Waterloo Region Museum | 10 m | 2 fl

[UrbanWaterloo]

Waterloo Region Museum
10 Huron Road, Kitchener
www.waterlooregionmuseum.com
Architect: Moriyama + Teshima (http://www.mtarch.com/)
Scheduled Opening: May 2010
Grand Opening Weekend: November 12-13, 2011

683

[Spokes]

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/0.92!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif



http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/646992a6b2d4dea085256e590071a3e9/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/0.3FD4!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/646992a6b2d4dea085256e590071a3e9/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/66.4B28!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif
The main facade of the museum at night. The word MUSEUM will be back-lit with LED lights.

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/646992a6b2d4dea085256e590071a3e9/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/76.3D14!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif
At the intersection of the alignment of Huron Road and Grand Trunk Railway train tracks, that will
be carried through the building, is a glass floor to accentuate the crossroads theme of the building.
Beyond the glass curtain wall is CPR 894.

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/646992a6b2d4dea085256e590071a3e9/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/9.3D58!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif
This is a rendering of the some of the exhibit space in the Waterloo Region Museum.

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/646992a6b2d4dea085256e590071a3e9/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/35.1AA6!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif
This is a rendering of the exhibit area surrounding the flywheel from a Galt-made steam engine.

All renderings and comments from http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/E419E25D551A1F92852573DA007176AF?OpenDocument


More Images (PDF format):


Ground Floor Plan (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Floor%20Plan.pdf?openelement)
View from Homer Watson Boulevard of Front Facade A (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Homer%20Watson%20facade.pdf?openelement)
View from Homer Watson Boulevard of Front Facade B (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Homer%20Watson%20facade%202.pdf?openelement)
View from Homer Watson Boulevard of Front Facade C (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Homer%20Watson%20facade%203.pdf?openelement)
View of Front Entry (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Front%20Entrance%20Close%20up.pdf?openelement)
View of Lobby (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Lobby.pdf?openelement)
View of Village Terrace (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/Terrace.pdf?openelement)
View of Crossroads and Entrance from Mezzanine (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/View%20of%20Crossroads%20and%20Entrance%20from%20M ezzanine.pdf?openelement)
View of Terrace and Village Beyond (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/View%20of%20Terrace%20and%20Village%20Beyond.pdf?o penelement)
View of Museum from Village (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1C2F8C7FE1C9CCE0852574190064135C/$file/View%20of%20Museum%20from%20Village.pdf?openelemen t)


http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/1c2f8c7fe1c9cce0852574190064135c!OpenDocument

[Spokes]

Initial Press Release: http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/488eaed31c02e4fc85256fbe00743def!OpenDocument

March 9, 2005

Region set to undertake feasibility study for new museum

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is undertaking a feasibility study for a new museum that will include in-depth community consultation in the form of focus groups, workshops, open houses, interviews and a Web-based survey.

The Region has retained TCI Management Consultants in partnership with Reich + Petch (architects), Joe Somfay Architect Inc. and Blue Sky Design Inc. to undertake this study. TCI expects to complete the study in July 2005.

The study is intended to identify the need, size, location, costs and funding for a Regional museum, either alone or in combination with an orientation centre at Doon Heritage Crossroads.

A new museum could serve several functions, including the display of some 40,000 historical artifacts that are currently in storage at Doon Heritage Crossroads.

The Web-based survey is located on the Region’s Web site at http://museumstudy.region.waterloo.on.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Tom Reitz, Manager/Curator, Doon Heritage Crossroads, (519) 748-1914 ext. 227

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Regional History Museum Feasibility Study: http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/8db81a2da8ee06278525722d005f17f1!OpenDocument#Regi onal%20History%20Museum%20Feasibili

As Waterloo Region grows and diversifies, there is value in telling the stories of its origins, development and even future aspirations in ways that people who are young, old, and of different cultures, will appreciate. A Regional Museum would provide the venue for this, and other amenities. The Region of Waterloo Museum Feasibility Study will assess the community's views on the need for such a facility, where it might be located, what themes it should address and whether it is financially feasible. The Study will also address the need for a Visitor/Orientation Centre at Doon Heritage Crossroads.

News Release: Region set to undertake feasibility study for new museum (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/488eaed31c02e4fc85256fbe00743def!OpenDocument)

Three public information centres were in held in January 2006 with the following results:

The consensus that emerged from the interviews and focus group sessions was:
the Region has an important role to fulfill in maintaining and supporting heritage;
a new Regional Museum is needed as a facility in which to tell the integrated history of the region to residents and visitors;
an Orientation Centre for Doon Heritage Crossroads is broadly supported; and
both facilities need to be sustainable on an on-going basis.


The web-based survey elicited nearly 200 responses: 78 per cent indicated that a new Regional Museum was ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ needed; and 76 per cent indicated an Orientation Centre for Doon Heritage Crossroads was ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ needed.

A clear preference stated in the interviews and the focus groups was for the two functions to be co-located into one facility, and located at Doon Heritage Crossroads. As well, this was the dominant response in the web survey: when respondents were asked for their location preference for the new Regional Museum, 50 per cent indicated that it should be located at Doon Heritage Crossroads, while 28 per cent favoured a ‘downtown location’, and 11 per cent agreed that the study should decide. Other key aspects of the public consultation included the functions and services that a regional museum should contain, and the key themes to be explored in the exhibits.

Regional Staff Contact
Tom Reitz, Manager/Curator, Doon Heritage Crossroads
Email: rtom@region.waterloo.on.ca
Phone: 519-575-4530 ext. 3270 Fax: 519-743-6527

[Spokes]

Toronto architects recommended for museum
Regional council expected to approve spending $2 million to hire firm
January 16, 2008
FRANCES BARRICK - RECORD STAFF - WATERLOO REGION


A proposed regional museum could move a step closer to reality today when councillors decides whether to spend $2 million to hire architects for the project.

Waterloo regional council is expected to approve hiring a Toronto architectural firm to design and oversee the $22.7-million project.

Last June, council gave approval in principle to building a 42,000-square-foot museum at Doon Heritage Crossroads off Homer Watson Boulevard.

Now, regional staff and a museum steering committee are recommending Moriyama and Teshima Architects, in association with the Walter Fedy Partnership of Kitchener, be hired to provide architectural and engineering services for construction of the museum.

The project is being driven by a deadline that requires having the last nail in the wall by March 31, 2010, to receive any federal money.

Museum curator Tom Reitz said the region expects to hear next month whether it will receive a $4.3 million federal grant. Local taxpayers would be covering most of the museum's cost.

If there is no federal money, the project would go back to regional council for consideration.

"Regional council hasn't approved the building of the museum," Reitz said, adding council would have to approve every stage of the project. Councillors "will have chances to say no to the project if the funding isn't available."

Proposals were received from 10 architectural firms, and four were short-listed. The Toronto firm was selected because of its experience, familiarity with the site and its bid, which was the lowest of those submitted.

The firm has been involved in the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Science North in Sudbury, River Run Centre in Guelph and Casino Rama near Orillia.

The museum would display 42,000 artifacts now warehoused in a curatorial centre at Doon. This museum was first proposed in 1912 by founders of the Waterloo Historical Society, who back then started collecting artifacts depicting the region's roots.

http://news.therecord.com/article/295791



Airport, museum getting fed cash
February 23, 2008
FRANCES BARRICK - RECORD STAFF - KITCHENER


Plans for a long-awaited $22.7-million museum to display Waterloo Region artifacts received a $2-million federal shot in the arm yesterday

And the region's airport near Breslau received $3.4 million toward its two-year plan to spend $14 million to refurbish runways and taxiways, some dating back to 1968.

"We're pleased," Regional Chair Ken Seiling said of the museum funding announced by Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht at regional government headquarters in Kitchener.

"We had hoped for a larger amount. It's a start."

The region had applied for $4.3 million in museum funding from the federal government, but Doon Crossroads museum curator Tom Reitz said only a few cultural projects in Canada received $2 million, "so we are at the top of the list."

Reitz said the region will be applying for other federal grants, as well as provincial funding, and will be exploring community fundraising initiatives. The museum has to be built by March 31, 2010, to get the federal money.

In the 1990s, a recession forced the region to scale back museum plans and build only a curatorial centre to house 42,000 artifacts, but members of the public can't view them.

Alison Jackson, a volunteer for 30 years with Doon Crossroads who was on hand to hear Albrecht's announcement, said a new museum would allow the region to showcase its history.

"We have waited a long time for this," Jackson said. "We have been through this exercise before, but this time I think there is a will from everybody to make it happen."

Meanwhile, the $3.4-million grant for the Region of Waterloo International Airport was one of 49 airports across Canada that received a total of $40 million to enhance airport safety.

"Who wants to use an airport if it is not safe?" Albrecht said at the announcement.

The region received $3,398,000 for runway and taxiway improvements and $214,000 to replace a front-end loader at the airport.

http://news.therecord.com/article/313219

Patchwork architecture

June 12, 2008

The cost of the new Region of Waterloo History Museum, to be located at Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener, has increased to $26 million from $22.7 million largely because the project has increased in size by 8,000 square feet. This week, regional councillors got a glimpse of the exterior facade of the museum which will feature multicoloured glass panels depicting a quilt. Designed by the Toronto architectural firm of Moriyama and Teshima, the quilt facade is symbolic of people in the region coming together to craft their future. The facade is designed to catch the eye of motorists on Homer Watson Boulevard. The project has a tight construction deadline as the last nail must be in the wall by March 31, 2010 to receive a $2-million federal grant. About $3 million is expected through fundraising, with the bulk of the cost being covered by regional taxpayers.

http://news.therecord.com/article/365577



History Museum concept revealed

September 29, 2008
RECORD STAFF


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WATERLOO REGION - Reporters got a sneak peek today at some of the exhibits
that will make up the Region of Waterloo History Museum.

The $22.7-million project is underway at Doon Heritage Crossroads, off Homer
Watson Boulevard in Kitchener.

A steam train and a Conestoga covered wagon will be among the key exhibits.
Conceptual drawings were released to news media this morning.

The region will hold two public open houses to get comments on the plans.
The first is Oct. 7 at Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St., 4-7 p.m. The
second is Oct. 9 at the Button Factory, 25 Regina St.,Waterloo, 3:30-6:30
p.m.

The official opening of the museum is July 1, 2012. That¹s the 100th
anniversary of the founding of the Waterloo County Historical Society.

http://news.therecord.com/News/article/421519

Regional museum planners want public input on exhibits

September 30, 2008
Frances Barrick
RECORD STAFF


WATERLOO REGION - It's big and red, and the locally produced steam engine flywheel will be one of the first exhibits greeting visitors entering the new Region of Waterloo History Museum.

The $22.7 million museum project at Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener is underway, and yesterday, reporters got a sneak peek at the exhibits.

Open houses will be held next month in Cambridge and Waterloo to get public comment on the conceptual drawings of the exhibits.

A Conestoga covered wagon, which brought settlers to the area, as well as the sixth car to come off the production line at the Toyota plant in Cambridge will also be displayed.

The museum will house the Waterloo County Hall of Fame and a 120-seat theatre. There will be several permanent displays on the region's history as well as temporary exhibits.

Four buildings have been demolished to make way for the museum, which will be built at the exact point where the region's first settlement road converges with the rail line. The demolished buildings included the Waterloo County Hall of Fame, the Waterloo County Township Hall, a gift shop and washrooms.

None of the buildings were historical, said Tom Reitz, curator at Doon Heritage Crossroads.

Construction of the new building starts in November and must be completed by March 31, 2010, to receive a $2 million federal grant. The region is also applying for provincial money, but the bulk of costs will be borne by regional taxpayers.

"We are meeting our deadlines," Reitz said. "We are also on line with our original costings."

The museum building will be open to the public in May 2010, with exhibits opening in the fall of 2011. Its official opening will be July 1, 2012, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Waterloo County Historical Society.

Open houses will be held:

Tuesday, Oct. 7, Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9, Button Factory, 25 Regina St. S., 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"We are really looking for public input," said Terry Heard of Toronto, who designed the exhibits.

fbarrick@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/421839



Breaking soggy ground at regional history museum

November 03, 2008
Brent Davis, Record staff


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KITCHENER — The sod-turning was more of a mud-turning Monday as local politicians dodged puddles to take part in a ceremony at the site of the new Region of Waterloo History Museum.

The $22.7 million project is already well underway. Four buildings have already been demolished on the site at Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener. None of the buildings had historic value.

The groundbreaking took place at the symbolic crossroads that will feature prominently in the new museum — the point where the old railway that used to link Kitchener and Cambridge to the Lake Huron shoreline meets Huron Road, one of the oldest existing roads in the province.

The museum has been a long time coming. Regional Coun. Sean Strickland read a quote from the Waterloo Historical Society indicating the group raised the idea as far back as 1912.

In the 1990s, a project that would have paired a museum with a new curatorial centre was cut in half, with only the curatorial facility being built. Plans for the long-awaited museum were shelved for a future date, Regional Chair Ken Seiling said.

Now, “we’ve really arrived at that day,” Seiling said.

Construction must be completed by March 31, 2010 in order to receive a $2 million federal grant. Museum exhibits are expected to open to the public in the fall of 2011, with an official opening set for July 1, 2012.

Along with permanent and temporary exhibits, the 42,000 square foot museum will feature a theatre and will house the Waterloo County Hall of Fame.

http://news.therecord.com/News/article/438540

[Spokes]

Another image from the groundbreaking ceremony:

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af/Body/49.2D10!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/e419e25d551a1f92852573da007176af!OpenDocument

[Spokes]

Doon to close for construction

December 19, 2008
Frances Barrick
RECORD STAFF

KITCHENER - Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener will be closed next year while a new regional museum is built at the site.

"It is an exciting and exhilarating time around here," said Tom Reitz, curator at the facility off Homer Watson Boulevard.

During the construction of the $22.7-million museum, the historical site's curatorial centre and parking lot will be expanded, and several village buildings -- depicting life in 1914 -- will be renovated.

There will be no layoffs as the site's 11 full-time employees will oversee the development of the new museum, from the choice of doorknobs to selecting exhibits to be showcased, Reitz said.

Staff will also be visiting local service clubs, community groups and schools to promote Waterloo Region's first historical museum.

"We want to share the project with the community,' he said.

The new museum will be built at the exact point where Waterloo Region's settlement road converges with the rail line, two routes that brought the region's settlers to the area.

Construction of the 42,000-square-foot building is slated to start as soon as this week, and must be completed by March 31, 2010 to receive a $2-million federal grant

The bulk of the museum's construction cost will be covered by money the region expects to get from the province as the Ontario government assumes the cost of some provincial programs now paid for by the region.

The Region of Waterloo History Museum is slated to open in May 2010.

There are a few exceptions to the closure of Doon Heritage Crossroads, Reitz said.

The site will be open to accommodate the Children's Groundwater Festival in May, the Easter Sunday sunrise service at the village church and fall workshops for adults. The village church will also be available for weddings, he said.

Tourists who come to visit Doon Heritage Crossroads will be offered information about other local historical sites such as Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener and Castle Kilbride in Baden.

Information about the site closure and new museum is available online at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/doon.

fbarrick@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/461007 (http://news.therecord.com/article/461007)


Motorists on Homer Watson get early glimpse of region's museum

July 10, 2009
Frances Barrick
RECORD STAFF

http://media.therecord.topscms.com/images/70/bc/9fc664984eb2be748d86b4d7bb05.jpeg

KITCHENER - The structural walls are almost complete as the new Waterloo regional museum at Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener takes shape.

Just months ago, there was nothing to see at the site along Homer Watson Boulevard. Now the shell of the $22.7-million museum is clearly visible to motorists.

"We wanted to create an iconic building," museum curator Tom Reitz said.

What will grab the eye will be a quilt wall -- two storeys tall -- of 560 glass panels that use 16 colours. These will grace the curved exterior wall facing Homer Watson Boulevard. The word "museum" will be formed in the glass panels and will be lit at night.

"You won't miss us," Reitz said.

The new museum is being built at the point where Waterloo Region's settlement road converges with the rail line, two routes that brought the region's settlers to the area. The 3,900-square-metre (42,000-square-foot) building is located on the same site as Doon Heritage Crossroads, a series of buildings depicting life in 1914.

"It is going to be a great asset to the community and it gets our collection out on exhibit," Reitz said.

There are more than 43,000 artifacts stored at the historical site's curatorial centre.

Doon Heritage Crossroads is closed this year. Several of its buildings will also be renovated.

It will reopen in May when the new museum is also slated to open. Construction of the museum must be completed by March 31, 2010, to receive a $2-million federal grant.

"We are on schedule and on budget. No glitches," Reitz said.

This project has been almost 100 years in the making as the Waterloo County Historical Society started collecting artifacts for a museum in 1912. "It's exciting. It is totally exciting," he said.

Many decisions have to be made during the different phases of construction, Reitz said. To cite one example, there was the question of whether to have hand dryers or paper towels in museum washrooms. After much deliberation, hand dryers won for their environmental attributes.

"There are lots of details that we still have to think through," including the museum's official name, he said.

Once the building is complete, work begins on developing the exhibits highlighting the region's history. Reitz said he plans this fall to meet with local multicultural groups to determine how best to illustrate their arrival to the region. Exhibits open in 2011.

On Monday, a large crane will lower a five-metre-wide flywheel of a locally produced steam engine down into the museum before the roof is put on.

This big, red steam engine will be the first exhibit greeting visitors entering the museum. Other large exhibits include a Conestoga covered wagon, and the sixth car that came off the production line at the Toyota plant in Cambridge. The car belonged to former Cambridge mayor Claudette Millar.

The museum's official opening will be on July 1, 2012, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Waterloo County Historical Society.

Information about the museum is available online at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/doon.

fbarrick@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/567176 (http://news.therecord.com/article/567176)

What should the region’s new museum be called?

October 15, 2009
Record staff

Waterloo Region’s new historic museum needs a name.

Regional council is seeking public feedback on four proposed names before it selects a name in December.

The four proposed names are:

Waterloo Region Museum

Region of Waterloo Museum

Museum Waterloo Region

Histories of Waterloo Region Museum

Museum curator Tom Reitz said the name should include the word museum, as well as Waterloo Region, as regional taxpayers are footing the $22.7-million cost.

“The question is, which name should it be, or is there a variation of these,” Reitz said.

So far, Reitz said he has received about 20 responses from email and Facebook postings, but so far a preferred option has not emerged.

But there does appear to be support for a proposed museum logo which depicts the curve of the building’s façade facing Homer Watson Boulevard, the colours in the glass façade and the region’s seven municipalities.

“The vast majority have been saying they really like it,” Reitz said.

Comments about the museum’s name and logo can be made on the region’s website at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/museum or on Facebook at Region of Waterloo History Museum. People can also call 519-748-1914, or drop a letter off at any regional facility.

http://news.therecord.com/article/614082

Councillors get peek inside new Region museum

October 16, 2009
By Frances Barrick, Record staff

http://media.therecord.topscms.com/images/e3/ac/f6c587e94ec9b24d150453542971.jpeg

KITCHENER — The concrete walls are up as the museum depicting the history of Waterloo Region starts to come together.

On Thursday, regional councillors had their first peek inside the $22.7-million museum, which is about a third complete. It is located at Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener, where there is already a number of historic buildings depicting village life in 1914.

“It’s exciting. It really is exciting,” said Coun. Claudette Millar of Cambridge.

“It is really coming together,” said Coun. Tom Galloway of Kitchener, who chairs the steering committee overseeing this project. “This is really great.”

The first stop is the quilt wall, which will grace the museum’s curved exterior wall facing Homer Watson Boulevard. When completed, this two-storey wall will contain 560 glass panels in 16 colours, forming the word “museum”, and will be lit at night. About 20 panels are now visible

This quilt wall will also feature, in a computer-code format, the words of former prime minister Wilfrid Laurier at the time Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces of the Dominion of Canada on Sept. 1, 1905: “We do not want that any individuals should forget the land of their origin or their ancestors. Let them look to the past, but let them also look to the future; let them look to the land of their ancestors, but let them look also to the land of their children.”

Museum curator Tom Reitz said Laurier’s quote is appropriate as the new museum explores past immigration to the area, while showcasing the region’s diversity today.

The 16 colours of the quilt wall have been translated into a hexi-decimal computer code, allowing various combinations of the glass panels to represent the 26 letters in the English alphabet. So while a person won’t be able to actually read Laurier’s quote, his speech will determine the layout of the coloured panels.

The tour’s next stop is the entrance to the 42,000-square-foot building. The museum is being built at the point where Waterloo Region’s settlement road, Huron Road, converges with the rail line, two routes that brought the region’s settlers to the area.

“This is the historic crossroads,” said Roger Farwell who, as one of the project’s architects, led the tour Thursday.

The wall beside the entrance will depict historic images of the region. “The whole wall will be a series of images,” Reitz told the councillors.

The entrance will form a crossroads; visitors can either go into the lobby, theatre or classrooms, or visit the galleries featuring some of the museum’s 43,000 artifacts. Barn planks from the Shirk homestead, one of the area’s first settler homes, will grace the walls. The first artifact greeting visitors will be a large, red, locally produced steam engine flywheel.

The main corridor will also feature a glass wall with a line of text naming the 200 communities in the region, from Ayr to Zuber Corners, a former hamlet near West Montrose.

The museum’s permanent exhibits will depict the region’s history from its aboriginal roots to the arrival of settlers and numerous cultural groups to the area. It will also feature the region’s ties to world conflicts and its manufacturing history.

Construction of the museum must be completed by March 31, 2010, to receive a $2-million federal grant. Farwell said the project is on schedule.

Within the next two months, the roof and walls will be done and the building will be half completed, Farwell said.

“Once we get the building closed in, the activity will be quite feverish. We are still confident of meeting the deadline,” he said.

Farwell said many of the workers are local. “I believe they sense they are building a signature building.”

The museum is scheduled to open in May 2010, with the completion of the exhibits slated for 2011.

fbarrick@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/article/614406 (http://news.therecord.com/article/614406)

Museum to feature all of Kaufman steam engine

December 29, 2009
By Terry Pender, Record staff

KITCHENER — The biggest industrial artifact to come out of the city’s disappearing factories will be in one piece and featured prominently in the Waterloo Region Museum.

Tom Reitz, the museum curator, said the large steam engine that was salvaged from the Kaufman factory on King Street West will be on permanent display in its entirety.

“The wheel is already there and the engine will be going in as well,” Reitz said.

Concerns are unfounded that the historic machine will be dismantled and only partially displayed.

“It’s going to be really impressive,” Reitz said.

The steam engine that powered much of the equipment in the Kaufman factory for more than 90 years was dubbed “Hazel” by factory workers.

The engine and flywheel, which is nearly four metres (16 feet) across, were salvaged from the Kaufman factory by the City of Kitchener several years ago.

The city later donated it to the region after plans for the new museum were announced.

The region budgeted $138,000 for the restoration and installation of the large industrial artifact. But it will not be in operating condition and there will be no electric motor installed to turn the flywheel.

The flywheel weighs tonnes and if it was moving, the foundation of the building would have to be redesigned, Reitz said.

“This thing weighs a lot,” Reitz said.

If the flywheel was turning it would have to be oiled regularly. The motion would force air through the pistons that contained a fine oil particulate. That particulate would then settle on other artifacts and display cases.

“We just couldn’t do that to the rest of the collection,” Reitz said.

Museum curators want to speak with old factory hands who have stories or pictures that could be matched with the steam engine display.

“If we could find film footage of Hazel that would be great,” Reitz said.

“I think what we will probably be looking at is film footage of similar engines, factory floors et cetera, that would be projected right there,” Reitz said.

Workers such as Gary Peysar have lots of stories to tell about working in the Kaufman factory and the huge steam engine that was at the heart of one of the city’s most famous industrial works.

After starting at the factory in 1965, Peysar eventually became the superintendent of maintenance.

Unlike electric, diesel and gas-powered engines used today, the huge steam engine was almost silent, Peysar said.

Hazel powered several mills that prepared batches of rubber for the factory floor. It also provided the steam for large ovenlike machines on the fifth floor — known as vulcanizers — that cured the rubber.

Hazel was built so well in Galt in the first decade of the 20th century that it required only minimal maintenance decades later.

“Very little went wrong with that machine,” Peysar said. “The time we had to work on it was almost nil.”

He remembers taking his children to the factory for a tour and a close-up look at the steam engine when it was running.

Parts of the museum will open in May 2010, but the gallery with the artifacts and the steam engine will not open until 2011.

“The building was designed and built around Hazel — it’s not moving,” Reitz said.

tpender@therecord.com

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/649543 (http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/649543)

[Spokes]

What should the region’s new museum be called?



Well they ended up going with the "Waterloo Region Museum" and I'm not sure how I feel about that. For a number of reasons. First, the Children's Museum (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com//showthread.php/23-Waterloo-Regional-Children-s-Museum) was considering a name change. Now not knowing what the name would be changed to, the intent was to show the museum wasn't just for kids, so the Waterloo Region Museum would have been a logical choice. My other, and bigger, reason for not liking the name choice is that it's too general. It doesn't say what the museum houses. (This comment would go for the Children's Museum (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com//showthread.php/23-Waterloo-Regional-Children-s-Museum) too had they chosen that name.) I'd have been much happier seeing something along the lines of Waterloo Regional Historical Museum. How something like that was not even an option is beyond me. The closest thing was Histories of Waterloo Region, and that's no good at all. It sounds like a book!

Anyways, what do you guys think about the name choice?

[Spokes]

Making history
Initial construction wrapping up on Waterloo Region’s first history museum

By Ray Martin, For The Chronicle
Dec 24, 2009

The push was on to close construction at Waterloo Region’s new history museum as the first flakes of snow began to fall last week.

“We are on budget and on time, but the dry weather we had through November really helped us out,” said museum manager/ curator Tom Reitz as he recently walked the site.

When complete, the new $26-million museum being built at Doon Heritage Crossroads, off Homer Watson Boulevard, will be a world-class facility capable of hosting exhibits from the Royal Ontario Museum, Museum of Civilization and the Smithsonian Museum.

The dream of building the museum started with the Waterloo Historical Society in 1912, but it wasn’t until 2007 when a feasibility study was completed by the Region of Waterloo that the museum began to take shape.

The 47,000-square-foot facility will serve two purposes. It will showcase more than 43,000 artifacts gathered over the years from across Waterloo Region and it will serve as the orientation centre to the existing pioneer village at Doon Heritage Crossroads.

“When the architect first came up with this concept, it took me some time to see what they were talking about,” Reitz said. “It’s really quite exciting.”

As much of the museum’s rear wall is coated in glass facing the picturesque pioneer village, the architects see the 1914 era village as an outdoor extension of the museum.

The creative vision does not stop there. Toronto’s Moriyama + Teshima Architects, working in conjunction with Kitchener’s Walter Fedy Partnership, have placed the museum at the crossroads of the former Grand Trunk Railway line connecting Berlin to Galt and the historic Huron Trail.

At one end of the building, a large glass window frames the museum’s massive steam locomotive. The rails on which it sits are being extended through the centre of the building and down a glass corridor ending at Homer Watson Boulevard, where the old railway line once ran.

A second glass corridor will lead visitors along a planked section of the old Huron Trail. Etched into the glass along this corridor will be the names of more than 200 hamlets, villages, towns and cities that are part of the region’s rich past.

In one corner of the museum an interactive display is being set up which will feature a large regional map showing where each of the communities stood. Beneath the map an exhibit will tell the stories of those communities.

The facility will be home to a number of galleries that will not only trace the region’s history but will also reflect the cultural mosaic that has helped build Waterloo Region.

“We want every wall of this museum to tell a story,” Reitz said.

The exhibits will track the evolution of Waterloo Region from the first aboriginal settlement through the development of the BlackBerry. It will house classrooms, meeting rooms, catering facilities, a gift shop and a 115-seat theatre, making it a gathering place for the region.

As the museum pays homage to the past, it also will work in harmony with the environment.

The museum, like all new buildings built for the Region of Waterloo, is being constructed to the silver standard of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Many of the materials used in building the museum are reclaimed or produce greater energy efficiencies.

Construction began on the project in the fall of 2008 and its first phase will open next May. Work will continue on several of the exhibition halls through 2010 and the entire project will be completed in the spring of 2011.

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/arts_and_entertainment/article/198083

[UrbanWaterloo]

February 13, 2010

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[UrbanWaterloo]

Seems to be getting some negative letter's to the editor:

It can be fixed, April 06, 2010
http://news.therecord.com/article/691668

It just doesn’t fit, April 14, 2010
http://news.therecord.com/article/697722

[Spokes]

Again, like a lot of art, its open to interpretation. But this, is BOLD!

[van Hemessen]

I like it. It reminds me of Grey County's heritage museum south of Owen Sound, only, like you said, bold.

[DHLawrence]

I'm neutral to it, but I agree that it stands out like a sore thumb next to all the heritage buildings. (Not that a prison, suburban homes, and factories don't, but you know what I mean.)

[Urbanomicon]

I think this building would have looked far better downtown or next to a university campus or the Perimeter Institute. It looks very out of place on Homer Watson.

[Spokes]

Ya those options would have been better, but then again it is suited well to be connected to Doon Crossroads.

[panamaniac]

Ya those options would have been better, but then again it is suited well to be connected to Doon Crossroads.

I love it and can't wait for it to open. Tastes differ, but I was surprised by the recent negative letters in the Record.

[Spokes]

I love it and can't wait for it to open. Tastes differ, but I was surprised by the recent negative letters in the Record.

I was and I wasn't. There could have been 10 postive ones but the Record would print the negative ones.

I like it too, its just, like I said, bold. I like stuff like that, that stands out. We could use more interesting one of a kind architecture.

[RangersFan]

I was and I wasn't. There could have been 10 postive ones but the Record would print the negative ones.

I like it too, its just, like I said, bold. I like stuff like that, that stands out. We could use more interesting one of a kind architecture.

While I agree, I really like the uniqueness of the building. I think some people may say it really contrast with the heritage site(maybe this is a good thing), and something like this would look excellent in the core, but whatever I like the design. Some people will complain about anything.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

I think it's confusing to have this named the "The Waterloo Region Museum" and the Children's museum downtown recently renamed to just "The Museum", with both under Regional ownership and control...although they will both have clearly different mandates.

[mpd618]

I think it's confusing to have this named the "The Waterloo Region Museum" and the Children's museum downtown recently renamed to just "The Museum", with both under Regional ownership and control...although they will both have clearly different mandates.

The Museum in Kitchener is a private not-for-profit, so it is not under any direct control. And to me the "the" makes the name sufficiently distinctive.

[Spokes]

I think it's confusing to have this named the "The Waterloo Region Museum" and the Children's museum downtown recently renamed to just "The Museum", with both under Regional ownership and control...although they will both have clearly different mandates.

Ya you're right. I personally don't love either name. In particular "the Waterloo Region Museum." I think the Region really dropped the ball here. It needed the word history in there in my opinion. And "The Museum" I guess it's not bad, maybe it just needs to grow on me.

[DHLawrence]

It's not descriptive enough. It needs to have more of an identity rather than just "The Museum." That's what you call a place casually with the expectation that everyone knows which museum you mean; you don't actually call a museum that.

[Urbanomicon]

It's not descriptive enough. It needs to have more of an identity rather than just "The Museum." That's what you call a place casually with the expectation that everyone knows which museum you mean; you don't actually call a museum that.

It's about on par with a lot of other museums. For example the R.O.M. (Royal Ontario Museum).

[Spokes]

Ya I think the ROM is the minority though, theres lots more who's names dictate exactly what it is. The Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of Civilization, etc.

The problem is, what exactly is the focus of The Museum. We know what it is of the Waterloo Region Museum, that's why I think it's so dumb the name isn't more descriptive.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

It's not descriptive enough. It needs to have more of an identity rather than just "The Museum." That's what you call a place casually with the expectation that everyone knows which museum you mean; you don't actually call a museum that.

Totally agree. It's like saying you're going to "The Mall" or "The Park", but none of these places actually being named that.

[mpd618]

The problem is, what exactly is the focus of The Museum. We know what it is of the Waterloo Region Museum, that's why I think it's so dumb the name isn't more descriptive.

They seem to want to put on exhibititions of all kinds, which I think is pretty neat. Would you rather it be called The Kitchener General Museum instead?

[Urbanomicon]

The potential problem with creating a name like the "Canadian War Museum" (for example) is that it paints the museum into a corner with what exhibits one would expect to find there. Whereas if they just call it "The Museum" or "Doon Valley Museum", etc. the museum would be justified in displaying any type of exhibit.

[DHLawrence]

What about The Humanities Museum? Sounds a bit highbrow, but it covers everything--arts, science, social sciences, the works.

American museums have it a bit easier in this regard; outside DC, most of them are either named after where they are or after their most generous benefactor. The only museum where that happens in Canada that I know of is the Redpath Museum in Montreal. We have scores of places named Carnegie, Massey, or McLaughlin, but not museums (funny how there weren't any complaints about rich people putting their names everywhere back then like there are now).

[Spokes]

So we need someone to step up with a massive donation and then name it after them! haha.

[Spokes]

They seem to want to put on exhibititions of all kinds, which I think is pretty neat. Would you rather it be called The Kitchener General Museum instead?

Haha ya maybe thats not the type of name we're looking for. I too like the fact that they're not painting themselves into a corner with the types of exhibits they're getting. As for name, Im not really sure.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

So we need someone to step up with a massive donation and then name it after them! haha.

The WonderfulWaterloo museum? ;)

[Spokes]

The WonderfulWaterloo museum? ;)

YES!!! A new sponsorship idea. Im not sure we can swing it financially though. Give it a few months hah.

[mpd618]

What about The Humanities Museum? Sounds a bit highbrow, but it covers everything--arts, science, social sciences, the works.

And what if they want to have an exhibit on math?

You can't really step around this. If "[Descriptor] Museum" applies to anything a museum could do, then it's a useless descriptor. The alternative is that it specifies it as a particular kind of museum.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

YES!!! A new sponsorship idea. Im not sure we can swing it financially though. Give it a few months hah.

You should've seen it coming! Maybe we can at least get a bench named after us or something...haha

[Spokes]

You should've seen it coming! Maybe we can at least get a bench named after us or something...haha

I guess you've got to walk before you run huh ;)

[UrbanWaterloo]

WATERLOO REGION MUSEUM: KEY MILESTONES IN 2009/2010
REGION OF WATERLOO PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services
TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee
DATE: April 27, 2010
Report: P-10-041 (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/1B6F8B8B2FEEBC578525770D0055991E/$file/P-10-041.pdf?openelement)

RECOMMENDATION: For Information

SUMMARY: Many milestones have been completed at the Waterloo Region Museum in the past 16 months. Early in 2009, museum staff developed an extensive action plan of projects to be completed while the living history village was closed to the public. These projects included structural and cosmetic repairs to buildings, program reviews, and collection inventories. This report highlights the results of these projects, as well as public engagement, volunteer contributions, and curatorial achievements in the past year. Work this year will focus on using the new Waterloo Region Museum building to provide visitor orientation and amenities for the living history village, as well as developing exhibits and programs in the new museum building. During May and June, several functions are planned to celebrate the milestone of completing construction of the museum building, as detailed in this report. A communitywide celebration and grand opening of the museum and its exhibits will be held in the fall of 2011, after the long term and temporary galleries are completed.

REPORT: 2009 marked the 52nd year of providing public education, and historical preservation of buildings and artifacts on the site that has recently been named the Waterloo Region Museum. This includes the existing Doon Heritage Village, the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame, Waterloo Region Curatorial Centre, and the new museum building.

Attendance
Although the living history village was closed for the 2009 season to accommodate construction activities, staff spoke about the new museum to more than 70 community groups from January 2009 through March 2010, including service clubs, church groups and educators, encompassing more than 2,700 individuals. The village was open for the Children’s Groundwater Festival in June 2009 and welcomed 3,504 students, teachers and parent supervisors, and more than 480 volunteers during the five-day education program. Museum staff works closely with both local school boards to develop programs that relate directly to the Ontario school curricula. In 2009, staff completed a thorough review and revision to the living history village programs based on curricula guidelines, to ensure their relevancy to teachers and students. Staff will continue the development of new programs associated with exhibits planned in thenew galleries. Adult education audiences were served by a limited number of hands-on workshops. More than 33 individuals participated in these life-long learning workshops sponsored by the Friends of Doon Heritage Crossroads (recently re-named Friends of the Waterloo Region Museum).

Volunteers and Fund Raising
Last year, numerous individuals volunteered at the site - promoting the museum, assisting with administration, supporting the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival, conserving artifacts, gardening, and maintaining costumes. The Friends of the Waterloo Region Museum also play an important volunteer role. They offer guidance and advice on community interests, and they directly support workshops and special events. The Friends make financial contributions to the Region in support of special projects at the museum. In 2009, the Friends donated $5,000 for reproduction costumes for volunteers and staff, adding to the village’s inventory of costumes for use in 2010 and beyond.

Marketing
Regional Council approved the brand development for the new museum and the living history village in late 2009 (see Report P09-092 dated Dec. 1, 2009). The consultants (Ikonica Brands and The Workhouse), investigated a range of alternatives for brand positioning, naming and development of program identifiers The recommended name, Waterloo Region Museum, received the most support through a community consultation process, which included email, phone calls, a newspaper poll, and meetings with several groups. The recommended program identifier, with vibrantly coloured bars reflecting the curve of the building façade, and the seven area municipalities, has been positively received in new marketing materials. New names were also adopted for each of the museum components: Doon Heritage Village, Waterloo Region Hall of Fame, and the Waterloo Region Curatorial Centre.

Collections and Curatorial
The Waterloo Region Museum continues to attract high quality donations. In total, 26 individuals and families donated 443 artifacts to the museum in 2009, and 10 artifacts were purchased. Artifact appraisals completed by two independent appraisers valued the donations at $7,988; artifact purchases totaled $1,270.
Noteworthy acquisitions from 2009 are described below.
• The Intercounty Baseball League was founded in 1919 and the museum acquired an umpire’s uniform used in Waterloo County League games in the 1940s and 50s.
• Winter leisure activities are represented in the donation of a Preston-made child’s sled.
• The Waterloo North District Women’s Institute donated a 1910 poster advertising that year’s North Waterloo Women’s Institute meeting dates, including the speakers and their topics.
• A late 19th century sofa that was passed down through several generations of the same family. Family tradition is that the sofa was made by Noah Moyer from Waterloo Township for the marriage of his daughter Nancy to Simon Hagey on March 25, 1890.
• A factory-made parlour suite (settee, chairs and foot stool) originally belonging to Dilman and Hannah Kolb of Berlin in the late 19th century. Family tradition suggests that the furniture was purchased from the Berlin Furniture Company; the parlour suite has been reupholstered and placed in the Seibert House in the living history village.
• A navy blue forage cap worn by a student at the Galt Aircraft School where more than 8,500 young men were trained as aircraft mechanics and radio operators beginning in 1939 through the summer of 1944.
• Canadian Auto Workers Local 1451, which represented workers at Budd Canada and later Kitchener Frame, donated photographs of union social events and the interior of the factory; union banners, signs and awards, and clothing celebrating the union’s history in the community.
• A 16 foot diameter flywheel and its accompanying steam engine were donated by the City of Kitchener for installation in the exhibit galleries in the Waterloo Region Museum. The engine was manufactured by Goldie & McCulloch Company in Galt and shipped for installation at the Kaufman Footwear Company in Berlin in 1908.
The museum maintains its database of more than 43,000 artifacts, documenting the collections on exhibit in the living history village and in storage in the Waterloo Regional Curatorial Centre. A copy of the records is provided to Artefacts Canada, a national on-line database of artifacts from museums across the country administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage (www.chin.gc.ca). Through the Artefacts Canada database, the public has access to the Waterloo Region Museum collection.
The museum hosted two student interns from the Fleming College Collections Management and Conservation Program, and one intern from the University of Toronto Masters in Museum Studies. The interns completed research related to exhibits planned in the Waterloo Region Museum, and former inductees to the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. One intern developed and installed an exhibit case on the Pequegnat Clock Company at Queen’s Park (Nov. 2009 to March 2010), as part of the Legislature’s community exhibits program.
Staff completed several collections management and research projects to support public programs in the living history village. Artifact inventories, including text and photographs, were completed for 14 historic buildings; these inventories will allow staff to better convey information about the museum’s collection to the public. Research was completed on a number of topics related to 1914 and local history to better inform costumed staff and volunteers in their interaction with the public.

Facilities
In late 2009, a 310 m2 (3,337 square feet) addition to the Waterloo Region Curatorial Centre was completed. Spaces in the addition support the development and construction of exhibits for the Waterloo Region Museum, and include a design/layout studio and exhibit fabrication workshop. While the living history village was closed to the public, staff focused on structural and cosmetic repairs to buildings. Every building in the village has received some level of attention. In addition to thorough cleaning, the following repairs were undertaken as needed: chimneys were repaired and cleaned; window and door trim was painted; and commercial signs were replaced. Water lines were installed to the village’s four historic homes, allowing staff to have ready access to municipal water.

Major initiatives completed in the village include:

CPR Engine 894: Replaced stairs and public viewing platform; Installed glass barrier at entrance to cab of engine; Replaced railway ties
Peter Martin House: Installed additional joists to support first floor; Painted interior
Peter Martin Farm: Constructed manure storage containment; Replaced roof on workshop; Constructed new animal penning and farm yard fencing
Weavery: Replaced wood shingle roof
Dry Goods and Grocery Store: Painted interior
Harness Maker and Printing Office: Repaired floor joists and sill plate
Tailor Shop and Post Office: Replaced furnace
Meat Market: Front porch enclosed to create more public space; Restoration of interior including conservation of artifacts; Rebuilt shed addition at rear of building; Replaced wood shingle roof
McArthur House: Painted interior; Constructed new fence
Seibert House: Installed new floor; Redecorated interior with reproduction wallpaper, carpet and painting; Restored and conserved artifacts; Constructed new back porch; Replaced exterior wood trim; Painted exterior
Sararas House: Painted interior
Bricker Barn: Replaced primary and secondary support timbers; Constructed manure storage containment
Jubilee Park Gazebo: Constructed reproduction cast iron gazebo
Willow Green Gazebo: Painted exterior; Replaced waterline;
Village washrooms: Interior replaced; Electronic door openers installed; Exterior water fountain installed

In February 2010, the Donald/Currie house was removed from the living history village following a formal quotation process and informal discussions with interested parties (see Report P-09-091 dated Dec. 1, 2009). The museum salvaged windows, doors and hardware from the building; these architectural elements have been added to the collection for future use in other projects.
There is one major site development project planned in the living history village in 2010 – the construction of a staff and volunteer support building (see Next Steps in Report P-09-091 dated Dec. 1, 2009). The 73.65 m2 (792.8 square feet) building has been designed to resemble a farm outbuilding so that it will blend into the village. The building includes a staff/volunteer lunchroom, washroom, and a kitchen to support public programs in the living history village. This project is subject to successful tendering, and approval by Regional Council.

Waterloo Region Museum
Construction of the new Waterloo Region Museum building is almost complete, with landscaping being one of the last major tasks to be finished.
As the new gateway to Doon Heritage Village where visitors can experience what life was like in 1914, the new museum building allows the Region to offer a significantly higher level of guest services than prior to its construction. Both the living history village and the museum building (reception, gift shop, classrooms, theatre, café and lobby) open to the public on Saturday, May 1.
The call for a public art installation at the museum was issued in mid-March; artist concepts are due July 20, 2010. This art competition is only open to Aboriginal artists who reside in the Province of Ontario or artist teams which have as one member, a status or non-status Aboriginal person resident in Ontario. The intended site for the artwork is outdoors, in advance of the main entry to the museum, to that as part of its history, Aboriginal persons were present at the location of the museum before all others. Themes for the artwork could include plants; trees; animals; birds or other flora or fauna of the area; nature’s spirituality; ancient elements of earth; water; fire and air or other concepts that integrate with nature.

Guest Services
The museum has produced an engaging multi-media presentation that will transport visitors back in time to the year 1914 prior to their visit to the living history village. The orientation video highlights major local, national and international events that were the topic of conversation among local residents in 1914. This video and others will run throughout the day, beginning in May. The museum will feature a self-service café open during busy periods. Arrangements are currently being made for the operation of the café; menu items will include light snack items, as well as hot and cold beverages.

Museum Exhibits
Museum exhibit galleries are being designed and built, and will open in the fall of 2011. The long-term gallery will tell the story of Waterloo Region from pre-history to the present day, based on the museum’s collection of more than 43,000 artifacts. The temporary gallery will present short-term exhibits from the collection and traveling exhibits from other museums. In the meantime, a number of small exhibits throughout the museum provide glimpses of the museum’s collection and describe architectural features of the building. Some of these exhibits will be in place for the building’s opening on May 1, while other exhibits will be installed in the coming weeks. An exhibit in the lobby explores the natural environment of Waterloo Region and how it has affected the lives of the people who live here – both in the past and today. Plants, animals, the Grand River, and other natural features are highlighted. Exhibits near the museum’s washrooms offer a look into medicine cabinets and plumbing of the past. And exhibits in the museum’s theatre explore local entertainment. An interactive touch-screen kiosk near the museum’s entrance explains the LEED© characteristics of the building.

Celebrating the Completion of Construction
Several functions are planned throughout the remainder of the year to celebrate the milestone of completing construction of the Waterloo Region Museum building, as outlined below.

Saturday, May 15 Community open house, in partnership with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Free admission with the donation of a nonperishable food item.
Monday, May 17 Open house for educators
Tuesday, May 18 3 to 8 p.m. International Museum Day. Reception to recognize the milestone of completing construction of the Waterloo Region Museum building
Wednesday, May 19 Open house for neighbours (home owners and businesses)
Thursday, May 20 Open house for museums, archives, galleries, and heritage groups
Tuesday, May 25 Open house for Waterloo Historical Society members
Saturday, June 12 Thank you barbeque for contractors and their families

In addition to these functions, the Waterloo Region Museum will be open and extend complimentary admission to the community during the following special event days:

Saturday, June 5 ECOFest
Thursday, July 1 Canada Day
Saturday, September 18 Doors Open Waterloo Region

During the fall of this year, the museum plans to host several open houses for target markets that may be interested in renting museum and village spaces, e.g. wedding planners, photographers, community and corporate meeting planners, and hoteliers. A community-wide celebration and grand opening of the museum and its exhibits will be held in the fall of 2011 after the long term and temporary galleries are completed. Area Municipal Consultation/Coordination Area municipal staff are informed of events and activities at the Waterloo Region Museum, and will receive a copy of this report.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: Supporting initiatives that highlight culture and creativity are directly related to the Growth Management Focus Area 2 and the objective to Promote and enhance arts, culture and heritage.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The initiatives listed for 2009 and 2010 are funded through approved budgets administered by Planning, Housing and Community Services.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Interior - May 20, 2010
More to come as they're uploaded...

Classroom A
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Memory In Timber
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Railroad Hall
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Theatre
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[UrbanWaterloo]

Info Boards - May 20, 2010

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http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-I-6.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Exhibit Space - May 20, 2010
Still Under Construction, Opens Next Year.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-E-1.jpg

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[panamaniac]

These are really good pics. I managed to get down to the open house on the weekend and I was really quite pleased by the new Museum. I would have to describe it as modestly impressive and a fitting home for the Region's history. The only esthetic disappointment for me was the timber from the Sherk barn - I like the re-use of historic materials, but the dark brown stain spoiled it for me (I wonder why it could not have been left with the natural patina?).

BTW, this is my week for checking out museums under construcution - I toured the new Frank Gehry biodiversity museum in Panama City today and was blown away! It is going to be AWESOME and the site at the entrance to the Canal is beyond spectacular. I have to see if I can figure out how to post some pics - by far the most complex steel beam structures for the roof/rooves that I have ever seen - architecture meets engineering meets poetry!

[UrbanWaterloo]

Interior Continued - May 20, 2010
Last of the interior photos, Exterior tomorrow.

Historic Intersection
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Hist.jpg

Huron Road
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Railway
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Moving Water Display
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Movi.jpg

Medicine Cabinet Display
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Entrance Wall
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Entr.jpg

Welcome Booth
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Welc.jpg

Green Building Display
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Gree.jpg

Gift Shop
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Gift.jpg

[DHLawrence]

I wonder if they could remove the Plexiglass and let the steam engine winter indoors. Would probably last a lot longer if it didn't have to sit outside all winter.

[RangersFan]

Awesome pictures Urban, I can't wait to check it out.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Exterior - May 20, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/WaterlooRegionMuseum-May202010-Exte.jpg

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[Shawn]

That's a very large outdoor patio! I've not been to the museum, is there a public cafeteria or is that simply outside seating for the brown baggers?

[panamaniac]

That's a very large outdoor patio! I've not been to the museum, is there a public cafeteria or is that simply outside seating for the brown baggers?

There is a small cafe. I think it should be a pleasant spot for lunch on a warm summer day.

[Spokes]

Great pictures! Thanks!

This project has turned out quite nice. Im very impressed. And the colours outside have turned out quite well. Definitely something different.

[UrbanWaterloo]

After the Waterloo Historical Society's Meeting last night (@ Conestoga College), I passed by this building and saw the sign lit up for the first time. It looks pretty neat! I'll post more details in a thread I create for the WHS, but for now their next meeting is November 4th 7PM at this location so I'd recommend showing up to take a look around.


September 28, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Suburban%20Kitchener/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum%20-%20September%2028%2C%202010%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Suburban%20Kitchener/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum%20-%20September%2028%2C%202010%20-%202%20Resized.jpg

[Newgrad]

One thing that bugs me about the Region's Museum is that as of yet, there are no signs of a sidewalk. I know its in a terribly unfriendly pedestrian area but an attempt to promote pedestrian traffic would be nice.

[smably]

One thing that bugs me about the Region's Museum is that as of yet, there are no signs of a sidewalk. I know its in a terribly unfriendly pedestrian area but an attempt to promote pedestrian traffic would be nice.
Funny story: I visited the museum a while back, took the bus from the terminal to Manitou and Homer Watson and walked the rest of the way. Given the lack of sidewalks, I took the first entrance I saw. I wound up at the back of the museum by the steam train. After wandering around for a while, I realized that I had wandered into the admission-paid zone. I guess nobody had considered that people might walk in the back entrance, because there were no signs and no fence, unlike the side of the museum with the parking lot. Kind of funny; kind of sad.

[van Hemessen]

You're kidding, the EXACT same thing happened to me last week. I walked around the entire "admissions only" area for a good hour and no one called me on it!

[RangersFan]

Is the museum open to the public now?

[mpd618]

Is the museum open to the public now?

Its exhibits are not yet open, however the building itself is open with the facilities for the Doon Pioneer Village.

[UWaterloo]

The museum looks great. Never visited Doon Pioner Village when I lived there (went by on the bus a couple times...thats all) so when I get out next summer I'll have to visit both attractions.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Grand Opening Weekend! Nov. 12 & 13!
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Exhibits in the Waterloo Region Museum!
FREE ADMISSION all weekend!

Exhibits Opening:
What Makes Us Who We Are?
Community Highlight Exhibit: The Hmong in Waterloo Region
Unconventional Thinking: Innovation in Waterloo Region

FREE GRT SHUTTLE from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday from Fairview Park Mall to Waterloo Region Museum!

Saturday, Nov. 12 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - Doors Open
10 a.m. - Official Opening Ceremony
11 a.m to 3:30 p.m. - Family Fun & Activities
6 to 9:30 p.m. - Cash Bar
7 to 9:30 p.m. - Ernie Kalwa Jazz Trio

Sunday, Nov. 13 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibits Open!
Noon to 3:30 p.m. - Family Fun & Activities


PDF (http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com/media/23087/grandopeningposter_final.pdf)
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum%20-%20Grand%20Opening%20Poster.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Grand Opening Ceremony Agenda
November 10, 2011 | Waterloo Region Museum | Link (http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com/additional-navigation/media/news-releases/wrm-news-release---grand-opening-ceremony-agenda.aspx)

The community is invited to the Waterloo Region Museum Grand Opening celebration on the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission all weekend.

The Grand Opening celebration features the launch of three exhibits:


What Makes Us Who We Are? - an exploration of more than 12,000 years of Waterloo Region's history
2012 Community Highlight Exhibit - The Hmong in Waterloo Region
Unconventional Thinking: Innovation in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region Hall of Fame


Saturday, Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Official Grand Opening Ceremony Agenda

9:30 a.m. - Doors Open
10 a.m. - Official Opening Ceremony
Welcome - Regional Councillor Tom Galloway
Smudging Ceremony - Delmor Jacobs, Ongwehonwe Haudenosaunee Faithkeeper
O' Canada - Karla Kale and Steph Vaillant
Introductions - Regional Councillor Tom Galloway
Remarks - Regional Chair Ken Seiling
Special Thanks - Regional Councillor Sean Strickland
Appreciation - Alison Jackson
Introduction to Galleries - Tom Reitz
Ribbon Cutting - Tom Reitz Leads Ceremony
11 a.m. - Exhibits Open! (family Fun & Activities)
7 to 9:30 p.m. - Ernie Kalwa Jazz Trio

Sunday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibits Open all day
Noon to 3:30 p.m. - Family Fun and Activities

Grand Opening Weekend Schedule:
Free GRT bus shuttle from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from Fairview Park Mall to Waterloo Region Museum.

The historic buildings in Doon Heritage Village are not open during the Grand Opening celebration weekend.

[UrbanWaterloo]

I've got lots of more photos coming after a few hours of sorting. Over 4000 people showed up for the Grand Opening yesterday! Here's a sneak peak of the tour for now...


November 12, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/DSCN0770%20R.JPG

[UrbanWaterloo]

Grand Opening Day - November 12, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum/Grand%20Opening%20-%20November%2012,%202011/Waterloo%20Region%20Museum%20-%20November%2012,%202011%20-%201%20R.jpg

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[Trogdor]

Great Shots UW!

[Yuukaa]

Awesome pictures, thank for sharing !

The place looks superb! I see there is still some rooms empty until February, will definitely have to go there next year to check it out.

Perfect place for a date :RpS_love:

[UWaterloo]

Brilliant photos - thanks for sharing. I'll be sure to visit next time I'm at UW.

[Waterlooer]

The Museum looks really good from the photos you shared. Do you recommend it for people to visit?

[KevinL]

The Museum looks really good from the photos you shared. Do you recommend it for people to visit?

I certainly recommend it. Great exhibits, unique layout, informative signage. Top-class stuff.

[panamaniac]

I'm definitely planning to visit when I am in town next month. I think it would be educational for anyone in the Region, but especially younger people and those who's family history in the area doesn't go back to before the War. To really understand Waterloo Region, you have to have a good sense of what Waterloo County was all about, IMO.

[panamaniac]

By the way, I loved the photo of the Electrohome Circa 75. Does anyone else remember the Circa 711 (1971). Great space age design! You still see them around here and there.

http://i40.tinypic.com/11jmzhw.jpg

[KevinL]

Video tour (http://www.therecord.com/videozone/634759) on TheRecord.com.