Brett Strickland helps volunteers at the railway museum in Norman - Date/Photographer unknown.

17 August 2013

Extra Help for Railway Museum

Kenora Ontario - Kenora's railway museum has some extra help this summer.
 
Brett Strickland has been providing tours and in-depth history lessons on Kenora's long association with the National Dream.
 
While he's only worked at the facility since the beginning of summer, his interest in the subject goes back to his school years.
 
"I started being interested in the history aspect when I was in Grade 8. That's when I really got interested in my family history," he said.
 
Strickland says one of the focuses of his tours is the important role the railway had played in Kenora's growth.
 
"When the railway was first starting up in Kenora, it was the mill and the railway. Those were the two biggest industries in Kenora. Back in the day, the railway would have been relevant to all of your relatives. It's what brought in all of the money to Kenora," he said.
 
At only 19 years old, he may not have the real-life experience of some of the retired railway workers at the museum, but he says those taking the tours are generally appreciative of his knowledge on the subject.
 
"A lot of people appreciate what I have to say, others think I talk to much. For the most part the people down here have been a delight. You get the whole history when you get a tour from me," he said.
 
He's given tours to people from across the world, including Russia, France, and Germany.
 
However, he says he'd like to see more local people come to learn more about the city's history.
 
"It's a big thing here. You should get to know your community and get to know your community's history. If you're a local in Kenora you should come down to the museum," he said.
 
Author unknown.

Vancouver Island
British Columbia
Canada