Two local museums have been recognized with Ontario Museums Association awards.
Grey Roots Museum and Archives has received the Award of Excellence for Community Engagement for its exhibit, Facing the Flames, The History of Firefighting in Grey County.
The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre has received a community engagement honourable mention for its exhibit Riding the Rails, a hands-on model train exhibit that tells the 100-year history of railway in Bruce County.
Grey Roots’ Facing the Flames opened in September of 2019, and is a collaborative exhibit showcasing stories of local fire and rescue, from the first bucket brigades
to the current professionals. The museum says the exhibit features more than 150 artifacts and an interactive children’s area.
In a release, Grey Roots says it researched and toured local fire departments,
interviewed thirty firefighters from across the county over the course of six months, and listened to stories about the challenges and rewards of firefighting.
The Museum says a highlight of the exhibit is the fully restored 1923 LaFrance fire truck – Owen Sound Fire Engine No. 1.
Grey Roots acquired the LaFrance truck in 2015 and slowly restored it to its former glory thanks to generous donations of time and effort from local groups and many wonderful volunteers.
In a statement, Grey Roots says “Facing the Flames has been well received by the local community and has drawn in new audiences to experience the dramatic history of Grey County firefighters. Grey Roots is proud to be recognized by the OMA for their outreach and community work in creating this exhibit.”
The Award of Excellence for Community Engagement was presented on Thursday, October 29th as part of the Ontario Museum Association’s (OMA) first virtual conference.
This is Grey Roots’ third OMA award since 2007.
The exhibit has been extended until May 2021.