Stanstead Historical Society launches Unveiling Soirée for “Adopt an Artefact”
The Stanstead Historical Society (SHS) will be hosting an unveiling soirée to conclude its “Adopt an Artefact” program at the Colby-curtis Museum on Saturday October 27th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For $40, guests can enjoy refreshments, hors-d’oeuvres, a free cocktail, live music by Michelle Bouffard, and the unveiling of the “adopted” artefacts. All proceeds will go to the museum’s collections management.
The SHS is holding the “Adopt an Artefact” program for the first time in its history. Possessing an extensive collection of artefacts and archives, it hopes to spread its collection to residents, schools, businesses and organizations of the MRC de Memphrémagog, as it represents the history and heritage of the border communities of Stanstead County through the 19th and 20th century.
When contacted by The Record, SHS and Colby-curtis Museum President Matthew Farfan explained that the museum has “thousands of artefacts in storage, many of which have not been exhibited in decades, either from a lack of space or related exhibitions. The program is a fun way to bring a cross section of unusual pieces out from the vaults.” Farfan said he is looking forward to the Unveiling Soirée and considers himself satisfied with the program’s results so far: “It’s a way for the community to become involved and take ownership of the museum and its collections. We hope to do this again next year.”
Artefacts up for adoption can be found on the Colby-curtis Museum’s online catalogue at https://colbycurtis.ca/adopt-an-atrifact/. Of the 28 artefacts listed, 21 have already been adopted. They will be on display within the museum for a full year. Adopters will receive a certificate of adoption, a photograph and description of the artefact, and a tax receipt. If the adopter desires it, the museum will display a label next to the artefact acknowledging the contribution, an acknowledgement on a panel displayed in the museum and on the website, as well as a personal story about the adopter posted to the website.
Items in the catalogue vary from a real-life stagecoach, to a mid-19th century square piano, to old contracts, military tunics, 19th century sofa beds, and more! Adoptions range between $100 and $1,500. Adoptions over $750 will receive two tickets to the Unveiling Soirée, and adoptions between $100 and $500 will be awarded one ticket.
The “Adopt an Artefact” fundraising program encourages all to contribute in a meaningful way to the preservation and promotion of the SHS collections. Those who wish to help the Colby-curtis Museum and the SHS without adopting an artefact can simply attend the Unveiling Soirée. The Soirée is expected to welcome around 200 guests. Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online at https://colbycurtis.ca/unveiling-soireeadopt-an-artefact/.