Town of Penetanguishene receives funding for Heritage Project, Penetanguishene Angels
The Town of Penetanguishene is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded $ 272,913 from the Government of Canada through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program, Legacy Fund component, which will be used to re-establish the famous Penetanguishene Angels as the town’s gateway.
The project marks the 100th anniversary of the installation and dedication of the Penetanguishene Angels. They were erected at the town’s gateway in commemoration of the tercentenary anniversary (300 years) of the arrival of French explorer Samuel de Champlain to Penetanguishene in the year 1615.
“Penetanguishene has long been known for its angels. The Town is excited for this opportunity to re-establish them as the town’s gateway and restore that sense of arrival. The project will keep their story alive while serving to educate our youth and visitors about their significance in the Penetanguishene’s unique history,” says Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services.
Over recent years, the angels have become lost as the Town has built up around them. After consultation with the Town’s Heritage Advisory Committee as well as the public, a recommendation was made to move the angels to the true municipal border and re-establish the angels as the town’s gateway.
The project includes the creation of a small park, where the angels will be relocated, and the installation of signage to educate and commemorate the historical and cultural significance of the monuments.
“The Museum is pleased that the Town has been given funding to move the “Angels of Good Intentions” statues and give them more visibility at the entrance of our Town. The statues at the time and today represent the strong comradery in our town. With the enhancements planned at the new location, I hope more people can learn about the varied history of our Town” says Nicole Jackson, Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives Curator.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
"It is through projects like this one that communities learn more about their heritage and the cultural legacy of important monuments. We are proud to support the re-establishment of the Angels as the Town of Penetanguishene’s gateway," said the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez. “I am confident that this new park will encourage community members to come together and learn more about their rich history.”
