Mar 03, 2021

Provincial grant to fund improvements at Ladysmith Museum

The Ladysmith and District Historical Society (LDHS) is receiving $89,000 in provincial funding for the Ladysmith Museum that will assist in better protecting artifacts, improving the building layout.

The Town-owned Museum building was constructed in 1918 and is currently operated by the LDHS, which curates both permanent displays telling the history of Ladysmith and area as well as special exhibits that rotate through the year.

The funding being received through the Province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) is intended to support BC’s unique heritage infrastructure during the economic recovery from COVID-19.

“The LDHS is very grateful to the Province for this significant grant which will allow us to address issues with the building and also improve its functioning as a Museum and community facility,” said Quentin Goodbody, president of the LDHS. “The money will go toward roof repair, gutter installation, improvement of perimeter drainage and minor renovations to improve space utilization and accessibility. Not only will our community benefit from an improved museum building, but also from the employment that the project will entail.”

The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing requirements for physical distancing has underscored the Museum’s limitations in terms of space and overall layout. A portion of the new funding is being dedicated towards improving the flow of visitors viewing exhibits while at the same time creating a more functional space for the curating and storage artifacts.

“On behalf of Ladysmith Council, I’d like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Ladysmith & District Historical Society volunteers who dedicate so much time and effort to preserving our heritage and sharing the story of our community,” said Mayor Aaron Stone. “This important source of funding as part of the local economic recovery from COVID-19 will help to greatly improve the overall visitor experience at the Ladysmith Museum and enhance the preservation and awareness of our local history by helping to safeguard historical artifacts.”

The improvements to the Ladysmith Museum are expected to begin later this spring.