The theme for Heritage Week this year, which begins on Feb. 20, is Our Cultural Heritage Places: Historic places that inspire, inform and entertain.
Each community's heritage is distinctive and unique and the Coast is no exception. By learning about our heritage we can develop a sense of community identity and pride. Our heritage promotes a sense of continuity for us and an understanding of where we have been and how we got to where we are today. Knowledge of our heritage is also beneficial economically because it can provide opportunities for business and tourism. The Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives (SCMA) society was created in May 2002 to govern the museum created by the amalgamation of the Sunshine Coast Maritime Museum and the Elphinstone Pioneer Museum. The SCMA is committed to education, public involvement and research and strives to build a deep and vital relationship with the community. Guide and Scout Week and Heritage Week coincide. Agnes Labonte, a member of the Trefoil Guild on the Sunshine Coast, developed an idea to have the museum host an exhibit of historical photos, camp blankets, history of Camp Olave and uniforms of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides spanning the last 75 years. This display can be viewed between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.
Labonte says she hopes past members of these organizations will come out to reminisce about their memories from years gone by. Janet Genders, also a member of the Trefoil Guild, said, "We wanted to show how Guiding has thrived for almost a century and is still a very viable option for girls and women."
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Guides and Scouts will be at the museum for demonstrations and activities, which include camping, service, knots, first aid, life skills, ham radio and singing. The Guides are asking the public to support their Food For Hunger Drive by bringing donations for the local food bank. Karen Singbeil, Venturer Advisor, said the 1st Venturers of Gibsons would be on hand with a slide show from 12 to 3 p.m. on camp experiences they have had.
Also during Heritage Week, the museum is hosting its fifth annual Antique Roadshow on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sechelt Seniors' Centre.
Many people are fascinated with antiques and curious to know what their treasures are worth. If you are a fan of the television show Antiques Roadshow, or if you just like to spend Saturday morning browsing garage sales, this is the event for you.
This is a major fundraiser for the museum. Last year saw 178 people attending and $3,100 in profits.
Bee Jackson, curator and manager of the museum, says last year's roadshow was a two-day event with between 80 to 100 appraisals made each day. Given the enormous amount of work involved with organizing this and that the wait time for appraisals was too long, it was decided to host the event for only one day and perhaps another will be planned later in the year. Ted Pappas of West Coast Estate Auctions officiate at this event. There is a cost of $8 for a professional appraisal of one item, two items for $15 and three items for $20. There is a limit of three items per appraisal. If you would like further information, call 604-886-8232.
