Reclaimed Voices, Revelstoke Museum & Archives’ (RMA) latest exhibit breaks down “glorified nostalgia” and shines a spotlight on stories long overlooked in dominating historical narratives. Hosted in the second floor exhibit room, soon to be accessible by the upcoming lift, the exhibit features panels focusing on some of the lesser known stories in Revelstoke, such as the historical Japanese population, Sinixt populations during Revelstoke’s earlier years, children who called Revelstoke home and more.
“This exhibit came about due to a recognition that as museums and archives we are often missing stories and perspectives,” Cathy English, RMA lead curator told a packed room at the opening of Reclaimed Voices. “I do a lot of research from the local newspapers, going back to 1890, but I have to be constantly aware that these stories were written mostly from a white, British, male perspective, and there is often racist content, as well as a total ignorance of other cultures and genders.”
A key panel of stories English is particularly proud of shares the names of Revelstoke’s earlier women, whose names were often replaced with their husband’s in records at the time. The panel uses a series of magnets on top of black and white images with the husband’s names that can be removed to show the name of the woman.
“In some cases, it took quite a bit of research to find these, and one woman, Mrs. A. Brown is still unnamed,” English said. “It felt good to be able to give these women back their names.”
Along with stories from Revelstoke’s past, overlooked stories in Revelstoke’s future are also highlighted in the exhibit. Collected in a series of video interviews, English and RMA staff sat down with current residents to chat what it’s like living as disabled or 2SLGBTQ+ residents.
“It’s, for me, an acknowledgement that these stories are important,” Melissa Jameson, featured in the video series, told Revelstoke Mountaineer. Disability stories have long been overlooked by museums and historians, and having a say in how Revelstoke’s stories can be shared going forward was rewarding.
As someone whose family history can also be spotted around the museum, Jameson also felt her part in the exhibit helps connect her to the long history of the region.
“To be part of this exhibit specifically, but to also be in this museum where there are so many women featured, I feel incredibly honoured.”
Catch Reclaimed Voices at the Revelstoke Museum & Archives during open hours and watch the video series on YouTube.
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