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Worthy Causes
Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Village near Thunder Bay struggles in the current economy and from a drop in visitation. A true gem, it creates a hands-on experience of the settler and farming history in northwestern Ontario. This attraction deserves a visit and deserves financial support from those who can give it.
The museum, mainly a volunteer operation, benefits from the dedication of its supporters. The unpaid manager, Fran Loney, is a prime example of that commitment; she earned the Cultural Supporter honor at the 2010 Thunder Bay Arts & Heritage Awards. Fran logs thousands of hours of volunteer work each year. Wedding and special occasion rentals help pay bills on this brainchild of an elementary school teacher, but it would be a serious shame if this informative and fun attraction were not there for visitors, especially children. It’s one thing to read about the past; it’s quite another to hold and manipulate tools and items from those times gone by.
Admission starts at just $6 for adults, with reduced prices for small children and seniors. The museum closes after Labour Day. Check out www.founders.ca for more details or see our story about the museum in the June-July 2007 issue.