Coordinator Betty Robertson (left) and tutor Lori Scott prepare to be interviewed about the project by Carmen Kilburn from Cable TV Community Channel.

Fredericton Literacy Project
Betty Robertson, Coordinator

The partnership between the York-Sunbury Museum and the Literacy Council of Fredericton began in the fall of 1996 and concluded in deep winter. Despite the chilly temperatures in a 150-year-old museum, formerly an officers' barracks, the atmosphere surrounding the project was inviting, warm and friendly. The initial enthusiasm of the volunteer adult learners and tutors was exceeded only by the project's productive results. The open and friendly welcome extended by the museum staff ensured a comfortable, safe atmosphere that allowed everyone to take risks and set challenges.

From the out-set, it was clear that the choice of activities was diverse and far-reaching. Learners could record oral histories, make discovery boxes, enhance present exhibits, set up displays, prepare museum brochures and create labels. As the work progressed, the roles of the tutors and learners evolved to the point where we all became adult learners, and the distinctions between tutor and learner became less and less obvious. While the "experts" were the ones who had done the research, we all needed to work on editing, plain language skills and the computer. Learners had their own schedules, but we all tried to meet as a group once a week for conversation and refreshments and to prepare a newsletter that updated our activities and gave us a sense of community.

The group was constantly energized by the project to the extent that it expanded outside the museum and into the larger community. This involvement began when we opened the Oral History Workshop to the general public. Two participants and the coordinator decided to involve the schools, nursing homes, GED

classes and seniors. A publicity package was prepared and presented and then groups were invited for a complimentary visit to the museum. Follow-up visits encouraged participants to contribute to the museum's summer anniversary exhibit "65 Years of Community." Oral accounts, First Nations history, family stories and treasures continue to arrive even though the literacy project is "officially" finished. The learners will return to help set tip and later take down the exhibit. Throughout the project, we also capitalized on generous publicity opportunities, including a 30-minute video for cable, which highlighted the project, the museum and literacy. The local media recognized the unique nature and great potential of our initiative.

When we look at this "Reading the Museum" project in hindsight, we see a project that started with a single goal and a key group of 12 people using the museum as a resource. By the end it had developed into a multilayered and multi-dimensional effort that called on the community to share in an exhibit recording their living history. As a group, we are surprised at the scope of the undertaking. It grew as we grew and seemed to take on a life of its own. Only dedicated, talented learners and tutors inspired by the positive reactions from everyone who came in contact with the endeavour could have produced such a result.

An 80-page handbook of ideas, projects, hands-on material and general information about our effort has been produced. Thanks to an invitation from NALD, the National Adult Literacy Data Base, the handbook will also be available on the Reading the Museum Web page. A team of learners from the project is also available to offer a workshop based on their experience to interested groups and individuals in the Fredericton area.

Yvonne Westall and Paulie Das found china that needed to be repaired and another activity began.