Government of Canada invests in Ross Farm Museum

March 26, 2010

MP Keddy announces job creating investment, benefits regional economy

NEW ROSS (NS)  – Construction of the first phase of a 16,425 square foot, environmentally sustainable Learning Centre for the Ross Farm Museum has moved a major step forward, thanks to a commitment by the Government of Canada to invest $1,000,000 in the project.

The investment was announced today by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minster for the Atlantic Gateway.

“Our government is committed to investing in projects that strengthen community infrastructure and create local jobs,” said Mr. Keddy. “The Learning Centre project at Ross Farm Museum will result in new community infrastructure that will benefit this region in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture and create local economic spinoffs.”

The investment, made through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, will assist in the design and construction of the first 9,600 square feet of the facility—its foundation and main level—as well as upgrades to the Museum’s parking lot. The project is subject to an environmental review.

Once completed, the building’s main level will consist of public space, including a foyer, programming rooms, washrooms, meeting rooms, an open hearth room, a commercial kitchen, a gift shop, an office for the local Historical Society, research space and controlled storage for artifacts. The building’s upper level will house administrative space, a staff kitchen, a first aid room and space for the production and storage of period costumes.

“This investment from the Government of Canada will support the ongoing delivery of important educational programming for school groups and tourists alike,” said Valerie White, President of the New Ross District Museum Society. “Through the new Learning Centre, Ross Farm Museum will continue to preserve and promote the local history and culture upon which the museum was built.”

The New Ross District Museum Society has operated the Ross Farm Museum since 1970. The Museum depicts the authentic experience of a typical 19th and early 20th century working upland family farm in Nova Scotia. The Society’s mission is to preserve the physical fabric of the farm and to interpret the stories, practices and values of farm life. The Society encourages an understanding of the contemporary relevance of traditional agriculture by demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices.