Local Poppy project recognized by the Ontario Museums Association

The Niagara Falls History Museum’s Poppy Project has been recognized by the Ontario Museums Association as part of its 2021 Awards of Excellence.

The association on Thursday presented awards at a virtual event to institutions and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the museum field in Ontario and whose groundbreaking work has inspired their colleagues, Ontarians and visitors.

The Poppy Project, which first bloomed in the fall of 2020 to honor the sacrifices of Canadians in wartime, received an honorable mention in the community engagement category.

The project returned to the museum on Ferry Street this year.

The art installation started out as a small community art project, but has grown into something that has involved people around the world with over 11,000 crochet poppy donations from every province, 25 US states, as well as the Denmark and New Zealand.

People stopped to take photos of the display draped over the exterior of the historic stone building from 1874.

“It’s great to be recognized by peers across the province for the work our team does here,” said Clark Bernat, city director of culture and museums.

“We are really proud of this project and what it means to veterans and those who have served our country.

He said the museum was recognized for last year’s project, which is expected to become an annual tradition.

Bernat said that although the museum was covered in poppies again this year for Remembrance Day, an exhibit has also been added at the Gale Center, which traditionally hosts the city’s Remembrance Day service, as well as an exhibit. at Fairview Cemetery, where this year’s ceremony took place.

“This is a project that has grown throughout the community and we will potentially develop it further,” he said, adding that the museum had helped start similar projects in Lincoln, Niagara-on-the -Lake and Port Colborne.

The Ontario Museums Association will showcase the winners’ accomplishments in a social media campaign, starting Friday.

“The past year and a half has been really difficult for the museum sector, but adversity has demonstrated the incredible dedication and ingenuity of museum professionals,” said Marie Lalonde, Executive Director of the association.

“This year, more than ever, we are thrilled to recognize the great work that Ontario’s museums do and the impact they have on the lives of Ontarians, whether they connect in person or online. We applaud this year’s winners and look forward to their next innovations as we together create the post-pandemic world. “

The association advocates for the role of Ontario museums in society, working with all stakeholders, related sectors and industries, and other professional organizations.