Western Development Museums received a major contribution to facility theatres in Yorkton, Moose Jaw and North Battleford Monday.
BMO Financial Group presented a $70,000 donation toward the theatres which showcase the Winning the Prairie Gamble: The Saskatchewan Story celebrating the province's history, achievement and diversity.
The presentation was made at the Yorkton branch of the WDM, which in itself is significant said David Klatt, Executive Director of the WDM.
"The Yorkton branch is the smallest of the four, but it is one of the jewels that makes up the crown of the WDM," he said, adding having BMO make the presentation at the branch is "a good show of support and confidence," for the local museum.
Mike Darling, vice president, Saskatchewan, BMO Bank of Montreal said the donation is a natural fit with the museum's focus of education for youth, which is also a corporate priority.
"We're very happy to be involved," he said.
The theatres being supported by the donation are focused on education patrons.
Lesley Newman, curator with WDM, and co-chair of The Saskatchewan Story film exhibit said, "We knew there was a lot misconceptions about Saskatchewan," adding there is more to the province than being "flat and boring" as many think.
The films, using archival photographs from the WDM, Saskatchewan Archives and private collections, films were created "to tell some people about this province we love and are passionate about," she said.
A prepared released detailed. "Within each City's museum, The Saskatchewan Story theatre is a welcoming space that invites visitors to view the province with new eyes. Authentic early 20th century theatre seating for 15, complete with ornate cast iron supports is complemented by heavy velvet draperies and a decorative closed beam ceiling. Six vignettes set into the theatre walls feature cowboy and cowgirl dress-up clothing outfits for children or a night on the town for their parents.
"On the theatre screen three unique presentations, accompanied by music created for Winning the Prairie Gamble, show the breath-taking grandeur of Saskatchewan. The province's diverse landscape and character is celebrated through different shows based on a Saskatchewan ABC theme. A third show offers a look at Saskatchewan people and places in the 1940s and 1950s captured by the camera lens of Everett Baker, a Wheat Pool field man for more than 25 years."
