Thetford Mines – The Mineralogy and Mining Museum is pleased to announce it was awarded two grants from the federal government to hire students, allowing it to offer new activities throughout the summer to its visitors. The first grant of $12,160, awarded by Service Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs program, made it possible to hire three guides and a technician from June 21 to August 14. The students were chosen in part based on their program of study so that the experience they gained over the summer at the Museum would be as rewarding as possible. Jean-Sébastien Boutin, Christine Hébert, Estelle Labbé and Kaven Mathieu were hired under the program. Their main job was to welcome visitors and tell them about the exhibitions, including the temporary exhibition Ice Age Mammals, and present the showing of the HD film Mammoths and Men.

The second grant of $12,394 was awarded through the Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations program under Canadian Heritage’s summer experience program. Administered by the Canadian Museums Association, this program aims to give young Canadians practical, professional experience in the field of culture and heritage. Marie-Philippe Bussière, Dominique Lebrun and Jessie Paquet-Laflamme were hired as costumed interpreters for the period from May 31 to August 27. The three students portrayed a cobber and a miner in new performances in the permanent exhibit. Visitors were welcomed by a cobber, Ms. Smith (Philomena), and a miner played by a student in mineral technology at the Thetford Cégep. Their performances and monologues portrayed the discovery of asbestos, the working conditions of the time, the ancient job of cobbers and various underground mining activities. Visitors greatly enjoyed these new performances and the Museum hopes to present them again next year.

These activities allowed the Museum, like other science centres, to offer something for the entire family over the summer. The Museum is proud of its partnership with the Government of Canada in hiring summer students. These programs give students practical work experience in a heritage organization and fund part of their studies, while giving visitors an unforgettable experience. The summer season continues until September 5, with the Museum open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.