A moving and interactive exhibition offers a “different, authentic and feminine view” into how women have contributed to society opens next weekend at the Train Station Museum in Temiscaming, Que.
“Through the 20th century, the pulp and paper sector has remained an important contributor to the development of the Canadian industry and, as a result, has shaped the identity of thousands of Canadians,” states a media release. “Women of Paper offers a female perspective on a predominantly male industry. Through interactive modules and digital devices, we look at the place held by women in Quebec’s paper and forestry industry during the second half of the 20th century.”
The exhibition is part of the Temiscaming’s 100th anniversary celebration this year and it runs until October 1.
Compliance with public health guidelines concerning the pandemic must be maintained while inside the museum. Wearing a mask is required at all times inside the museum. To secure your appointment, contact the museum through its Facebook page or email [email protected]
The exhibition includes screenings of poignant testimonies brimming with anecdotes, as well as various interactive stations. It will lead visitors to discover the daily lives of women from different backgrounds, whether they are housewives, cooks in the forest camps, or paper sorters at the mill.
Their life stories, often aligned with their husbands’, are intertwined, providing an interesting backdrop to the visitors who, at the end of the exhibition, will be able to appreciate the extent of their contribution to the industry.
“From the papermaker’s daughter to the site nurse, these paper women will lead them to their findings,” it states. “Sometimes, they will make the visitors laugh, but above all, they will be a reminder of how far they have come.”
The best home remedies will be shared at the Femmes en forêt station. At the Femmes en usine station, the challenge will be to
type, using an old typewriter, a letter dictated by an English-speaking boss. The Femmes de soutien station will allow visitors to compare their daily routine with a 1960s housewife’s day-to-day. In addition, the visit will be complemented by digital devices offering exclusive content.
Women of Paper
was created by Boréalis and is presented in collaboration with the city of Temiscaming, the MRCT and the Ministry of Culture and Communications.
Free admission all weekend upon presentation of the Centennial official magazine (one copy per family).
The first of four magazine issue was published late last week. It’s a project led by the Musée de la gare, which speaks as much about heritage as about current issues related to Temiscaming’s unique community.
“We felt it was important to give First nations and women a voice in this issue. You will find an article echoing the exhibition presented at the museum, led by Manal Drissi, which portrays the place of Temiscaming women in the forest industry, an article written by the cultural leader in the Algonquin community of Wolf Lake, based in large part on the words of the many elders who contributed to the project, a poignant report on the history of the paper industry that led to the founding of the city,” it said, noting the four-part report continues in each edition.
The magazine is available to purchase on the Centennial online store as well as from select retail partners.
Dave Dale is a Local Journalism Reporter with BayToday.ca. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.
