The Dickson Store Museum kicked off what’s gearing up to be another busy year with its annual general meeting and volunteer appreciation event on Feb. 7.
About 40 people attended the event, which was held with the theme ‘Volunteers are Rare Gems.’ Tables were decorated accordingly for the supper prepared by Kathleen Raines.
Museum manager Sharon Lightbown spoke about the importance of volunteers, whom she referred to as “very rare gems.” She then showed her appreciation for them by performing an original song.
Board members include Harold Kemtrup, Sandy Martin, Bill Taylor, Tracy Rowbotham, Shauna Mundell, Antonia Nissen, Doreen Nicholson and Lynne Morck, who joined as treasurer in November 2014.
A new exhibit was erected by the museum last year showing the impact of telephones in rural areas. ‘Communication Comes to Dickson’ features telephones from the 19th century forward, and will be displayed throughout the season.
The museum is also set to become a Visitor Information Tourist Centre. As such, it will carry brochures and information on tourism destinations and attractions across the entire province. Road maps will also be sold in the gift shop.
Lightbown said she’ll be working on a number of other projects throughout the winter months.
The museum will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2016, and staff are appealing to the public for ideas on how to mark the momentous occasion. Suggestions may be passed on to Lightbown by emailing her at dicksonstoremuseum@gmail.com or by calling 403-728-3355.
The museum opens this year Saturday, May 16.
Other notable events include Thrilling Thursday on July 23, Sunday Afternoon at the Museum on July 26, Teddy Bear Picnic on Aug. 6, Last Day of the Season on Aug. 31, Harvest Festival on Sept. 13 and Julestue on Nov. 7.
Up-to-date information is available on the museum’s website at www.dicksonstoremuseum.com and on the new Dickson Store Museum Facebook page.