What’s happening?
The New Westminster Museum is shining a spotlight on New Westminster’s past of fake news, clickbait and alternative facts. The exhibition, which opened in October, runs until April 28.
Is anything special happening with this exhibition?
A number of special events about media literacy and printing have been planned around this exhibit. Here’s a few dates and events you may want to take note of:
* Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to noon: Getting the Word Out. City archivist Barry Dykes will present and discuss the archive’s newspaper collection that goes from the 1870s to the modern era. He’ll explain the value of historic newspapers, the importance of preserving them and how modern technologies are making them widely accessible. Register for this free, all-ages program (code 16633) that takes place in the Anvil Centre Studio 411A.
* Feb. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Protest and Propaganda printmaking workshop. Anyone aged 18 and older is able to learn about New Westminster’s history of printmaking and then make a propaganda poster in a hands-on printmaking workshop. It costs $16 and takes place in the art studio on the fourth floor of Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
* March 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: SFU Philosopher’s Café – Getting the Word Out. How do we get access to correct information via the mainstream media outlets? Is there such a thing as fake news? What are the effects of propaganda? Discuss philosophical issues at this free, moderated event at the New Westminster Museum in Anvil Centre.
* March 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon: The Changing Face of Journalism is a panel discussion that will look at the way the role of journalists and local newspapers has changed since the 1990s, especially in the age of digital news. Local panelists, including journalist Mario Bartel, will discuss their combined decades of experience telling stories and connecting communities. Register for this free program (barcode 16632) that takes place in the art studios on the fourth floor of Anvil Centre.
Sign me up:
You can register for the special events at www.anvilcentre.com (just go to the events calendar and follow the links), but you can pop into the New Westminster Museum to check out the exhibit anytime. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
What else is in the museum?
Located in Anvil Centre, the museum has a permanent gallery that look at 10,000 years of New Westminster history, ending in 2010. It also includes Gallery 7, a temporary smaller gallery space. If you’re still on the hunt for more info on the city’s history, you can visit the 1865 Irving House museum at 302 Royal Ave. Details about all the city’s museums can be found on the city’s website at www.newwestcity.ca – just search for arts and heritage in the Services link.
