As Coquitlam makes its way through the milestone anniversary year, the heritage society wants to ensure the anniversary legacy plays a prominent role in how it moves forward, too.
The Coquitlam 125 theme of Stories Told, Stories to be Created “is an idea that ties in quite nicely with our vision as well,” executive director Reg Wilford said while at one of the city’s oldest landmarks, Mackin House.
Indeed, the stories it wants to share — and be shared — aren’t just tales from the deep, dark past. They are narratives from only 10, 20 or 30 years ago that talk about how the Metro Vancouver suburb is changing at such a rapid pace, with new cultures and never-ending new infrastructure going in.
Next month, as part of the city’s 125th celebrations, the Coquitlam Heritage Society will shed light on how to save those stories as it hosts a day-long symposium at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Participants will learn how to capture the spirit of days gone by — with an eye on the future, Wilford said. “We want to discuss stories that come up to the present time in order to keep them for generations.”
Four internationally acclaimed and community speakers will lead guests through the April 16 symposium — the first time Coquitlam has held a history gathering of such a size in about 20 years. Wilford said.
Museum consultant Tim Willis will kick off the day, speaking about “how heritage is more important than ever,” Wilford said.
The former vice president of engagement and experience at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Willis holds bachelor degrees from the University of Wales in architecture and environmental design.
Next on the program will be Candace Matelic, a New Mexico-based consultant who directed national landmark sites in Maryland and Hawaii. Wilford said she was recruited for her community engagement expertise.
Currently on the distance and program faculty at University of Victoria, Matelic holds a PhD in organizational studies, a masters degree in history museum studies and served as a programming department head at The Henry Ford Museum and Iowa Living History Farms.
Fellow UVic faculty member Theresa Mackay, the executive director of the BC Museums Association, is the third speaker for the day and will bring her knowledge of culture and tourism while Coquitlam archivist Emily Lonie will finish the symposium.
“I will be discussing the initiatives the archives has undertaken in its first three years to preserve and protect the community’s documentary heritage and make it available in meaningful ways,” Lonie said. “The talk will also explore the various ways the archives has extended its reach beyond the walls of city hall through social media, exhibits, speaking engagements and public events.”
Wilford said he hopes to draw a broad mix, from heritage enthusiasts to anyone wanting to learn about the community. Invitations will be sent to heritage groups in Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and New Westminster as well.
• To register for the Coquitlam Heritage Society symposium on April 16, go to coquitlamsymposium.com. Tickets include a catered lunch from Pasta Polo in Coquitlam.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
