Conference attendees appreciative of hospitality

To the editor: I would like to take the opportunity to thank the city of Swift Current for hosting us during the Museums Association of Saskatchewan’s annual conference and AGM this past week. While in the city, our 85 convention attendees had to opportunity to explore some of the places that make up the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of our convention included visiting the Swift Current Museum, Art Gallery of Swift Current, and Doc’s Town. The Swift Current Museum currently has an amazing exhibit for the city’s centennial. If you haven’t been by to see Blowtorch, the mechanical horse welded together by Swift Current resident William McIntyre, be sure to stop by and check him out before he is sent back to the Western Development Museum in July. The Art Gallery of Swift Current’s feature exhibit “Imagine Swift Current,” features artwork that captures the past, present, and future of the city in honour of its centennial celebration. The many impressive works done by local artists are truly a sight to be seen. Doc’s Town in Kinetic Park does a great job showcasing early life in the Swift Current area with its historic artifacts and buildings.

During the conference we also took a bus trip to some of the museums located in towns within the Swift Current area. The Museums in Mortlach, Morse and Herbert are all unique and showcase the history of each town in beautifully restored buildings.

Without the hard work of volunteers in each of these places, it is safe to say that these museums would not exist. The towns of Herbert, Morse and Mortlach are fortunate to have groups of dedicated volunteers that spend long hours fundraising, planning, giving tours and most importantly, ensuring that these museums will be around for the education and enjoyment of future generations.

I would strongly encourage Swift Current residents to take the time to visit these places and bask in some of the rich history the city has to offer. Take a Saturday this summer and tour the museums in Mortlach, Morse and Herbert or any of the many others within easy driving distance. These museums are a vital and vibrant part of our province. It is important that we care for and appreciate them in order to preserve the history of Saskatchewan. Thanks again Swift Current, and congratulations on your centennial!