an emotional and appropriate effort for such a well-respected and deserving man.

With these dates now set, the ODHS will continue with final touches on museum renovations/restorations. In addition to announcing the soft and grand openings, Morhun outlined a number of strategic goals, based on the philosophy of walking before running, that demonstrate the board is maintaining the vision so passionately advocated by Newman, albeit on a slightly expanded timeline. The main objectives outlined by Morhun include:
– Continuing to improve collections management and care
– Consulting with the community to shape how items are collected and what is collected
– Completing final minor upgrades to maximize use of facilities
– Continuing to expand programming
– Ensuring long-term sustainability of professional administration
– Pursuing all funding opportunities
– Involving all interested local residents in museum/archive volunteer operations
– Celebrating well-earned successes

In addition to these points, the society has completed a 20-year lease agreement with the Town of Oliver for the heritage and museum buildings at a cost of $1 per year. This agreement is a major step forward for the ODHS. The new agreement, coupled with the annual funding arrangement from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, has the ODHS balance sheet in good form, with more financial information to follow once the renovation/restoration work has been completed. The new arrangement allows for greater flexibility in museum/archive operations. The financials met all standards for non-profit organizations in the Review Engagement Report.

Regarding collections, the ODHS board hired Tracy Johnson as heritage manager some time ago and now hired Bryonie Mahe as collections manager. Both Johnson and Mahe have extensive knowledge and experience in their fields, and maintaining their professional expertise is a top priority for the board. Much work has been done as each item in the collection is assessed, catalogued, and cared for, but much work still needs doing. Public consultation throughout programming and the collections weeding-out process is being sought, and more information will follow as public input sessions are scheduled.

To this end, Johnson elaborated on several initiatives, including South Okanagan genealogical workshops, archival research and photo services, a hands-on conservation station, and “collections conundrums” exhibit designed to prioritize the items in the collection in terms of value, relevance and condition, all with the help of local residents who may have valuable information about an item that changes its overall importance. A collections management policy has been developed and can be viewed at www.oliverheritage.ca.

Currently, the board has two vacant director positions that were not filled at the meeting. Given all of the work done to this point, and the exciting vision the board has laid out for the future, anyone with a volunteer itch to scratch would be well served on the board, not only helping a worthy organization accomplish important work for the community, but also having some fun to boot.

The current board of directors consists of acting chair Sue Morhun, acting vice-chair David Janzen, secretary Charles Gurr, treasurer Liz Wagner, and directors Bruce Fuller and Terry Schafer. Anyone interested in becoming a board member, or simply helping the ODHS with a little elbow grease, can phone the ODHS office at 250-498-4027 or email [email protected].

Roy Heuckendorff
Special to the Chronicle