Ukrainian Village receives award from the Alberta Museum Association

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village was recognized by the Alberta Museums Association for their highly successful Special On-Site Driving Tours for Mobility-Impaired Seniors program.

The Administration Award was presented by His Honour, Norman Kwong, Lieutenant Governor, at the Alberta Museums Association Annual Conference and Awards Banquet held on October 22, 2005, in Edmonton.

Since 1997, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village has made the site accessible to seniors with mobility difficulties by developing a special tour program that allows them to travel in their handi-vans to the historic side of the site. Costumed role players enter the buses and tell stories and show artifacts that depict an early life in East Central Alberta. The program is further enhanced through a Ukrainian-themed meal and entertainment.

This year, approximately 1,000 people from 70 different facilities enjoyed the sites and sounds of a bygone era. The on-site driving tours, offered every Wednesday during July and August, are always filled to capacity.

Village staff attribute the success of the tours to recognizing and adapting to the changing needs of this key target group. A strong team effort was critical in developing and implementing this program. The program also enhanced relationships with many of the local seniors’ lodges, groups and organizations.

The Alberta Museums Association Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contribution to the pursuit of excellence in Alberta’s museum field. The Administration Award recognizes outstanding programs or projects that demonstrate creative and innovative practices in the day to day care of museum collections. Submissions are judged on exceeded levels of museum practice outlined in the Standard Practices Handbook for Museums, 2nd Addition.

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is currently open on from Monday to Friday 8:15 to 4:30 for pre-booked school and tour bookings. It is located 25 minutes east of Edmonton on Highway 16. For more information, visit the Web site at www.cd.gov.ab.ca/uchv or call toll free 310-0000, then (780) 662-3640.

Contact Information

Arnold Grandt

Head, Community and Corporate Relations

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Contact via E-mail