The MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry has collaborated with the Musée de société des Deux-Rives (MUSO) in creating a travelling exhibit to showcase the successful 150 Years of Nightlife show. Eric Filiatreault, president of the Conseil de la culture de la MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry, explains that “We were thrilled by the exhibition 150 Years of Nightlife currently on display at the MUSO as part of the 150th anniversary of the city of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, which focuses on the nightlife of the people of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. The MRC therefore invited the MUSO to create a travelling exhibition, this time presenting the night-time stories of the MRC’s other municipalities.”
Members of the community were encouraged to loan photos or do interviews for the exhibit. “It was a great opportunity to get people talking about their experiences and memorable holidays. The result is a very human exhibition that is sure to bring back memories,” says MRC heritage development advisor Mélissa Dostaler-Brosseau.
“In its cultural policy, the MRC is committed to offering local cultural services to its entire population. That’s why we’ve opted for a mobile formula: the exhibition moves from one municipality to another,” says Christian Lambert, the communications coordinator for Beauharnois-Salaberry. The MRC wants to highlight its heritage and celebrate it with the community. “We share the MUSO’s desire to remember the ways of yesteryear, both individually and collectively,” he adds.
The locations where the exhibit is being showcased were chosen very intentionally. “Whether at the municipal library or the community center, citizens will be able to view numerous photos or listen to testimonials about the parties and other events that have enlivened the evenings in their community,” shares Jean-François Gendron, member of the Conseil de la culture and mayor of Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, where the exhibition took off in July. Lambert adds that “Since it takes place in libraries and other municipal premises, many people discover it by chance. The civic experience of the place is thus enriched. Local young people are invited to discover the exhibition when workshops are held in conjunction with it.”
The exhibit will be in Saint-Urbain until October 7, then Sainte-Martine until November 4. After a trip to Beauharnois, it will end the year from December 2 to 28 in Saint-Louis-De-Gonzague. To learn more about the cultural programming at the MRC, check out www.mrcbhs.ca or the Facebook page.