[BCMA] Britannia Mine Museum Unveils Newly Transformed Visitor Attraction Sept. 18 & 19

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For immediate release


September 13, 2010

 

Britannia Mine Museum Unveils Newly Transformed Visitor Attraction September
18 & 19

Unearths one of British Columbia's crown jewels

 

Britannia Beach, BC - The Britannia Mine Museum is unveiling its newly
transformed visitor attraction at an opening weekend on September 18 & 19.
Located 10 minutes south of Squamish on the picturesque Sea-to-Sky highway,
the museum has been revitalized with a major $14.7-million three-phase
redevelopment project. 

 

Open seven days a week, the reinvented Museum is transformed from a mining
legacy site into a vibrant internationally recognized destination. Made
possible by generous contributions from the mining industry, the provincial
and federal governments and private donations, the Museum celebrates the
contributions of mining and minerals to society, the history of the storied
Britannia Beach community and the ideas and practices of environmental
renewal and sustainability. 

 

"These are exciting times for the Museum and we're so pleased with the
results of our extensive restoration and renovations. Everyone poured their
heart and soul into their work and it's evident when you explore the new
exhibits," says Kirstin Clausen, Executive Director of the Britannia Mine
Museum. "This transformation wouldn't have been possible without the hard
work of all our contractors and suppliers, as well as the generous
contributions of our partners. We can't wait to share this new chapter with
our visitors." 

 

The enhanced site features exciting new venues for fun family entertainment
and engagement about mining, local arts and culture, restored heritage
buildings, historical research and preservation, and education exhibits and
services.

 

The new Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre sets the stage as visitors first walk
onto the site. The centre houses several theatrical mining and mineral
exhibits including a unique "mining tornado" structure filled with everyday
items that mining has influenced, a new theatre space, a gift shop and the
Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

 

Also new is the Britannia A-Z Exhibit Hall, a restored heritage building
showcasing the stories

of the Britannia community between 1904 to 1974 when it existed as a mining
town. Visitors will step back in time and learn about the more than 60,000
people from over 50 countries who lived and worked in Britannia throughout
the 70 years. 

 

At Britannia Mine Museum, visitors can stroll along the tree-lined boardwalk
and feel the thrill of discovering gold panning under a beautiful red cedar
post and beam roof structure. The ever popular underground mine and train
ride will thrill adventure seekers of all ages. Explore inside an authentic
mine tunnel and learn about what life was like for miners working
underground.

 

The awe-inspiring 20-storey Mill building is a National Historic Site and
one of the last remaining gravity-fed concentrator mills in North America.
Restored in 2007, each of the 14,416 panes of glass was hand-puttied into
the frames to maintain its heritage.

 

"We're looking to change people's attitudes as they travel along the
Sea-to-Sky highway that we are now an attraction worth visiting that will
make an unforgettable experience for all ages," says Phil Aldrich, Project
Director of Britannia's $14.7 million restoration project. "."

 

The Britannia Mine Museum is open seven days a week and offers guided tours.
Visit  <http://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca> www.britanniaminemuseum.ca for
more information.

 

About the Britannia Mine Museum: 

The Britannia Mine Museum, which is both a National Historic Site and a BC
Historic Landmark, was established in 1971 to preserve the material and
social history of mining in British Columbia, and to educate the public
about mining. It is a premier, non-profit organization that promotes mining
awareness through fun experiential education programs. Governed by the
Britannia Beach Historical Society, the museum provides important historic
collection preservation and insightful public engagement regarding
environmental and sustainability issues.
<http://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/> www.britanniaminemuseum.ca 

 

-30-

 

Note to editors: Photos and footage of the new Britannia Mine Museum are
available upon request.

 

 

Media contact:

Yvonne Chiang

Britannia Mine Museum

604-880-5090

yochiang at shaw.ca 

 

Britannia Mine Museum

PO Box 188, Britannia Beach, BC, Canada V0N 1J0 | Phone: 604-896-2233 | Fax:
604-896-2260 | www.bcmm.ca

 

 

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