News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY TO REMAIN OPEN ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton will remain open, thanks to a provincial government decision to directly operate the facility as part of the Nova Scotia Museum. Education and Culture Minister John MacEachern announced today the Nova Scotia Museum will begin operating the Stellarton facility as of Friday, June 21. In 1993, a group of business people formed the Friends of the Museum of Industry to manage and operate the facility. At that time, they put forward a business plan and signed an agreement with the province to provide the museum with a set operating grant for the next four years. The province met its commitment and worked with the group to secure additional federal/provincial infrastructure grants for the museum over the last two years. "The Friends submitted a business plan and worked very hard to achieve their objectives," said Mr. MacEachern. "However, the plan included private sector funding which did not materialize." The Nova Scotia Museum will immediately begin work on a marketing plan and other initiatives to contribute to the museum's long-term success and presence in the community. Debra McNabb, the former curator of collections at the Museum of Industry, has been appointed acting director and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the museum. Staff hired to maintain and operate the museum will continue with their duties. The province has also agreed to pay outstanding accounts with businesses who have provided goods and services to the museum. "The Friends wanted to keep the Museum of Industry open for the community and to preserve an important part of the province's history," said Mr. MacEachern. "Our objectives are the same, and we will continue to make the museum a popular destination for more tourists and Nova Scotians alike." -30- Contact: Lisa Bugden 902-424-2795 trp June 20, 1996 - 11:30 a.m.