The Whitby Historical Society
40th Anniversary 2008
‘Heritage Anniversary Ball'
- February 29th 2008 - at Royal Ashburn Golf Club
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In above Photo: Dan Carter, Television Host; Jane Snyder, Snyder Construction;
Hon. Jim Abbott, P.C., M.P. ; Kim Glover, Executive Assistant to Hon. Jim Flaherty; Margaret Boyce, President Whitby Historical Society.
Photo by, Trina Astor-Stewart, Astoria Magazine.
Whitby Historical Society held its ‘40th Anniversary Heritage Ball’
February 29th 2008
…at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club. Despite inclement weather the ballroom was packed and everyone had a great time.
The guest speaker, The Honourable Jim Abbott, P.C., M.P.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage & Privy Councillor.
In his speech, the Hon. Jim Abbot, PC., M.P. stated that, “Each year, the cultural sector contributes over 40 billion dollars to the Canadian economy and employs seven hundred thousand people. More important, thanks to the work of groups like yours all across the country, and the work of Canadian Heritage, all Canadians have access to their culture: by participating in cultural activities, they gain a sense of cultural ownership and help to forge our collective identity.”
Jim Abbott MP drove from Ottawa through the snow storm, especially to attend the event, and many attending came from a distance and could relate to the effort he made to be there.
Kim Glover, presented plaques and brought greetings from the Hon. Jim Flaherty MP and Christine Elliott MPP. Greetings were read sent by, Hon. Josée Verner Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages.
Honoured guests were, Don Mitchell, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Whitby & Regional Councillor
Gerry Emm, Regional Councillor & Lorne Coe, East Ward (4) Whitby Councillor
Master of Ceremonies was, Dan Carter, award winning Television Host
Official Greetings from The Town of Whitby were read by: Fred Martin, Town Crier.
Margaret Boyce, President Whitby Historical Society
in her speech, gave some wonderful accounts about the work the museum is doing in downtown Whitby. The audience was quite moved when Margaret told about some of the comments made by children visiting the museum. She told of one boy, who when asked what an artifact is, replied that it is the “Old people who live in museums”. Margaret went on to say that the many children who have participated in activities at the museum are continually fascinated by what they see and hear and asked for the support of the business community and citizens in helping to fund a new and larger Culture, Museum & Children’s Theatre Complex in downtown Whitby.
Margaret thanked Jane Snyder, of Snyder Construction, 40th Anniversary Ball, Chair Person & Board Member for her fine job in organizing the Ball, presenting her with a token of appreciation.
Margaret Boyce was presented with a plaque and a dozen roses honoring her long standing commitment to the Whitby Historical Society.
Everyone enjoyed the scrumptious dinner put on by the Royal Ashburn Golf Club. Supporters outdid themselves bidding on the Silent Auction items donated by many local businesses and individuals. Dinner was followed by a dance. A good time was had by all.
Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre is located at 123 Brock Street, just south of the 4 corners on the east side, Whitby, Ontario
Whitby History Museum & Children’s Centre is a downtown storefront museum housing a large collection of early Southern Ontario artifacts from furnishings to tools, textiles, toys and photographs. It is 'a seed bank of ideas' and examples of human ingenuity and history, a microcosm of the area, representative of Central Ontario beginnings. A ‘Living Museum’ we hold many ‘hands-on’ children’s & youth heritage tours as well as heritage events for all ages. The museum strives to provide a link to the past using both traditional means and new technologies relevant to today’s digital information age. The Museum is a warm and welcoming place to visit, a cultural centre to the community, our motto is ‘Preserving our Past and our Present for the Future!’