Betsy Kline
Castlegar News
The Doukhobor Discovery Centre hosted a special exhibit viewing Saturday. On display were vintage Doukhobor textiles, some dating back more than 100 years, including pieces that came over with the original Doukhobor immigrants from Russia.
Doukhobor elder Laura Verigin has been the custodian of these artifacts for many years. At the age of 89, she is ready to pass the responsibility on to the next generation. “When I married into the Verigin family, I never knew what I would end up responsible for. Every year they need to be taken apart, aired, refolded and put back into their place. That is how they have been kept all these years,” explained Verigin. “I will be happy when they are out of my hands and with the community. I think that is where they should be.”
Verigin was a little overwhelmed after she had the chance to tour the new displays at the museum. “I though it was just gorgeous. She (Lisa Poznikoff, Chief Administrator of the museum) deserves credit, she did a wonderful job,” she said.
The event included a lovely tea and a fundraiser dedicated to purchasing a bench for the Doukhobor Discovery Centre grounds in honour of Laura and her late husband, Honorary Chairman of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ, John J Verigin.