Bob Holliday believes that buying a piece of history is an investment in the future of a local museum.  

Organizers at St. Vital Museum — which is operated by the St. Vital Historical Society out of the old fire at St. Mary’s Rd. — are now selling their 2013 fundraising calendar.

"It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year," said Holliday, who is also the museum’s president.

"We’re totally volunteer-driven, so we need donations to keep going. They make good stocking stuffers."

The calendar — which features various images of St. Vital through the years — costs $5 or $10 for three. It’s available at the museum or by mail, Holliday said, noting Dakota Pharmacy and Top Hat Florists provided financial support for the project.

Holliday said the museum will be open on Sat., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to accommodate the holiday season crowd. It’s usually only open on Saturdays, but closed during the Christmas break.

Its popularity is also gaining, according to Holliday. This year, it has had almost 800 visitors so far, which is the second highest annual attendance since it opened in 2008.

"I think more and more people are becoming interested," Holliday said, noting organizers are also in discussion with Louis Riel School Division to develop a series of historical presentations for students.

"There’s so much history in this area and we’re still discovering more."

For more information, visit www.svhs.ca or email svhs@svhs.ca.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com