After nearly six months of construction and over five years of planning, Phase I of the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre renewal project is complete.
To celebrate, the museum held a re-opening celebration on Friday, followed by a ribbon cutting on Tuesday morning.
At Friday night’s celebration, Libby Martin, president of the Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association and someone who has been working on the renewal project since the beginning, thanked the City of Rossland, Teck and volunteers for making Phase I a reality.
“Planning for the renewal of the museum began in April, 2012, so it’s been a long road to reach this point. It’s been a cooperative effort between the city, Teck and the museum, and also, of course, dedicated volunteers,” she said.
Martin also acknowledged the project’s funding sources, including a Canada 150 grant, Teck and the community.
She also acknowledged the efforts of the museum’s director, Joelle Hodgins, in bringing Phase I to fruition.
“She has so much energy, enthusiasm and expertise — I do wonder when she sleeps, however,” said Martin. “Without her, we would not be where we are now.”
Martin also thank Veronica Vareiro, collections assistant, who along with Hodgins stayed until 5 a.m. the day of the re-opening to get everything ready.
Finally, Martin thanked members of the development committee.
“This is the committee that was formed just prior to April in 2012. I thank them for their tireless efforts over the five years, she said.
The thank you included special acknowledgment of Mike Stolte and Wayne Wilson, both brought on board by Teck to work with the committee, Maureen Brown, who has been on the committee since the beginning, and Carol Vanelli Worosz, community engagement leader for Teck, who has also been involved since the beginning.
Phase I of the renewal project was the renovation of the museum entrance, and the changes have resulted in significantly more space for displays inside the museum. Museum staff members have created a number of new exhibits that are now on display and Father Pat’s ambulance has now been moved inside the building.
The official ribbon-cutting on Tuesday marked the 50th year anniversary of the Rossland Museum.
Next up is Phase II, which the museum can now start fundraising for.
