The Cumberland Museum and Archives has been announced as the winner of the 2019 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming.
The award recognizes the museum’s work to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the death of Albert “Ginger” Goodwin – a labour activist, Socialist, union organizer and World War I conscientious objector. The circumstances surrounding his death on July 27, 1918 were controversial and sparked outrage among workers throughout the province, leading to the Vancouver General Strike on August 2, 1918.
“We are so proud of this award and its recognition of very hard work by many, many people,” said Robin Folvik, museum staff and a member of the Miners Memorial Organizing Committee. “We are thankful for the support we received through sponsorships and volunteers that made it possible for our little community museum to pull off such a big celebration.”
To mark the centenary of Ginger Goodwin’s death, the Cumberland Museum and Archives led a series of programs and events that engaged the public with history through artistic, academic and immersive experiences. The activities included tours, workshops, theatre, music, lectures, visual art – and culminated with an emotional community re-enactment of Goodwin’s funeral procession on Dunsmuir Avenue.
“We wanted the programming to reflect and celebrate the diverse voices which have kept this story alive over the years.” Says Anna Rambow, past Engagement Coordinator at the museum and member of the Miners Memorial Organizing Committee. “The funeral reenactment was powerful as it brought together many layers of people moved by Goodwin’s story while providing a profound connection to place. It demonstrated that there is a hunger to experience history through immersive experiences and human connection.”
The week of events was planned over two years by museum staff, in collaboration with the Miners Memorial Organizing Committee, community, historians, artists, writers and volunteers. It could not have been successful without the sponsorship and support of our community partners, union partners, including our title sponsor, the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union, the Village of Cumberland and residents, and the Job Creation Partnership program.
“Our team at the museum went over and above to make this celebration special – we thank all involved for their vision and determination in delivering such an ambitious project,” said Paul Laronde, Vice-Chair, Cumberland Museum and Archives.
Representatives from the museum attended an award ceremony and participated in a special history forum in Ottawa, January 19-20, 2020. To learn more about the award, visit www.canadashistory.ca.
