Media Releases
Ten ‘not to miss’ BC heritage experiences in 2010
January 25, 2010, Victoria, BC – The decade begins with a host of ‘not to be missed’ heritage experiences scattered throughout BC. Throughout all of 2010 there are opportunities to remember BC’s past while celebrating its present and future. These heritage experiences should not be missed in 2010:
1. Emily Carr: On the Edge of Nowhere
Opening June 30, 2010 New semi-permanent installation at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria will create a larger, semi-permanent (three year long) major exhibition with an accompanying educational brochure and interactive multi-media station providing visitors an opportunity to learn about Emily Carr through a survey of her career. This exhibition at the AGGV will become the premiere destination in British Columbia to visit and learn about Emily Carr through her paintings. The exhibit will feature a newly acquired painting called Shore and Forest (Cadboro Bay) from 1931. For more information: www.aggv.bc.ca
2. 100th Anniversary of 1910 Rogers Pass Avalanche
Ceremonies March 4, August 15 and museum opening August 14, Revelstoke
March 4, 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1910 avalanche accident in Rogers Pass, BC - the largest avalanche tragedy in Canadian history. In this event, 58 men (32 of them Japanese) lost their lives while working to clear an earlier slide on the Canadian Pacific Railway line. The event commemorates the tragedy and focuses on 100 years of Canadian innovation in technology, science and communications that have supported safe travel (road and rail) through the transportation corridor. Memorial events will be held March 4 and August 15. Revelstoke Museum & Archives begins a year-long exhibit featuring the lives of the men involved in the slide and the impact on the community on August 14. For more information: http://www.revelstokemuseum.ca/
3. The Olympic Inspiration
Exhibit at BC Sports Hall of Fame, Vancouver
This gallery showcases the artifacts and stories of BC’s Olympians and Paralympians. Visitors will be swept up in Olympic fever at this exhibit celebrating the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as they have their photo taken on the podium, meet the mascots and learn about the story of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. For more information: sportsinfo@bcsportshalloffame.com
4. 150th Anniversary of Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada
Exhibit opens April 12, 2010
Fisgard Lighthouse will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary with the official unveiling of its new exhibits and restoration work. Fisgard, the oldest lighthouse on the west coast, showcases the lives of lightkeepers and the history of navigation along the west coast. The site will also be one of the best places to enjoy the Canadian Naval Centennial Celebration events including an international ship review, fireworks and the snowbirds. For more information: www.pc.gc.ca
5. The Colder Side of the Sporting Life
New exhibit at Vernon Museum, February – December 2010
This exhibit will celebrate 100 years of winter sporting activities in the North Okanagan. Coupled to the theme of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and sports, this exhibit will encompass the history of organized and unorganized winter sports that have taken place in the region for the past century. Downhill and cross-country skiing, curling, ice-skating, hockey, and other activities will all be showcased with artifacts, photographs and text. This exhibit will complement the Vernon Winter Carnival display and will open at the same time. For more information: www.vernonmuseum.ca
6. The Villager Scavenger Hunt
Burnaby Village Museum
The Trek to Mont Blanc will focus on the fascinating trivia of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, at the base of the famous Mont Blanc. Visitors can test their knowledge of Canadian sporting history and answer trivia such as - What sport did Canada win a gold medal for? What were the organizers afraid might trigger an avalanche on Mont Blanc? Which young woman made her hesitant debut in competitive figure skating? Which strange sports were part of the Winter Games at that time? The answers are hidden all over the village site. For more information: http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
7. Canadian Navy Celebrates its 100th Anniversary
May 4, 2010, Victoria
The Canadian Navy celebrates its 100th Anniversary with events throughout the country. In Victoria, Navy Day will be commemorated with the erecting of “The Homecoming Statue” in the city’s downtown which will signify the historic link between the navy and the community. A parade of all military personnel will also be held that day followed by a barbeque in Spirit Square. For more information: www.navy.forces.gc.ca
8. In the Game - Surrey Museum
February 9-March 21, 2010
Surrey Museum is celebrating the arrival of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games with a retrospective on the history of competitive winter sports. Visitors can find out when their favourite sport entered international competition, which countries led the way to gold, and how winter sports have changed since the first Winter Olympics in 1924. In the Game showcases famous Canadian athletes, including BC’s own Nancy Greene Raine, Ross Rebagliati and Gary Cormack, and celebrates the Crazy Canuck ski team from the 1970s and figure skater Elizabeth Manley, who won the nation’s heart at the 1988 Games in Calgary. For more information: www.surrey.ca
9. CQ: Is Anybody Out There?
Kelowna Museum Okanagan Heritage Museum January 23 - July 3, 2010
This exhibit examines the evolution of amateur radio communication in the Okanagan Valley, from the origins of broadcast radio to the role that amateur radio operators play today. The exhibit will feature everything from old microphones and radio tubes to a hands-on Morse code activity. A portion of the exhibit is dedicated to oral histories from local amateur radio operators. For more information: www.kelownamuseums.ca
10. Gold Rush in the Valley – Fort Langley National Historic Site
February 12 – 28, 2010
Celebrate the 2010 Olympic Winter Games at Fort Langley National Historic Site where there will be more than 30 musical performers from the Fraser Valley over the 20 day festival. Aside from the big screen television in the marquis tent to watch the winter sporting events, a full slate of activities for every age will be available at the site such as the popular fur trade wedding, Claim Your Gold interactive game, blacksmithing an barrel-making, tug-o-wars and more. All programming is available in English and French. For more information: http://www.tourism-langley.ca/
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Media Contact:
Tartan Group
Trisha Lees, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3838
Kate Rogers, 604-682-8811, cell 604-880-1494
Kate@tartangroup.caExperience an old fashioned Christmas at BC’s heritage sites
November 26, 2009, Victoria, BC – The spirit of Christmas is alive and well at many of BC’s heritage sites this season. For those who hold a special place in their hearts for the days of Christmas past, take a step back in time at one of these family-friendly venues. They are guaranteed to get even the Grinch decking the halls.
Burnaby Village Museum, Heritage Christmas 2009
November 21 – January 3
This quaint village comes alive during the Christmas season so visitors can get a taste of the holidays in the early 1900s. Old fashioned ornaments and decorations create a feeling of a storybook Christmas complete with cedar boughs, red bows and roving carolers. Children won’t want to miss a spin on the C.W. Parker Carousel and a visit with Father Christmas. Delicious baking is done in the wood-stove at the Love Farmhouse each Sunday before Christmas, and guests are welcome to participate in the 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt and seasonal crafts. For more information and hours visit: www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Barkerville Historic Town Old Fashion Christmas
December 12 – 14
Barkerville in the Cariboo offers seasonal sensory delights the family members of all ages during the Christmas season. From the home-baking at the Wendle House to the carol singing at St. Saviour’s Church, British Columbia's legendary and historic gold rush town is even more charming during the holiday season. Some of your most unique Christmas shopping needs can be taken care of at the Mason & Daly General Store, or purchase your Christmas baking at the Goldfield Bakery. And not to be missed is a horse drawn sleigh ride or a visit with St. Nicholas. For more information and hours visit: www.barkerville.ca
Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
December 3 - January 2
Victoria’s Craigdarroch Castle offers a true heritage Christmas experience in the grand former home of Robert Dunsmuir. It takes more than one month to transform the castle into an authentic Victorian Christmas setting complete with original toys under the Christmas trees. A wide variety of entertainment takes place throughout the month including seasonal music, story telling and children’s entertainment. Be on the lookout for Kate the maid and Christopher the Butler who roam the premises. For more information and hours: www.craigdarrochcastle.com
Fort Steele Heritage Town
December 6, 13, 20
In BC’s snowy Kootenay Rockies families are invited to take a sleigh ride through this 1864 village to experience a true throwback to Christmases past. Black Clydesdale horses pull antique sleighs during the heritage site’s Sleigh Ride Days, or if there is no snow, wagons provide the transport. The season events include bonfires, crafts and carols and lots of fun for the whole family. For more information and hours: www.fortsteele.ca
About the Heritage Tourism Alliance:
The Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC, launched in 2007, works in collaboration with Tourism BC through its Experiences BC program to promote and celebrate the very best of BC’s heritage sites and experiences. The Alliance is made up of partners from Tourism BC, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Heritage BC, BC Museums Association, Parks Canada, BC Heritage Properties, the Business Improvement Areas of BC, and a variety of independent heritage operators. For more information on the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC visit: www.timetravelbc.com.
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Media Contact:
Tartan Group
Trisha Lees, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3838
Kate Rogers, 604-682-8811, cell 604-880-1494
Heritage Tourism Alliance launches website for ‘time travel’ in British Columbia
October 15, 2009, Osoyoos, BC - It is now easier than ever to take a trip through time to British Columbia’s past with the help of a new website launched today by the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC. The site www.timetravelbc.com puts the province’s heritage experiences at traveler’s fingertips, so they can plan activities and itineraries with ease.
“Heritage tourism is an important component of cultural tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry today,” says Tiffany Gyles, heritage tourism liaison with the Heritage Tourism Alliance. “This website puts information on heritage experiences all in one place in an easy-to-use format. This allows visitors to BC to include heritage sites in their visit from everything from their accommodation to dining.”
The Time Travel BC web site, launched today at the British Columbia Museum Association’s annual provincial conference, allows visitors to search for heritage experiences by region, time period or theme so they can plan their visits based on their area of interest. Heritage sites range from well established destinations like Barkerville in the Cariboo Chilcotin to a hotel or pub from the turn of the century that is still in operation.
“In BC, our heritage is valued as a major contributor to our distinctive identity, character and sense of place to our communities, residents and visitors,” says Jim Harding, executive director of the BC Museums Association and a member of the Heritage Tourism Alliance. “The purpose of the Alliance and this website is to raise awareness of the breadth and depth of BC’s heritage experiences across the province and ensure visitors include heritage as an essential part of their visit.” The Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC is made up of partners from Tourism BC, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Heritage BC, BC Museums Association, Parks Canada, BC Heritage Properties, the Business Improvement Areas of BC, and a variety of independent heritage operators. While visiting heritage sites is not a new phenomenon to travelers to BC, the Alliance is working to ensure heritage is an essential part of the BC experience and easy to seek out for those who like a bit of the past in their present day travel.
The World Tourism Organization has reported that travellers are looking for a complete, participatory authentic experience which also provides them with opportunities for new knowledge. And statistics are favourable for BC’s target audiences. For instance, 17 per cent or 34.5 million American adults are heritage tourism enthusiasts and of these 63 per cent sought out heritage experiences as part of their last visit to Canada. Canadians are also keen on heritage, with 11 per cent identifying themselves as heritage tourism devotees, more than 55 per cent of them made a heritage experience part of their last trip in Canada.
About the Heritage Tourism Alliance: The Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC, launched in 2007, works in collaboration with Tourism BC through its Experiences BC program to promote and celebrate the very best of BC’s heritage sites and experiences. The Alliance is made up of partners from Tourism BC, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Heritage BC, BC Museums Association, Parks Canada, BC Heritage Properties, the Business Improvement Areas of BC, and a variety of independent heritage operators. For more information on the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC visit: www.timetravelbc.com.
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Media Contact:
Tartan Group Trisha Lees, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3838
Trisha@tartangroup.ca
Christine Gleed, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3844
Christine@tartangroup.ca
Introducing the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC
British Columbia’s unique heritage is part of the draw that brings thousands of tourists to the province’s doorstep each year. Visitors and residents alike know one of the best ways to get to know BC is by experiencing the people and places which have made the province what it is today. In order to facilitate this growing interest in heritage tourism, the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC was launched in 2007. The Alliance works in collaboration with Tourism BC through its Experiences BC program to promote and celebrate the very best of BC’s heritage sites and experiences.
“Heritage tourism is an important component of cultural tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry today,” says Tiffany Gyles, heritage tourism liaison with the Heritage Tourism Alliance. “In times like these where funding is tight for promoting new initiatives, we are able to achieve more by working together.”
The Alliance is made up of partners from Tourism BC, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Heritage BC, BC Museums Association, Parks Canada, BC Heritage Properties, the Business Improvement Areas of BC, and a variety of independent heritage operators. While visiting heritage sites is not a new phenomenon to travelers to BC, the Alliance is working to ensure heritage is an essential part of the BC experience and easy to seek out for those who like a bit of the past in their present day travel.
The World Tourism Organization has identified travellers are looking for a complete, participatory authentic experience which also provides them with opportunities for new knowledge. And statistics are favourable for BC’s target audiences. For instance, 17 per cent or 34.5 million American adults are heritage tourism enthusiasts and of these 63 per cent sought out heritage experiences as part of their last visit. Canadians are also keen on heritage, with 11 per cent identifying themselves as heritage tourism devotees, more than 55 per cent of them made a heritage experience part of their last trip.
“In BC, our heritage is valued as a major contributor to our distinctive identity, character and sense of place to our communities, residents and visitors,” says Jim Harding, executive director of the BC Museums Association and a member of the Heritage Tourism Alliance. “The purpose of the Alliance is to raise awareness of the breadth and depth of BC’s heritage experiences across the province.”
One of the ways the Alliance is working to raise the profile of heritage tourism in BC is by educating consumers on where to access information on the province’s heritage tourism experiences. The Heritage Tourism Alliance will launch a website for visitors to BC, www.timetravelbc.com later this summer. The website puts the province’s heritage experiences at traveler’s fingertips, so they can plan activities and itineraries with ease. For more information about the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC, please contact Tiffany Gyles at info@timetravelbc.com.
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