rev-digital-FINAL-PRESS-2023-PAGES-AHCC-QUARTER-BLEED - Flipbook - Page 92
ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Crystal
Cave
Mineral Exhibit Wins Award
In June 2018, John and Julia Breckenridge opened the spectacular Crystal Cave Mineral Exhibit in South River, Ontario. The
Exhibit consists of the extensive, fantastic personal rock, mineral and fossil collection of these passionate rockhounds who have
been collecting specimens for over 60 years. Since 2018, it has been enjoyed by thousands of people of all ages who have left
enthusiastic notes in the guest book, such as “breathtaking”, “the kids were amazed”, “what a wonderful experience”, and “so glad
you shared your collection for all to see”. The displays are arranged artistically and are punctuated by extra special and supersized specimens from the region and around the world, adding to the “wow” factor.
The Mineral Exhibit is far from just a static display, however. Julia, John and trained assistants lead guided tours that bring the
Exhibit to life. Visitors can perform experiments, enjoy interactive experiences, learn about the composition and other attributes
of rocks and minerals, inspire fossils to come to life through augmented reality, make rocks and minerals change colour in the
large fluorescent room, and much more. Hundreds of school children and teachers have enjoyed unique ways to learn about
rocks, minerals and fossils with John and Julia at the Exhibit and in their classroom. For all of these reasons, the Central Canadian
Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CCFMS) presented John and Julia Breckenridge and the Crystal Cave Mineral Exhibit with
the “Outstanding Public Education Award” in 2022. The CCFMS is the voice of more than 2,000 people from 21 rock, mineral and
fossil clubs across Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec.
Photography by Kate Hood
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