The Shared Legacy - Pete n' Catharine
The story of Peter and Catharine Whyte and their legacy is just one of the many stories in the new Gateway to the Rockies exhibition being developed by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. We want your input and feedback on this permanent (ten year life) exhibition that we are planning to open at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in the spring of 2012. Tell us what you think of this and the other concepts and stories featured here. Let us know how you think we could make this exhibition more interesting. Please keep in mind that this is a draft of the storyline, not the finished product. As the stories develop, information will be updated.
Listen to Michale Lang (Executive Director, Whyte Museum), discussing
The Shared Legacy exhibition:
From Boston to the banks of the Bow River, a life of romance, inspiration and adventure flourished between a young debutante from a distinguished New England family and a small town artist and outdoorsman. From their secret courtship at art school to the life Catharine left behind and Peter’s excitement in bringing her to his home town in the mountains, Pete n’ Catharine followed their passion for art while making a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout their years together, producing and understanding art was a common bond that held the two together on a single course. As they grew older, the Whytes became further convinced of the importance of place, and turned their energies and resources towards building a centre that would nurture and preserve the rich cultural traditions of their mountain community. They engaged eminent architect, Philippe de la Salle to design a building worthy of its setting. Peter and Catharine’s spirit lives in the memories of the lives they have touched, the thousands of letters written, the collections of artifacts, art and archival materials that they had the generosity and foresight to preserve by creating the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. In a speech at the Museum’s annual “Back to Banff Day” in June 1978, Catharine stated,
“We want it always to be a friendly and pleasant place where everyone is welcome - Banff residents and visitors from all over the world. We especially hope that young people will learn from the history of their past and appreciate the beauty around them.”
Their generosity has attracted others such as the Vaux family, to contribute significant collections. Their spirit lives on.
Listen to Michale Lang (Executive Director, Whyte Museum), discussing
The Shared Legacy exhibition:
 |
| Peter and Catharine Whyte in from of their home in Banff, (V683-I.C.3-1(pd)), Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies |
Throughout their years together, producing and understanding art was a common bond that held the two together on a single course. As they grew older, the Whytes became further convinced of the importance of place, and turned their energies and resources towards building a centre that would nurture and preserve the rich cultural traditions of their mountain community. They engaged eminent architect, Philippe de la Salle to design a building worthy of its setting. Peter and Catharine’s spirit lives in the memories of the lives they have touched, the thousands of letters written, the collections of artifacts, art and archival materials that they had the generosity and foresight to preserve by creating the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. In a speech at the Museum’s annual “Back to Banff Day” in June 1978, Catharine stated,
“We want it always to be a friendly and pleasant place where everyone is welcome - Banff residents and visitors from all over the world. We especially hope that young people will learn from the history of their past and appreciate the beauty around them.”
Their generosity has attracted others such as the Vaux family, to contribute significant collections. Their spirit lives on.
To make your donation to the Gateway to the Rockies exhibition or any of our Giving Programs, please visit http://www.whyte.org/ and click "Get Involved."
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