Celebrating legacy of scouting movement
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank the Penticton Herald for the opportunity to share stories about the 110 years that the Boy Scout movement has existed in the area. It culminated on Saturday, Sept. 19 when we had an official ribbon cutting at the Penticton Museum, showcasing their local Scouting history display. There was also an unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the 110 years, courtesy of the Penticton Stamp Club. His Worship, Mayor John Vassilaki presided over the ceremonies and shared some touching anecdotes about his time as a cub and scout in Penticton.
While the COVID pandemic cancelled a proposed three days of celebrations of scouting, we have shone the light on the ongoing project of safely archiving our history in our municipal museums. This is not just the history of scouting. Rather, it is the story of the people from Penticton who were and are still involved.
Our adult volunteers have not only contributed to scouting. Their community service extended to politics, community entertainment, service clubs, churches, library boards and many other organizations. They have been farmers, business leaders, professionals in medicine and law, police officers, firefighters, teachers and many other things.
When you visit the exhibit at the City of Penticton’s museum, you see only a tantalizing tip of what is now safely archived. While there are extensive artifact and photo collections, the strength of the archive is in the documents. For anyone whose family has been active in scouting in the Penticton area, the archives are a genealogist’s dream. So many names, dates and achievements. This project will continue throughout the South Okanagan as there are still many priceless items to be rediscovered in basements and attics.
The exhibit at the Penticton Museum will remain in place until late this winter. I encourage people to visit, and take the time to read the story boards throughout.
As a bonus, the museum has another intriguing seasonal display beside the scouting exhibit. All the more reason to acquaint yourself once again with your museum.
For those who have connections to Summerland, the museum there also has a fresh new scouting exhibit which will stay until late winter. This one is very different as it tells the story of scouting in Summerland.
Gerry Lamb, Penticton