Kettle River Museum Society president Tannis Killough (right) and incoming museum director Stephanie Boltz welcomed the community to the 2014 of the museum on Saturday.
Steve Stewart, John Kohlhauser, Jim Madder and Casey Bott teamed up to give the exterior of the CPR caboose a tune up.
The Kettle River Museum in Midway kicked off the 2014 season with their annual Trunk- Tailgate Sale. Volunteers made the day a success by providing a bake sale table, free coffee, juice and cake. Others kept the grill going to serve up lunch. As usual on opening day entry to the museum was free for the day.
Stephanie Boltz has taken on the job museum director. “She has already come up with some great ideas and reenergized our group with her enthusiasm,” said museum society president Tannis Killough.
Those attending were invited to take out a membership in the society. Perks that come with membership include free museum entry through the season for the member and their guest and 10 per cent discount on books & gifts.
Visitors to the museum got to enjoy the renovated platform on the circa 1930’s station and tour the authentic CPR caboose. Four willing and able volunteers have renewed the exterior of the caboose over the winter thanks to a grant from the Midway Partnership Fund.
Like most bodies in rural communities the museum relies upon volunteers and a list of opportunities has been drawn up that includes spring opening and fall wrap up work bees, restoration projects, artefact accessioning, updating displays, greeting visitors and giving tours, special event assistance and more.
The Kettle River Museum Society’s mandate is to gather and preserve information, records and objects of educational, historical, and cultural value associated with the area; and to establish and maintain a museum for the purpose of preserving, recording and exhibiting materials for public enjoyment.
They are currently open on weekends; but once they get their student employee hired they will be open seven days a week through the summer.