Danielle clarke
Rossland News
The Rossland Historical Museum put on its annual Museum Family Day last Saturday.
The event was very popular for families with younger children however, there truly was something for everyone.
As entertainment, the Golden City Fiddlers played fruitful tunes while families sat and enjoyed the sun.
There was a barbeque as well as a blacksmith presentation, children’s games, a scavenger hunt, and, of course, gold panning.
Nicole Spencer, a summer student and tour guide for the museum, said fewer people have been visiting the heritage site since the mine was closed for good in 2012.
Spencer wants locals to know that there is so much more to do and see than just that. “Growing up I never came either and now that I work here I’m like, wow I should have come,” said Spencer.
Visitors can go on guided tours through the heritage site including its museum, mine office, train caboose as well as learn how to pan for gold and see the rock collection.
Mr. Willie Shersdobitoff is enjoying his first year volunteering on the site. “This is fun…this is not work, this is a good time for me” said Shersdobitoff who is a professional gold panner from Castlegar.
This opportunity allows him to share his knowledge for gold panning with others.
He is a judge for the BC gold panning championship in Enderby and has attended competitions there for 22 years as well as other competitions at the Fraser River, the Yale River and even the world competition which took place in the Yukon. His passion for gold panning is what brought him to the site.
This year, the museum has been averaging 1-2 tours a day for a total of 77 visitors.
Locals and tourists are encouraged to come up and check out the Rossland museum and see all it has to offer. For more information visit, www.rosslandmuseum.ca.