A group of eight Manitoba Provincial Heritage Associations (PHAs) that includes the Manitoba Genealogical Society is organizing a “Heritage Summit” on October 1 to discuss the state of heritage in Manitoba. This will be the first time that such an all-encompassing meeting has ever been held in Manitoba, and unfortunately it’s not often genealogists are invited to sit at the table with historians and archivists.
The other participating organizations are the Association of Manitoba Archives, Association of Manitoba Museums, Heritage Winnipeg, Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, La Société historique de Saint-Boniface, Manitoba Archaeological Society, and Manitoba Historical Society.
Organizers hope the summit will become an event held at regular intervals.
The summit’s objectives are:
- Identify common themes among PHAs relating to heritage and history in Manitoba,
- Identify present and future opportunities and challenges that will be beneficial for the delivery of heritage-related programs and the management of heritage resources around Manitoba,
- Foster improved collaboration and communication between PHAs and smaller heritage facilities around the province, and
- Prepare a White Paper on the state of heritage in Manitoba and its development over the next 10 to 20 years, toward a long-term vision for Manitoba’s 200th anniversary in 2070.
The organizers have given a broad interpretation of the term, heritage. It includes the conservation and restoration of built structures and natural spaces; the genealogy of families, communities, and groups; the collection and preservation of written and spoken information, and physical artifacts; the archaeological record; and the sharing of heritage stories, traditions, and foods.
In-person and livestreamed
The event is open to everyone, both professional and amateur. Participation is especially encouraged by people connected with heritage in their community, including involvement with museums and archives, local historical societies, municipal heritage advisory committees, local and regional governments, and heritage advocacy groups.
The summit will be held over one full day in the Millennium Centre in downtown Winnipeg.
If in-person attendance is not permitted by public health authorities due to COVID-19 concerns, the entire program will be livestreamed for all participants.
Participants hope the event will enable networking and better communication between all heritage groups and forging of long-term relationships.
There is no cost to attend, although donations will be accepted, and registration is required. The program, registration and other details are available on the Manitoba Heritage Summit website.
