Sherry George
Our community museum is in great shape.
We have a beautiful, completely-modern facility in a central location downtown. We also have two great attractions on the waterfront: the logging tugboat “Hallett,” which symbolizes our beginnings, and the Lookout Tower, which provides a magnificent view of the upper river and town.
Our heritage sites were great draws last year; tourists and townspeople alike made a point of visiting both.
Our museum, however, often is quiet and I wonder why. The history of our area is well-portrayed in our permanent exhibit on the upper floor (elevator accessible).
Meanwhile, our temporary exhibits on the main floor are changed out several times a year and yet remain, for the most part, unseen by the majority of our citizens.
I want to change that. Our museum—your museum—should be the hub of the community. With your help it can be. If you have thoughts on what we can do, share them with us.
Think of it this way: an investment in the museum is an investment in Fort Frances and area.
As indicated in an earlier article, interested folks have come forward with the idea of forming a “Friends of the Museum” group.
Similar to the very successful “Friends of the Library,” this group will support the museum with their time—helping out when needed, fundraising for those extra items that a tight budget cannot buy, and brainstorming ideas on everything from exhibits to children’s activities.
Our main goal is to utilize the museum to its full potential. We want to see people stopping by every other week—to check out the latest exhibit, to research their family history, to read an article on past events, or just to meet an old friend for a cup of coffee.
Yes, why not? Let’s make the museum a drop-in place.
On Monday (March 28), we held our first meeting of the “Friends of the Museum” group. We discussed ways of supporting the museum and increasing its visibility.
Then tomorrow (March 31), the museum is hosting an open house from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
We are posting our wish lists and hoping you will add your ideas to ours.
You also will be able to buy “Friends of the Museum” memberships at tomorrow’s open house. They cost $2 each.
Check out the “Threadworks” exhibit on the main floor or the permanent exhibits upstairs. See the progress of our community project, “What Hooks You Here,” and the “Treebeard” masks made by the children during March Break.
Refreshments will be served, and fees are waived for the day.
Everyone is welcome—hope to see you out!
