Federal Government and Confederation Centre of the Arts Launch The Story of Confederation
May 29, 2015
Cooperative initiative tells the story of Province House National Historic Site and the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 Supplied Courtesy of Parks Canada and Canadian Heritage
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, along with Jessie Inman, Chief Executive Officer, Confederation Centre of the Arts, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to launch The Story of Confederation. Through a variety of heritage experiences, The Story of Confederation presents the birth of the nation story in innovative ways. The program will be offered in the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ Upper Foyer and on the historic grounds surrounding Province House National Historic Site.
The Story of Confederation features a stunning replica of the historical Confederation Chamber where the Fathers of Confederation met during the Charlottetown Conference. This replica, which boasts of fine Island craftsmanship, makes use of the 25-foot ceilings in the foyer to present the grandeur and scale of the Chamber where history was made. The Story of Confederation also offers interpretation from the popular Confederation Centre heritage program, The Confederation Players.
The exhibit features a new Parks Canada’s film, entitled A Building of Destiny, which transports viewers back in time to the first eight days in September 1864 when history was made at Province House that would change the face of North America. This film also showcases related themes, including the First Nations context at the time of Confederation and the role of women in Victorian society.
Beginning in July for the peak visitor season, a kiosk located between Province House and Confederation Centre of the Arts will offer reception and orientation for The Story of Confederation and serve as a point of sale for Confederation Players walking tours and other Charlottetown Festival offerings.
Quick Facts
· The Government of Canada is providing $839,000 in funding, as well as in-kind support valued at $89,000 over three years, to support the development and delivery of The Story of Confederation program.
· Parks Canada is proud of its role in protecting and presenting this important symbol of our shared national heritage and is taking important steps to ensure the integrity of the building for all Canadians by investing $20 million over the next five years.
· The design and construction for the Confederation Chamber replica was carried out entirely by Prince Edward Island contractors and crew from Confederation Centre of the Arts. Additional work, including the replica table and chairs featured in the chamber, was supplied by McAskill’s Woodworking.
· Access to the official Parks Canada Province House app will also be available at the kiosk. Through the use of handheld technology, the app will feature fun and interesting facts, videos, quizzes and more. Interpretive panels will be installed throughout the historic grounds of Province House to help tell the story. Finally, for the perfect souvenir, Parks Canada will be offering a Green Screen photo booth at the kiosk, weather permitting.
Quotes
“As we approach the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 2017, our Government is pleased to support the Confederation Centre of the Arts and the telling of The Story of Confederation. Through these engaging heritage experiences, we can share the story of Province House National Historic Site, the birthplace of Confederation and of the Charlottetown Conference with Canadians and visitors from around the world.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“On behalf of the board, staff, and patrons of Confederation Centre of the Arts, we are thrilled to see The Story of Confederation program come to fruition. Through our long-standing partnership with Parks Canada, we are together able to illuminate the dreams and vision of Canada’s founding fathers. We look forward to welcoming visitors to this inspiring space and bringing those important stories to life.”
Jessie Inman, Chief Executive Officer, Confederation Centre of the Arts.
“The Story of Confederation will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the foundation of the country and the way this wonderful city participated in the process.”
Don Cudmore, Tourism Industry Association of PEI
Associated Links
Harper Government Announces Funding for Confederation Centre of the Arts in Support of The Story of Confederation Initiative
www.pc.gc.ca/provincehouse
www.confederationcentre.com
photo cutline: (L-R) Chief Brian Francis, Abegweit First Nation; Jessie Inman, CEO Confederation Centre; Honourable Gail Shea, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and MP for Egmont; and Ms. Karen Jans, Field Unit Superintendent, Parks Canada cutting the ribbon for ‘The Story of Confederation’ in the Upper Foyer at Confederation Centre (Louise Vessey photo)
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Contacts
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Jennifer Stewart
Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
jennifer.stewart@pc.gc.ca
Fraser McCallum
Communications Manager
Confederation Centre of the Arts
902-628-6135
fmccallum@confederationcentre.com
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
NT3


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