Marguerite Lerouge Watson was all smiles on July 11 as a reading room at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery was named in her honour. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

open to public

Reading room at Red Deer museum dedicated to long-time volunteer

Jul 15, 2021 | 10:05 AM

The Marguerite Lerouge Watson Reading Room is now open for public use at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery.

A dedication ceremony was held on Sunday to name the room, which occupies the space formerly home to the Red Deer & District Archives.

“Marguerite Lerouge Watson has been a dedicated volunteer, advocate and donor for the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery since its establishment in 1972, a release from the museum says. “Her fascination with Red Deer’s history is inspiring and we encourage everyone who uses the Marguerite Lerouge Watson Reading Room to share in Marguerite’s passion for learning our history.”

The reading room now houses the museum’s reference library, which has holdings dating back to 1906. There are also magazines that date back to the early 1900s. The catalogue has been held previously at Red Deer Public Library, but the books haven’t been accessible.

“I am delighted that we are able to share this excellent resource with our community,” says Lorna Johnson, Executive Director. “Now the books are easily accessible, and there is a place for researchers to sit and examine the materials. We hope that this will encourage community members to explore our history and pursue their curiosity about the people, events and artifacts of the past.”

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More information is available by calling the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery at 587-797-4040.