The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum: The Little Engine That Could | Jennifer Noxon
When The Ten Collective held its first show in 2018 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, many of the 1200 visitors (many of whom were locals) exclaimed, “I’ve never been here before! What a gorgeous space!” Indeed. And really? You’ve lived here for 20 + years and have NEVER been here? Wow.
The Encyclopedia Brittanica states that “The word museum has classical origins. In its Greek form, mouseion, it meant “seat of the Muses” and designated a philosophical institution or a place of contemplation.” For many years, when the word ‘museum’ came up in conversation, people immediately thought of history: people, places, objects and events from the past – a little stale and dusty. But the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, is a great example of how perceptions are shifting. It seems like many museums, like libraries, are really working at evolving into places that embrace both the past and the present.
The MVTM’s rich history, heritage building, and spaces are impressive. Renovations have been taking place for years, to make sure the heritage building is stable, the gallery spaces are comfortable (heating and cooling systems) and the programming engaging.
Setting up the show in 2018 in this awesome space!
In its own quiet but steadfast way, Executive Director/Curator Michael Rikley-Lancaster, the board, the staff, and a legion of volunteers have been broadening its philosophy and working at ways to attract a more diverse cross-section of the community. In addition to its mandate , the MVTM’s purpose is to “engage in diverse, inclusive storytelling about the textile industry’s profound effects on people, workers, and the natural world — preserving, interpreting, and revealing the unvarnished truths of our region’s heritage. Our safe, welcoming, and open spaces feature historical, contemporary, and artistic displays, inviting visitors to connect with our shared history and with each other.”
Furthermore, its vision is “to illuminate the intricate threads that bind us, celebrate the richness of diverse voices, and inspire a legacy of humanity and truth.” Wow. Now that is a vision.
2018 | our first show.
By the following list of diverse art exhibits/events the museum has organized and/or hosted in 2024, I would say, the MVTM is the ‘little engine that could’.
Art Exhibits
"Factory" by Robert Tombs
"Net-Work: Weaving a Human-Nature Connection” by Adrian Baker
"Woven by Hand: Contemporary Canadian Tapestries"
"The Canadian Library" - Mississippi Mills All My Relations
"Common Threads, Contrasting Cloths: Sue Clark & Judi Miller"
"Remembering / Reimagining: Celebrating 75 Years of the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild"
"Mississippi Mills Community Poppy Project"
Events
Soup for Thought(fullness) (fundraiser)
Unraveling History, Weaving Community (International Museum Day)
Textiles and the Stories They Tell (multicultural showcase and storytelling)
Fibrefest (two-day festival, fundraiser)
Reconciliation Through Art (Indigenous-led on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
Queer Up the Neighbourhood! (drag show and art auction, fundraiser)
Textiles and the Stories They Tell - Latin America (cultural showcase and storytelling)
I’ve been to the MVTM more often in recent years because it is offering events and exhibits that peak to my diverse interests and my curiosity. I am also now an annual member. I don’t think I’m alone. The word is spreading.
In 2018 we had 1200 visitors. We greeted over 2000 visitors in 2023.