Canadian Ski Museum
Encyclopedia
The Canadian Ski Museum (French: Le Musée canadien du ski) is a museum in Ottawa
, Ontario, located upstairs in the Trailhead building on Scott Street. It was founded in 1971 by a dedicated group of volunteers and ski
enthusiasts. Shortly thereafter, in 1975 the museum was incorporated.
The museum’s founders recognized the rapid expansion and development of the sport of skiing
over the years; this inspired them to collect not only the material and artifacts related to skiing, but also the various stories associated with the early years. These artifacts and stories remain to be the foundation from which the museum has built its world-class collection.
Upon the museum's opening, Herman 'Jackrabbit' Smith-Johannsen http://www.skimuseum.ca/biodata.php?lang=en&id=123 acted as the Patron of the Canadian Ski Museum, and donated several of his prize possessions to the collection. Within the museum exhibit is an area devoted to ‘Jackrabbit’, the protagonist and practitioner of cross country and wilderness skiing who lived and breathed skiing for 111 years of his legendary life.
The Canadian Ski Museum’s unparalleled collection of artifacts and archival holdings are a priceless part of Canadian cultural heritage. Since the Museum’s beginnings, the collection has continued to grow, and the presentations of displays and stories about the history of skiing in Canada have increased. The museum has an incredible collection of photographs, memorabilia, skis, poles and ski clothing donated by skiers, all devoted to preserving the memory of Canada's skiing past.
At present, volunteers supported by a small paid staff, carry out the Museum’s activities. The Museum relies on the support of friends and donors to continue to preserve and present Canadian Ski Heritage.
The Canadian Ski Museum established the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame
in 1982 http://www.skimuseum.ca/famealpha.php?lang=en. Since the creation of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame over 140 people have been inducted. The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame honours the pioneers, competitors, builders and industry personnel that have contributed significantly to Canada’s skiing/snowboarding heritage.
The Canadian Ski Museum is a registered Canadian Charity and governed by a Board of Directors, operating through the Chair of the Board and an Executive Committee. The Canadian Ski Museum is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Ski ("FIS") the International Ski Federation
.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Ontario, located upstairs in the Trailhead building on Scott Street. It was founded in 1971 by a dedicated group of volunteers and ski
Ski
A ski is a long, flat device worn on the foot, usually attached through a boot, designed to help the wearer slide smoothly over snow. Originally intended as an aid to travel in snowy regions, they are now mainly used for recreational and sporting purposes...
enthusiasts. Shortly thereafter, in 1975 the museum was incorporated.
The museum’s founders recognized the rapid expansion and development of the sport of skiing
Skiing
Skiing is a recreational activity using skis as equipment for traveling over snow. Skis are used in conjunction with boots that connect to the ski with use of a binding....
over the years; this inspired them to collect not only the material and artifacts related to skiing, but also the various stories associated with the early years. These artifacts and stories remain to be the foundation from which the museum has built its world-class collection.
Upon the museum's opening, Herman 'Jackrabbit' Smith-Johannsen http://www.skimuseum.ca/biodata.php?lang=en&id=123 acted as the Patron of the Canadian Ski Museum, and donated several of his prize possessions to the collection. Within the museum exhibit is an area devoted to ‘Jackrabbit’, the protagonist and practitioner of cross country and wilderness skiing who lived and breathed skiing for 111 years of his legendary life.
The Canadian Ski Museum’s unparalleled collection of artifacts and archival holdings are a priceless part of Canadian cultural heritage. Since the Museum’s beginnings, the collection has continued to grow, and the presentations of displays and stories about the history of skiing in Canada have increased. The museum has an incredible collection of photographs, memorabilia, skis, poles and ski clothing donated by skiers, all devoted to preserving the memory of Canada's skiing past.
At present, volunteers supported by a small paid staff, carry out the Museum’s activities. The Museum relies on the support of friends and donors to continue to preserve and present Canadian Ski Heritage.
The Canadian Ski Museum established the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame
Canadian Ski Hall of Fame
The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame was created by the Canadian Ski Museum in 1982 to honour skiing pioneers, competitors, coaches, officials, and builders.-A:*Dennis Adkin, 1983**Pierre Alain, 1984*Verne Anderson, 1990**Peter Andrews, 1994...
in 1982 http://www.skimuseum.ca/famealpha.php?lang=en. Since the creation of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame over 140 people have been inducted. The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame honours the pioneers, competitors, builders and industry personnel that have contributed significantly to Canada’s skiing/snowboarding heritage.
The Canadian Ski Museum is a registered Canadian Charity and governed by a Board of Directors, operating through the Chair of the Board and an Executive Committee. The Canadian Ski Museum is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Ski ("FIS") the International Ski Federation
International Ski Federation
The International Ski Federation, known by its name in French, Fédération Internationale de Ski is the main international organisation for ski sports...
.
Sources
- Virtual Museum of Canada http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/CommunityMemories/ACUS/000a/Exhibits/English/index.html
- Pacific Rim Snow Sports Alliance http://www.pacificrimalliance.org/F.PublicAffairs/SkiHistory/museums.html
- Canadian Museum of Civilization http://www.civilization.ca/hist/biography/biographi243e.html
- International Skiing Heritage Association http://skiinghistory.org/museums.html
See also
- Pierre HarveyPierre HarveyPierre Harvey, is a Canadian sports athlete. He was the first Canadian male athlete to compete in both the 1984 Summer Olympics and 1984 Winter Olympics ....
- Jackrabbit Johannsen
- Nancy GreeneNancy GreeneNancy Catherine Greene, OC, OBC, OD is a Canadian Senator for British Columbia and a champion alpine skier voted as Canada's Female Athlete of the 20th Century...
- Canadian Ski Patrol SystemCanadian Ski Patrol SystemThe Canadian Ski Patrol System is an organization made up of over 5000 volunteer and paid alpine skiers, telemark skiers, snow boarders, and Nordic skiers that provides safety and rescue services...