(Submitted photo/Chris Arnstead)

By Nigel Maxwell

Tourism

Technology driven tourism tool earns Waskesiu Heritage Museum provincial award

Nov 2, 2021 | 2:00 PM

An innovative approach to getting visitors at Waskesiu though the doors of the heritage museum without actually having to set foot inside the building is one of this year’s Saskatchewan Heritage Award winners.

Heritage Moments was launched last May by the Waskesiu Heritage Museum, and essentially involves the placement of Quick Response (QR) codes outside various businesses. Museum Curator Chris Arnstead explained the visitors, through the use of their mobile devices, can then get connected directly to the museum website and information pertinent to that location.

“So for example if you are at the ice cream store, and you scan it, you may learn about the businesses that used to occupy that space.” she said. “We talk about what refrigeration used to be like in the park and how ice was cut out of the lake and stored until summertime.”

Chris Arnstead stands beside one of dozens of QR codes placed throughout Waskesiu. (Submitted photo/Chris Arnstead)

Initially thought up last winter as a way to help the museum stay active during the pandemic, the list of businesses involved in the project has grown from 12 to over 40

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“Because the signs are there 24/7, 365 days of the year, people can do it in the fall and in the winter when they are up,” Arnstead said.

The heritage awards were handed out Tuesday night in Regina by Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty. Arnstead said she’s thrilled to be included.

“This will give such great exposure for our small, seasonal museum. These awards are very prestigious and the public outreach is something we’ve been really aiming for,” she said.

Among the other awards recipients from the Prince Albert region are Melfort Queen’s Bench Court House (Physical Heritage Conservation) and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation for its Food Forest.

Chris Arnstead accepts the award from Lt. Governor Russ Mirasty. (Submitted/ Heritage Sask.)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell