Although the YMCA building now stands empty following its recent closure, more than a few pieces of its history will be preserved in the Heritage Collection at the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery.
The MJMAG claimed around 75 items for their vault, including the contents of the display cases in the main entrance of the building and the stained glass panels above those cases.
Vivian Barber, preparator at the MJMAG, listed a number of items that hold significance to the YMCA’s 114-year history: several photographs, the YMCA Membership cup, a wooden paddle commemorating the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and a set of serving spoons that were presented to the Lieutenant Governor in 1909 at the laying of the YMCA’s cornerstone.
Some of these items will be used in a permanent exhibit to commemorate the history of the YMCA, and the rest will be preserved in the collection's vault for future use.
Barber hopes to have the YMCA exhibit ready for display within the next year, to be installed in the Heritage Gallery at the MJMAG.
The Heritage and Art Collections at the MJMAG have over 9,000 pieces that have been either collected or donated over the years. This includes artworks, memorabilia, paperwork, and other items important to the city’s history.
It is important to preserve pieces of history, agreed Barber, and people have a clear interest in seeing their city’s history saved.
“To preserve things as time has gone on, to have a record of what we did and where we’re going, it’s kind of [important],” said Barber. “And it’s interesting for people to come down, and see some things that they haven't seen for a while or maybe they didn't know about.”
The future of the YMCA building is currently facing the possibility of demolition, but the components saved at the MJMAG will keep at least part of the organization alive for the community.
