Printer-friendly version--December 12, 2011.
The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is proud to honour the Centre des sciences de Montréal with the inaugural Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums - The History Alive! Award for their exceptional virtual exhibition 'Action Stations! Life at the Port of Montreal, 1939–1945’.
The virtual exhibition may be visited at: www.quaysoftheoldport.com/heritage.html.
Through a vibrant multi-media presentation that explores the effects of the Second World War on Montreal, the 'Action Stations!' virtual exhibition links historical scholarship to personal memory and creative design in a uniquely interactive format. Online visitors have the opportunity to meet nine fictionalized characters and learn more about their wartime experiences, which are informed by real events.
"We are very proud to award this first Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums to the Montréal Science Centre for its innovative project 'Action Stations!'. This unique project brings to life the people that lived and worked in the old port of Montreal during the Second World War in a very dynamic way," says John G. McAvity, Executive Director of the Canadian Museums Association. "Thanks to the close collaboration between the centre's personnel and the Montreal community, the stories presented in this interactive exhibition are now accessible to a whole new audience."
Created in partnership with Canada's History Society, the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums honours significant achievements in the historical field and encourages standards of excellence specifically in the presentation, preservation and interpretation of national, regional or local history.
"History is a key component of our national culture and identity, and our museums play a crucial role in presenting and interpreting it in our communities," said Deborah Morrison, President and CEO of Canada's History Society. "These awards reflect the value and importance Canadians have for their history and provide an opportunity to recognize those who work so hard to help us improve our understanding of it."
Canadian history is comprised of many histories. It is kept vibrant and meaningful by the roles and activities of smaller community-based initiatives, led largely by Canada's museums, archives, and local heritage institutions who make remarkable contributions to a better knowledge of Canadian history.
About the Canadian Museums Association:
The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of Canada's museum community. The CMA works for the recognition, growth and stability of the sector. Canada's 2,500 museums and related institutions preserve our collective memory, shape our national identity and promote tolerance and understanding. Learn more at www.museums.ca
About Canada's History Society:
Canada's History Society is a national charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history. In addition to presenting the Governor General's History Awards, it publishes Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids. The Society also produces a number of educational and online programs to encourage more discovery, celebration, and understanding about our rich history and culture. More details can be found at www.CanadasHistory.ca.
For more information, contact:
Canadian Museums Association
(613) 567-0099 ext 243
jcormier@museums.ca
