Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) received by the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) and the Virtual Exhibits Investment Program.

Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) (FAQ)

  1. I would like to find a passenger list for a ship that sailed to Canada. Where can I find this?
  2. I have an object or painting for which I would like to know the value. How can I find out more?
  3. I would like to link to your site and request that you link to my site.
  4. Why are some items in French and some in English?

1. I want to find a passenger list for a ship that sailed to Canada. Where can I find this information?

The Ship database, developed in response to the requirement of cultural resource managers to manage archaeological shipwrecks, contains information about ships that were registered in Canadian ports or sailed in Canadian waters. It does not contain detailed information such as passenger lists.

Please see the Library and Archives of Canada Genealogical reference site for references such as passenger lists.

2. I have an object or painting for which I would like to know the value. How can I find out more?

CHIN and its member museums do not offer appraisal services to the public. You should direct your question to a recognized antique dealer or professional art appraiser.

3. I would like to link to your site and request that you link to my site.

Information is available at our linking policy section.

4. Why are some items in French and some in English?

Access (i.e. search function, field names, explanatory text about Artefacts Canada) to all items or records is in English and French. However, the records in Artefacts Canada are in the language of the institution that contributes them.

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Virtual Exhibits Investment Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What changes have been made for the most recent Call for Proposals?

A: Beginning with the winter 2013 Call for Proposals, the Virtual Exhibits Investment Program is introducing two exciting new changes to the program.

First, the Program is offering its members two options when considering submitting a proposal:

  1. Thematic stream – members may select topics from a list of identified commemorative events leading up to Canada's sesquicentennial in 2017: A list of identified commemorative events eligible for the thematic stream has been posted for your reference as based on the Government of Canada's Annex C: Key Milestone Anniversaries on the Road to 2017. Additional details about the thematic option can be found in the Program Guidelines.
  2. Regular stream - members will continue to have the option of submitting a proposal through the "regular" stream.

Secondly, CHIN member organizations are encouraged to adopt mobile-friendly website design.

Please note that due to planned updates to the VMC Teachers' Centre the creation of learning object collections and lesson plans will not be required through this Call for Proposals. Additionally, CHIN has recently conducted a survey of content gaps on the VMC, in order to determine which subjects/ themes are under represented. Beginning with this Call for Proposals a list of these gaps is available for your reference in Annex D: List of Content Gaps on the Virtual Museum of Canada.

Q: Where can I find information about optimizing a virtual exhibit for mobile?

A: A series of information sheets have been prepared to provide additional details about mobile optimization:

Q: What commemorative events are eligible as proposals for the new "thematic" stream of the Virtual Exhibits Program?

A: A list of identified commemorative events eligible for the thematic option has been posted for your reference as based on the Government of Canada's Annex C: Key Milestone Anniversaries on the Road to 2017. Additional details about the thematic option can be found in the Program Guidelines.

Q: Can I still submit a proposal on a subject other than the identified themes?

A: Yes. In addition to the new "thematic" stream for submitting a proposal, members will continue to have the option of submitting a proposal through the "regular" stream.

Q: Why are learning object collections and lesson plans no longer part of the Virtual Exhibits Investment Program?

A: Plans are underway to update the VMC Teachers' Centre to improve access for students, teachers and lifelong learners and ensure that the Centre continues to meet the expectations of its users, as well as conforming to Government of Canada accessibility standards. The new version of the Teachers' Centre is anticipated to be ready in 2014. Until then, the existing content will remain available online.

Q: Why are you asking me whether my proposal fills any gaps in the VMC's content?

A: As part of its ongoing work to improve the VMC, CHIN has undertaken a gaps analysis of the site's content, to determine which important subject areas are currently not sufficiently covered. We are asking our members to assist us in this effort by identifying whether their proposed exhibits address the gaps that we have discovered.

Q: Who do I contact for additional information?

A:
Canadian Heritage Information Network
15 Eddy Street, 7th Floor(15-7-A)
Gatineau, Quebec
Canada  K1A 0M5
Telephone:
(819) 994-1200
Toll-free:
1-800-520-2446 (Canada and the U.S.)
Fax:
(819) 994-9555
Email:
service@rcip-chin.gc.ca
Teletypewriter* (toll-free):
1-888-997-3123