Panel of experts begin work with museum staff on exhibits for The Rooms

A 17-member advisory committee met with officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation from May 11 to 13 to begin development of a permanent exhibit concept for The Rooms.

The committee with representatives from all regions of the province includes the Labrador Inuit Association, the Innu Nation, the Miauwpukek First Nations, Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Community, the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Parks Canada and Memorial University. Other representatives included experts in natural, geological, marine, military and fishery heritage along with education, eco and cultural tourism specialists. In addition to assisting in the development of the exhibit plans, they will also guide the research, design and development of the public programs, web site and communications strategy for The Rooms.

The discussion centred on how the exhibit concept will outline significant themes representing the full breadth and scope of the natural and human history - the marine and terrestrial bio-diversity shaped by our place in the North Atlantic, and the province�s rich cultural diversity based on our 9,000 years of human history. A key principle that was discussed was the need for the facility to be a gateway to the culture and heritage of the province and the need to fully understand and respect the significance of the aboriginal stories in understanding the history of this province.

The advisory committee is chaired by Dr. Gordon Handcock, an honourary research professor in the geography department of Memorial University and Newfoundland and Labrador�s representative on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Recognizing the important contribution to be made by the advisory committee, Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, expressed his appreciation for their willingness to participate in the planning process. "Dr. Handcock and his committee are making a valuable contribution to our development of a long term presentation program in The Rooms. We are grateful to them for their efforts."

This was the first in a series of meetings between the advisory committee, museum staff and officials of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. They will work together over the next two years to develop the permanent exhibits for the Newfoundland Museum at The Rooms.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

For more information: Deborah Glassman, Manager of Communications and Development (709) 729-5002, dglassman@mail.gov.nf.ca

The members of the Newfoundland Museum�s External Advisory Committee are:

2001 05 23                                            11:10 a.m.