Scugog’s First Nations: A Living History
SCUGOG SHORES MUSEUMS PERMANENT EXHIBIT Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands AT THE MUSEUM VILLAGE Transforming Gifts of Mother Earth
Scugog Shores Museum, Port Perry, 2005-2006 Transforming Gifts of Mother Earth First Nations Interpretation AT THE HERITAGE CENTRE & ARCHIVES y Objectives:
{ For teachers – year-round First Nations interpretive space that was multi-sensory, interactive and met curriculum requirements
{ For the local community – encourage local residents to visit the Heritage Centre & Archives be providing a “wow” exhibit experience
{ For visitors to Port Perry – to educate in an entertaining and informative way about the history of the earliest residents of Lake Scugog
{ For the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations – to meet their desire to see their history represented in a respectful way that reflects both their past, present and future Design - Build
Concept Design Design - Visioning - Visualizing - Revisions - Thematic planning - Build drawings
Prototyping Production Delivery Support - Feasibility - Materials samples - Installation - In shop - Modeling - Interim review - Documentation - Phone - Bugeting - Structures build - Training - Media development - Integration
The Language of Exhibit-Making
Vocabulary, Grammar, Expression
- Visitor Experience vs Telling the Story - Tools in the shop toolbox - Quick feedback loops - Interactives
Toolbox Essentials
- Cabinetry - Metalwork, machining - Audio, video - Computer based - Electronics, microprocessors - Artwork - Graphics Maintainability
6 Methods of Maintenance
- Simple Fix - Keep Spare Parts and Replace - Purchase New and Replace - Service Contract - Send Out for Repair - Peek and Poke, Repair and/or Rebuild
Zero Downtime Initiative
- Consider line to maintenance, Design constraints - Robustness and simplicity vs Wow factor - Stick with proven materials and technologies - Visitor experience, Zero downtime New Exhibits
Smell Interactive
- Lo tech, low maintenance - Localized smell delivery
Pullout Sliders
- Updateable - Maintainability
Build Techniques
Maple trim
Mdf and laminate
Artefact boxes
Self contained audio and video
Hanging banners
A Slice through Time
During construction before archaeological artifacts are attached
Diorama
Mississaugas of Lake Scugog
Canoe Model
Hand-made birch bark canoe using traditional methods and materials. Canoe model in situ Smell Station
4 smell bottles which when squeezed release the scents of the Four Sacred Plants:
White Sage Sweetgrass Cedar Native tobacco Trade It Centre
Memories of Our Ancestors
Susan Bolin – history of a local First Nations woman read by her descendant
Susanna Moodie – excerpt from ‘Roughing it in the Bush’ which mentions Susan Bolin
Chief Jacob Crane – history of the MSIFN’s first chief and the founding of their reserve
Military Contributions – Mississauga participation in WWI and WWII
Native Drummers – local group performing drum song Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
The MSIFN’s were asked to choose a slogan which they felt reflected the message they wished to send. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is a reminder that this is not an exhibit of some past peoples, but of a vibrant people’s “living history”. “A beautiful piece of history for all to enjoy!” Laura Thibeault, UOIT
“Fantastic Display”
“Awesome – a long time coming!” Deanna Fry, Aboriginal Education Durham District School Board
A heartfelt thank you. Kelly LaRocca, MSIFN Council Scugog’s First Peoples: A Living History y The Scugog Shores Museums would like to thank: { Canadian Heritage’s Museum Assistance Program { Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation’s Baagwating Community Association { Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Ù Council: Chief Tracy Gauthier, Councillor Della Charles, Councillor Kelly LaRocca Ù And volunteers: Leona Charles, Harold Ashkewe { And the many Museum volunteers who assisted with this project, but especially Dan Denby for his historical research { Mystus Exhibits GRAND OPENING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2011 – 1:00-4:00