Trail Historical Society staff make transition to City’s operational structure
By City of Trail
The City of Trail and the Trail Historical Society (THS) are pleased to announce that the operations, management and staffing of the museum and archives will become the responsibility of the City of Trail, effective September 1, 2017. This new operating structure aligns with the opening of the Riverfront Centre in early 2018 and transfers Sarah Benson’s current THS role of Director, Museum and Archives to a new City position of Museum and Archives Manager. Ms. Benson, with the City’s Administration, will also oversee the operations of the Visitor Information Centre, which will move from the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce’s offices to the Riverfront Centre.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the City of Trail team,” said Benson. “Having been a part of this environment for 13 years with the Trail Historical Society, I feel it will be a natural transition. I am also so appreciative to this City Council, who is committing long-term to the preservation of culture and heritage in Trail and providing such a unique and creative space to deliver these services.”
The ownership of the collections (the museum artifacts and materials) will remain with the THS. The THS volunteers, who will serve in an advisory capacity with respect to the exhibits, programming and collection enhancements at the museum, will also help with fundraising initiatives and grant applications that aim to strengthen the cultural fabric of Trail.
Trail Council recognizes and appreciates the THS’ many years of hard work and dedication to showcasing Trail’s history. Since 1977, the THS has been active in journal, history book and documentary production, website management and heritage material interpretation. The THS’ continued involvement and advisement will be vital to the success of the museum and archives as the new operational structure will allow them to focus enhancing the profile and visitor engagement of the new facility.
“This new arrangement allows the Trail Historical Society members to participate in a more meaningful and engaging way in the museum,” said Lorna Nutini, Chair of the THS. “It puts less onus on a volunteer board to manage a substantially larger, more professional environment. Also, it shows the City is committing to providing the community with a new cultural service.”
About the Trail Riverfront Centre
The Trail Riverfront Centre, currently under construction, will house the Trail and District Public Library, the Trail Museum and Archives and the Visitor Information Centre. The new location of these services will provide easy downtown access for library/museum-goers and visitors to the area. With proximity to the Esplanade, the Columbia River Skywalk and varied downtown amenities and businesses, the Trail Riverfront Centre will be Trail’s hub for learning, culture and information.
More information about these services will be available on the Trail Riverfront Centre’s website, scheduled to launch for the opening of the facility in early 2018.
