Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre facts for kids
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| Established | 1979 |
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| Location | 4750 48th Street Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 2L9 |
| Type | Northern Heritage Centre |
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) is a special place in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. It's like a big treasure chest for the history and cultures of the Northwest Territories (NWT). This centre is the main museum and archives for the NWT government.
The PWNHC collects and takes care of important items and old documents. These items show what life was like for people in the NWT, both long ago and today. The centre also helps share information about the NWT's history and different cultures. It offers expert help to other groups that work with cultural items.
Contents
History of the Centre
How the Museum Started
Back in the early 1950s, some people in Yellowknife who loved history had an idea. They wanted to create a museum for the Northwest Territories. After many years of planning, their dream came true. A place called the 'Museum of the North' opened in July 1963. It was located in downtown Yellowknife.
At first, volunteers from the Yellowknife Museum Society ran the museum. They took care of all the cool artifacts. Then, in 1970, the Government of the Northwest Territories took over. They became responsible for the museum's collections.
Building a Bigger Centre
People soon realized that a bigger place was needed. Many important northern artifacts and collections were being lost. Also, there was a need to offer museum services across the entire Northwest Territories. So, in 1972, the government officially approved a plan to build a larger centre.
Construction began in 1975. Finally, on April 3, 1979, a very special guest arrived. His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, officially opened the new building. The centre was named after him!
More Than Just a Museum
The PWNHC is much more than just a place with exhibits. It holds a huge collection of items that belong to the public. These items tell the stories of the people and cultures of the NWT. The centre creates amazing exhibits that teach visitors about the land, people, and history of the region.
What Else the Centre Does
- NWT Archives: The centre is home to the NWT Archives. This is where old letters, photos, and documents are kept safe. They are important records of the past.
- Helping Artists and Cultural Groups: The PWNHC also gives help and money to people and groups involved in arts and culture. This support helps keep northern traditions alive.
- Archaeology: The centre is in charge of archaeological studies in the NWT. Archaeologists are like history detectives. They dig up old sites to learn about people who lived long ago. The PWNHC gives permission for these important studies.
How the Centre Works
The PWNHC follows special rules and laws to do its work. These rules come from important documents like the Northwest Territories Archives Act and the Northwest Territories Historical Resources Act. These laws make sure the centre protects the history and heritage of the NWT for everyone.
Friends and Partners
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre works with many other groups. These partnerships help the centre share its knowledge and collections even further. Some of its partners include the NWT Archives, the Canadian Museums Association, and the Virtual Museum of Canada.
See also
- List of museums in the Northwest Territories
- Royal eponyms in Canada
Images for kids
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
