The Sturgis Station House Museum is faced with a challenging season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The museum board made a crucial decision to cancel most of its fundraiser events for the season and close its doors to the public, " said Myrtle Boychuk, chairperson. The Mother's Day brunch and all educational programs and tours are cancelled. The clothing and garage sale fundraiser is postponed until the fall.
"The museum will be faced with some tight financial difficulties this season. There are still costs to keep up the grounds that are not covered by any grants. We had previously hired a curator and summer student obtained through a previous grant," said Boychuk.
The museum is hoping the community and individuals will be encouraged to help donate towards the museum.
"There is lots to do at the museum and this will be a good year to get caught up on projects. We will do the best we can under the circumstances,” continued Boychuk.
The newest project that the museum is undertaking is creating a COVID-19 pandemic memory book.
"To all citizens of Sturgis and surrounding area, we at Sturgis Station House Museum would like to hear how COVID-19 has affected you," explained Boychuk.
“It doesn't matter if you are 5 or 95, male or female, we'd like to know how this pandemic has impacted you, your family, your job, your livelihood, your movements within the community, your usual daily or weekly routines. Your information can be in a diary form or just jotted down in point form. You can tell us who you are, your age and grade or you can remain anonymous. This information will be compiled into a 2020 pandemic memory book to be kept at the museum for further historical information for generations after this has passed.”
The information may be mailed to Sturgis Station House Museum Box 255 Sturgis, Sk. S0A 4A0 or drop it off anytime after May 15 at the museum.
“Please share this, go to the museum Facebook page, share and encourage as many individuals as you can to do this, so we may receive ‘too many to count,’” concluded Boychuk.
