A rye box that was a part of the 100 Years, 100 Artefacts exhibit at the Niagara Historical Museum.

Over the years, the definition of a museum has evolved. Once the place to showcase specimens from around the world, or oddities that defy nature, the museum of the 21st century encompasses much more. The current definition by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is that a museum is "an institution in the service of society and of its development". Every year ICOM celebrates International Museums Day on May 18. Alissandra Cummins, President of ICOM states: "While traditionally museums are known for their collections, more and more museums are taking an active key role in exploring social issues with communities to contribute to their development."

At the heart of this is the collection, which allows the creation of dialogue and interpretation of our past and looks for ways to change society for the better in the future. It is interesting to see the work done by museum professionals around the world and in your back yard. This year, on May 18, visit a museum (the Niagara Historical Society Museum is admission by donation on the 18th).

Or maybe you want to see what museums are doing with new technology.

Just recently, the 2008 Best on the Web awards were presented. There are some great new sites that one can check out - www.archimuse.com/mw2008/.

For more on activities in Ontario, the Ontario Museums Association created, "May is Museum Month". For a listing of over 200 museums and many events in the month of May check out their site at http://www.museumsontario.com/mmweb/ .

For more about the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake, call Managing Director Clark Bernat or staff at Niagara Historical Society Museum. Visit the Niagara Historical Museum at 43 Castlereagh Street, or its website at www.niagarahistorical.museum