Science Museum Seeks Mining Memorabilia

The Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) is asking for your help to increase the quantity and improve the quality of mining content in its exhibits. The museum, located in Ottawa, is aiming to enhance all aspects of its mining collection, including those dealing with prospecting, extracting and the transformation of natural resources. The CSTM welcomes contributions from companies and individuals.

The CSTM wants to ensure that the importance of mining in the growth of Canada and the strong role it plays in the national economy are reflected in its collection. In many instances, the history of the mineral industry in Canada is the history of the country. Think of the early days of the Geological Survey of Canada, the Yukon gold rush and the development of regions of the country stemming from mining developments in places such as Sudbury, Timmins, Cobalt, Flin Flon, Thompson, Val d’Or, Rouyn-Noranda, Labrador City and Kimberley.

The mandate of the CSTM is “to foster scientific and technological literacy throughout Canada by establishing, maintaining and developing a collection of scientific and technological objects, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada, and by demonstrating the products and processes of science and technology and their economic, social and cultural relationships with society.”

The largest of its kind in Canada, this museum fulfills its mission through its collection, permanent, temporary and travelling exhibits, special events, school programs, workshops and demonstrations, publications, loans, conferences and lectures, expert advice, its website and joint action with other museums and organizations with similar goals and interests.

Specific mineral industry items the CSTM is looking for include documents, awards, safety equipment, engineering drawings, mining maps, photographs and prototypes and models of machinery. While older mining technologies are of interest to the CSTM, the museum is also looking for modern developments and equipment used by Canadian mining companies at home and around the world.

The CSTM has a well established acquisition policy. Contributions will be acknowledged through recognition to donors and tax receipts. If you think you can help out, please contact Anna Adamek, curator of natural resources and industrial design at the CSTM at aadamek@technomuses.ca or 613-991-3077. To learn more about the CSTM, visit www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca. — The preceding information was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (www.oma.on.ca).