photo from Whitby Historical Society Website.
History is what makes us the people we are, we learn and grow from it, well that’s the idea anyway. Unfortunately times are tough and the history of a town like Whitby, isn’t what the average tax payer is interested in.
Whitby has grown enormously in the 17 years we have been residents, and it is slowly losing its small town appeal which may be reflected in the lack of interest for our Whitby Museum.
The Whitby Museum is a not for profit organization which offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history through a display of unique artifacts from the early 1900’s.
David Chambers, president of the Whitby Historical Society, which operates the museum states “It may be that times are changing and people are probably not too interested in museums, but I still think they’ve got a value in society”.
The Society was founded in 1967 as a project for Canada’s Centennial that year and incorporated as a registered charity in 1968. The location of the museum has moved around a bit over the years and even had a period of 15 years where all historical pieces were stored away until a group of volunteers worked hard to raise enough money to open the museum in its present location at 123 Brock St. S. in 2004.
Former president Margaret Boyce passed away in December and since then efforts by the remaining members to keep up with expenses have been difficult. Ms Boyce, through her passion and fabulous fund-raising ideas kept the museum operating.
Monthy rent alone for the premise is $1600:00 which translates to $150,000 for the last eight years. Mr. Chambers states, they are looking to the public for assistance in the form of donations and volunteers to help keep the site running…
If you would like to be come involved in trying to save the Whitby Museum and honour Ms. Boyce’s hard work please contact Mr. Chambers at: 905-6654-5044 or Click Here to email or Click Here to visit their website.
Source: Whitby This Week: March 15 Edition
Serenity's Gift Cove (sgc) 