A West Gray primarily based historical past journal simply gained an Ontario Museum Affiliation Award.
The Marathon of Historical past was created by Durham’s Mat Johnson again in 2022, and after simply 10 points, its gained an OMA award for Excellence in Publications.
Johnson mentioned the unique inspiration to create the journal was to go on data he collected in his line of labor.
“I construct museum reveals and shows so these take lots of analysis and lots of background data,” he mentioned. “a pair years in the past I had simply achieved a number of and I acquired pondering, ‘this analysis is all type of going to waste, I might actually prefer to share it with anyone.’ In order that’s kind of the way it all took place, a purpose to share native historical past.”
Johnson collects tales from museums and contributors concerned about historical past from across the area and shares them within the quarterly publication. For instance, the latest Fall version shared spooky and paranormal artifacts from the Meaford Museum.
Johnson mentioned its just a little totally different than most historical past publications.
“I do assume it is distinctive in that the journal that I produce is for everyone,” he mentioned. “You do not have to be a PhD in historical past to learn the articles, like we attempt to write it so that they’re enjoyable to learn. This journal is for anyone that’s kind of concerned about historical past and does not need to spend 45 minutes studying an article however nonetheless desires to know what is going on on regionally. So there’s nothing actually prefer it round that I do know of.”
Together with telling tales essential to Midwestern Ontario, the publication permits Johnson to spotlight hidden gems.
“I like all museums, however I am actually a fan of the actually small, municipal-sized museums that perhaps do not get as a lot publicity,” mentioned Johnson. “These museums are actually nice to have within the journal, as a result of I hope individuals go ‘Oh, I did not notice there was a museum in Flesherton,’ after which they go go to it.”
The work highlighting native historical past resulted in Johnson and Marathon of Historical past, amassing the OMA award in an internet ceremony on Friday.
He mentioned he cannot make the publication alone, and thanked all those that contribute.
“Undoubtedly should thank my spouse Lauren, she edits it and she or he places up with my fixed speaking about historical past 24 hours a day, seven days every week,” mentioned Johnson. “Simply all of the museums which have been there from the beginning Bruce County Museum, Gray Roots, Huron County, there’s simply so many who I’ve to thank and I could not presumably consider them off the highest of my head.”
For those who need to try the journal, copies could be discovered at most native museum present outlets. It’s also possible to discover all the problems on-line at marathonofhistory.ca.
These concerned about contributing to the journal may also contact Johnson there.
