BY CHRIS BRAUER
Advance staff
In recent decades, the role that museums play in society has changed significantly. Many museums have moved from being buildings full of glass cases, subdued lighting and whispers to a more socially responsive cultural institution. Museums are no longer just collection-driven organizations, but instead are also visitor-centered interactive places with a strong interest in how to connect with the public.
The Creston Museum doesn’t rely merely on their historical items and exhibit rooms to draw crowds. Instead, the staff at the museum is constantly organizing and implementing events to bring history alive. While personal tours are available year-round in the museum, the summer months bring a myriad of ongoing events that engage locals and tourists alike. Events Program Co-ordinator Aaron Gregory spoke of the summer program so far, and what’s in store for the rest of July and August.
“We’ve had a lot going on already,” said Gregory. “In June we had Kids’ Day, and that was a lot of fun. There were various activity stations that highlighted the skills necessary to start a life in a new farm town. Kids built a log cabin using pool noodles – that was crazy – and there was gold panning and we planted seeds. It was a great introduction to the museum for them and we’re hoping to see a lot of the same kids throughout the summer.”
Museum manager Tammy Bradford offered a guided tour of the Pioneer Cemetery in late June. Stories from the Cemetery allowed participants a special look of the valley’s history through the stories of the people who settled the area. “There are a lot of recognizable names in the cemetery, and it’s really interesting to hear the about the challenges those pioneers had to face,” said Gregory.
Gregory, a third-year business student, is back in Creston for the summer. As well as giving tours, he can often be seen playing the part of Mr. Gregory for the museum’s schoolhouse lessons. “Children get to see what it was like to attend school in the 1920s in Creston. A lot has changed in that time, and I think they often don’t realize that. We also provide Pioneer Lessons, and kids get a chance to help make butter and ice cream and pies the old-fashioned way. It’s a lot of fun, and every week we have something different.”
The museum is also offering Gossip Tours this summer. Participants in the tour meet the lovely time traveling host at the Visitors Centre for a morning walk, and get a peek into how Creston progressed through time. Historical reenactor Elizabeth Nygren, a journalist student, is also back in Creston for the summer. “The tours are not only informative, but they allow for personalized interaction with a time traveler. It doesn’t get any better than that,” said Nygren. “The tour includes lots of photographs that show what Creston looked like and how it’s changed over the years.”
Having never worked at the museum before, Gregory was delighted at the strong connections many people have with several of the artifacts. “A lot of older people have really great memories attached to some of the pieces and then they start telling me stories and I learn something new everyday.”
The Creston Museum has been an integral part of the community for decades, and Gregory is proud by how much the community supports it. “It’s great to see so much excitement surrounding the museum. I always hear from visitors that they are surprised by how big the museum is, and how much we have on display. I personally enjoy the agricultural displays, and it’s amazing to see how the machines have changed over the years. Creston has, and continues to be, strongly into agriculture and we forgot how simple the early machines really were.”
Pioneer Lessons/ Lessons in the Schoolhouse run Tuesdays and Fridays (July 4 to August 25) at 2:00 p.m. There are several different lessons and the schedule can be found on the museum website Cost varies.
The Gossip Tours of Creston run Tuesday to Saturday (July 4 to August 26) from 10:00-11:00 a.m. There is no need to preregister. The tour costs $5, and those interested are asked to meet at the Visitors’ Centre. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
History Picnics run every Saturday (July 8 to August 5 and August 19) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Those interested can bring a lunch (homemade or store bought) and enjoy eating under the sun or under shade while listening to a presentation featuring an intriguing historical topic. Admission is by donation.
The Annual Afternoon Tea runs August 12. This year’s theme is ‘The Royals are Coming!’ which celebrates the royal visit of the Prince of Wales in 1919. “Those interested need to preregister,” said Gregory. “It’s been a popular event for years and tickets go quickly. A lot of people come dressed up in their finest, and there’s a performance by the Footlighters Theatre Society.” Seats are available at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. Tea and dainties will be served. The cost is $10.
Close out the summer with Evening in the Courtyard on August 26 at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature delicious local food and wine, and attendees can watch an outdoor movie with a lawn chair, blanket and pillows. Tickets are $25 and include the first drink. Ages are 19+ only. Preregistration is recommended.
The Creston Museum is open 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. It is located at 219 Devon Street. Call 250-428-9262 for more information or to register for the Annual Afternoon Tea. The museum’s website is www.crestonmuseum.ca.