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Vernon  

Money for museum

The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives will be getting some much-needed funding from the federal government and Regional District of North Okangan.

Retiring Conservative MP Colin Mayes announced Monday the feds are providing the museum with $100,000. That money will be matched by the regional district and will go toward a new roof, mechanical work and rolling shelves for storing the numerous items housed in the museum.

Because space is so limited at the museum, curator Ron Candy said the rolling shelves will allow them to store more items properly.

“We have items in our collection that have national and international importance,” said Candy, adding the job of the museum is to record and preserve history for future generations.

While Candy is grateful for the infusion of money for the upgrades, what the museum ultimately needs is more space.

The museum has been in the same building since it was constructed in 1967. When the building first opened, it housed the museum, art gallery and library. The art gallery moved out many years ago as did the library and the museum quickly outgrew the extra space.

“If we had more space, we could get more people. If we had more room we could have more exhibits,” said Candy, who does not expect a move to a bigger building any time soon.

“It's tight. We even have some staff members who are sharing desks. There are artifacts in storage we would love to put on display, but we don't have the room for it.

“The thing is, history doesn't stop, so we have to keep collecting.”



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