ORILLIA, Ontario - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament (Simcoe North), today announced $36,400 in funding for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Museum and $84,900 for the Huronia Museum.

“Canada's New Government is pleased to support these museums, both of which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about Ontario's rich cultural heritage,” said Minister Oda. “Our assistance will allow the OPP Museum to produce “Arresting Images: Mug Shots from the Ontario Provincial Police Museum,” a travelling art exhibit of approximately 100 mug shots taken between 1866 and 1909, which is sure to fascinate audiences across the country. As well, this funding will help the Huronia Museum in redeveloping and enhancing its Ouendat (Huron) village.”

“Our Government is proud to support the excellent work of the Ontario Provincial Police Museum and the Huronia Museum,” said Mr. Stanton. “These exceptional museums are key attractions to our region and vibrant contributors to their respective communities.”

“We are very proud of our travelling exhibit project,” said OPP Acting Commissioner Chris Lewis. “‘Arresting Images: Mug shots from The OPP Museum’ is scheduled to debut in 2009, the 100th anniversary of the OPP. The much appreciated support of the Museums Assistance Program through the Department of Canadian Heritage will enable this exhibit to travel throughout Ontario and across Canada.” OPP Museum Curator Jeanie Tummon said “the mug shots are compelling, fascinating photos, and thanks to this important support, we look forward to sharing them with many people and many audiences.”

“Huronia Museum is looking forward to beginning work with the Ogemawahj Tribal Council as its partner on the Huron Ouendat Village Exhibit Renewal Project,” said Nahanni Born, Administrator of the Huronia Museum. “The staff and directors of both organizations are grateful for the continued support of the Museum Assistance Program for Museum, and First Nations partnership projects such as this one that help to develop improved culturally significant museum exhibits for museum users.”

Canada’s New Government is providing this financial assistance through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Museums Assistance Program. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

Click here to view photos from the announcement.