Revelstoke Museum and Archives launched Canada’s first virtual avalanche exhibit on the Virtual Museum of Canada this week.
This exhibit, available in English and French, is in the final stages of review and will soon be available to Canadians on-line at www.landofthunderingsnow.ca
In 2012, Revelstoke Museum and Archives received $235,000 through the Virtual Exhibits Investment Program of the Virtual Museum of Canada, initially managed by the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) and now managed by the Canadian Museum of History, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, to create a virtual exhibit about the history of snow research and avalanche safety in Canada.
Divided into five categories, the website features the latest information on avalanche science and safety; avalanche control; the anatomy of an avalanche; staying safe in avalanche country; and the ecology of avalanches. Of great interest is an interactive map of Canada that documents the 870 avalanche-related deaths from the past 150 years. As part of the celebration, the Revelstoke Museum and Archives has also opened a physical hands-on exhibit that compliments the virtual museum exhibit.
Community members celebrated the launch of the museum at a special event at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre with Aboriginal presentations, first-hand accounts of avalanches, snow science, and historic photos. Dr. John Woods, “Land of Thundering Snow” researcher, retired Parks Canada biologist and naturalist was the keynote speaker for the launch event. Dr. Woods unveiled many unheard-of-before stories connected to avalanches and was the first to discover the impact of avalanches on Canada’s mining industry.
More than 200 people enjoyed the event which included dramatic avalanche footage, accounts of historic achievements, a moving tribute to those lost to avalanches and interactive exhibits from partners.
“Living in the mountains, one is constantly reminded that we are living in avalanche country. From the “boom” of avalanche control to highway closures and accidents, we all know someone who has been caught in an avalanche. This project brought to light that, throughout history, Canadians across the country have been impacted and the story of avalanches and snow science is one that affects all Canadians. I am overwhelmed by and grateful for the support we received on this project, and the enthusiasm of everyone involved. We now have a legacy of snow research and avalanche safety in Canada available to everyone,” said Cathy English, Curator, Revelstoke Museum and Archives