Gala to push for historical centre
Society seeking to raise money to complete heritage building
Shane Magee
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, November 27, 2014
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
By pulling up a chair this weekend at an adult-only gala, Fort Simpson residents will help with the next steps toward building a heritage centre in the community.
Martina Norwegian is inviting everyone to attend the fundraising gala for the Fort Simpson
Historical Society this weekend in the village. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo
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On Saturday, the Fort Simpson Historical Society will host a two-hour gala at Thomas Simpson School.
"It will be a more quiet, more formal event," said society president Martina Norwegian.
The society, incorporated in 1990, used to be in the Dehcho Hall but since it was torn down, the society's collection of items has been stored at various sites in the village.
The goal is to bring it all together under one roof at the Fort Simpson Historical Centre once construction is complete.
This summer, the exterior of the building was erected in less than a month.
However, Norwegian said the society needs to make up a shortfall of about $30,000 before moving forward.
The gala will include a silent auction with items donated from businesses around the community. The bids for those items will go toward covering the shortfall.
The goal of the society is to raise enough money by the summer to begin buying more supplies to finish the building, including windows.
Norwegian estimates they need another $200,000 to see the project to completion. They've already spent more than $150,000.
She said there have been generous donations from people and companies so far, but they still need to do more fundraising to make the dream of the building a reality.
"It's exciting if it all comes together next year because it's our 25th anniversary," Norwegian said.
When it's done, the first floor of the building will include a village historical display, including artifacts and photos.
There will also be a community meeting space and an art gallery in the three-storey structure.
The building's exterior replicates the Roman Catholic church rectory built in 1911 that used to be on the site off the village's main street.
"I just think it would be a real benefit to the community. Right now, we don't have anything really like it in the village," she said.
Over the long-term, she believes it will become a focal point in the village for visitors.
About 100 tickets went on sale at the beginning of the week and they can be purchased before the event from members of the historical society board.
Tickets are $50 per person for the four-course meal with entertainment.
Students will be serving the meal to attendees. The silent auction will include items like a meat package from the Northern store, a bike and a handmade quilt.
If the event is a success, Norwegian said it could be held again.
"We're looking at all kinds of ways to fundraise," she said.
