THETFORD MINES, Quebec - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines.

This funding will support the project "Un musée, une ville : prolongement de l'expérience muséale en sol mineur." This project aims to conduct a feasibility study to increase the organization's skills and abilities to allow it to broaden its mandate by integrating new activities into those already in place. In addition to reviewing the museum's organizational structure, the study will examine the management of mining visits and the development and management of three former mining buildings in downtown Thetford Mines. It will also help identify mining buildings that could be promoted and target the spaces and their purposes in this project.

"Our Government's funding for the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines will allow the institution to promote and preserve local heritage. Eventually, this project could allow the region's citizens and visitors to rediscover this historical element in a new light," said Minister Moore.

"I am proud that the Government of Canada recognizes the museum's important place in terms of our regional heritage," said Minister Paradis. "This organization has become a pioneer in the region, and this funding will enable it to pursue and broaden its mandate."

 "The Musée minéralogique et minier is proud of the partnership established with the Government of Canada and is grateful for this support, esssential for its development," said François Cinq-Mars, Director of the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines. "In fact, this financial assistance will allow the museum to hire a consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study examining the development and management of former mining buildings on the site, thereby broadening the mandate of the museum on the land and assuring its long-term sustainability while preserving the industrial heritage of Thetford Mines."

The Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines was founded in 1976 by a group of mineral collectors. This scientific museum, which focuses on the geology of the Appalachian region and the development of mining in the Thetford Mines area, promotes access to the earth sciences and to scientific and technological knowledge in the field of mining.

The Government of Canada has provided $25,000 in funding through the Capacity Building component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. This program supports modern management and greater financial stability in arts and heritage organizations.