Once upon a time…

The Young McCord Committee is proud to announce that $20,099 was collected this year for the Once Upon a Time campaign.

Your dontation will allow thousands of children to discover the toys and decorative items from the McCord Museum’s collection in the Topsy-Turvy Storyland. These artefacts will bring to life the wonderful tales of Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid. The children will be the heroes of this unique and interactive exhibition!

Come visit the McCord Museum to discover the toys and see the impact of your contribution!

I missed the campaign, what is Once Upon a Time?
The Young McCord Committee launched Once Upon a Time, in order to raise the required funds to restore toys and decorative objects from the McCord Museum collection in order for them to bring our favourite fairy tales to life at the Museum’s annual toy exhibition, The Topsy-Turvy Storyland.

Why does the McCord Museum need you?
We need you to help us restore the toys so we can share them with children through the Museum’s enchanting exhibition The Topsy-Turvy Storyland. As a contributor to the project, you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to the exhibition premiere to see the tangible impact of your donation. Be part of a happy ending. Help the Museum restore the toys and bring a unique adventure to the next generation!

What will be involved in the conservation treatment of the toys?
Each object selected for The Topsy-Turvy Storyland will undergo a full conservation assessment to better understand its history, condition and composition so we can determine the best way preserve the artefact. Treatment of an object can include documentation, cleaning, the stabilization of fragile elements, the repair of damaged material or the replacement of missing parts, as well as specific recommendations for display.

Why is conservation important?
The Conservation Department is at the heart of the McCord’s mandate to preserve, study and present its collections. Conservators are dedicated, trained professionals who are passionate about our material history. Their expertise allows us to better understand the place of objects in our history and the relevance of these artefacts today. Most importantly, the team’s work makes the objects accessible, allowing our visitors to delight in and learn from our collections.

What is included in the budget?
1) Materials and tools for conservation work
2) Conservation staff
Research that allows the Museum to make informed decisions about conserving objects
Treatment and documentation of objects
3) Consultation with specialists