The Ladysmith Museum is striking a chord with local history lovers as it welcomes visitors to its latest feature exhibit, The Beat Goes On: Ladysmith’s History and Music.
The exhibit explores the community’s rich musical legacy, from pre-contact First Nation songs to modern-day rock ’n’ roll, through the many voices and cultures that have shaped the town.
“The exhibit brings Ladysmith’s history to life like you have never heard before,” said the Ladysmith & District Historical Society in a press release. Visitors can expect a wide-ranging soundtrack of local voices and stories, including “First Nation songs, tragic laments, airs of defiance, opera and rock ’n’ roll performed by local artists.”
The opening day celebration on June 14 featured Stz’uminus Elder George Harris Sr. and live music from Ryan McMahon, the Dusty Road Duo, Chris Burness and special guest David Gogo. The garden concert was followed by cake, courtesy of the Ladysmith Maritime Society, which was also marking its 40th anniversary.
The Beat Goes On is an expansive digital project developed over several years by the historical society with support from Digital Museums Canada. In addition to the in-person exhibit, there is an online exhibit which includes more than 20 story pages of archival photos, videos and soundbites.
Quentin Goodbody, president of the historical society and lead researcher for the project, called the exhibit “a wonderful, fun, and unique way to illustrate the complex multicultural history and artistic talent of our community.”
In related good news, the museum is now wheelchair accessible via a new ramp.
View The Beat Goes On: Ladysmith’s History and Music in person at the Ladysmith Museum, 721 First Ave., or check out the online display.
