Members of the media are invited to an interview opportunity on Tuesday, December 19th at 10 am at the Galt Museum & Archives, 502 1 Street S, Lethbridge, AB. The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives President, Glenn Coulter, will be present to answer your questions.

Lethbridge — In a heartwarming display of gratitude, The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives has undertaken initiatives to recognize and honour Mary Oordt for her exceptional dedication to both The Friends of the Galt and the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (eternal gathering place) over her remarkable 22+ years of involvement.

Firstly, the "Friends of the Galt Boardroom" at the Galt has been rechristened as the "Mary Oordt Friends of the Galt Boardroom," a fitting tribute to her tireless service.

Additionally, in celebration of Mary's commitment to education and community engagement, the Friends of the Galt and the Galt Museum & Archives have jointly established "The Mary Oordt Educational Bursary Fund." To kickstart this initiative, the Friends of the Galt have pledged $10,000, ensuring its sustainability for a minimum of ten years. The fund aims to assist elementary schools in southwestern Alberta by providing bursaries, each valued at $200. These bursaries will cover the costs of transportation and program fees, enabling students to participate in Galt Museum & Archives or Fort Whoop-Up programs.

Anticipated to be available in 2024, the program plans to award five bursaries annually. The criteria for applicants are currently in development, reflecting the collaborative effort between the Friends of the Galt and the Galt Museum & Archives. Beyond the initial commitment, both organizations are dedicated to ongoing fundraising efforts to replenish the principal, ensuring the fund's perpetual availability.

"Mary's unwavering dedication to the Galt Museum & Archives and its Friends Society, where she held the esteemed position of a founding member, was truly remarkable. Her tireless efforts benefited both organizations immensely," remarks Glenn Coulter, President of The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives. "As a professional in the field of education, Mary was particularly passionate about fostering educational opportunities for young students. The inception of the Educational Bursary Fund by the Friends of the Galt and the Galt itself stands as a testament to her enduring commitment and profound influence."

In a gesture of transparency and community connection, a comprehensive database and reports will be created to showcase the institutions benefiting from the fund. These annual updates will be shared with Mary Oordt's family, further emphasizing the enduring impact of her contributions.

These initiatives, though small in comparison to Mary's immense dedication, stand as a testament to the community's appreciation for her remarkable service to the Friends of the Galt and the Galt Museum & Archives. The ripple effect of these educational endeavours will undoubtedly enrich the lives of countless students, echoing Mary's legacy for years to come.

Mary Oordt passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 84 years.

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This media release can be found at www.galtmuseum.com/news.

Media Contacts

Glenn Coulter
President,
The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives
E-mail: 2coulter@telus.net
Telephone:  403-394-0888
Cell:  403-795-4285