A captivating documentary shedding light on the meticulous restoration efforts at the pet cemetery in Aurora has clinched a prestigious international accolade.
Titled “Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery: Uncovering History,” the film secured the gold award in the museums and galleries – non-broadcast category at the esteemed Telly Awards.
Produced in collaboration with the Aurora Museum and Archives, the documentary offers a poignant portrayal of the museum staff’s endeavors in cataloging the resting places of over 800 named pets within the cemetery’s grounds.
The documentary features the dedicated work of Michelle Johnson and Jeremy Hood, both integral members of the Aurora Museum and Archives team, who spearheaded the restoration project.
Their efforts encompassed the delicate task of rediscovering displaced headstones, aided by archival imagery and ground-penetrating radar to delineate the cemetery’s original boundaries.
“We’re not merely restoring a pet cemetery; we’re also narrating a profoundly significant tale of individuals from the 1930s to the 1970s and their profound attachment to this hallowed ground,” remarked Johnson.
“Given that Happy Woodland likely stands as Canada’s inaugural pet cemetery, we shoulder a significant responsibility to restore this unparalleled site to its former glory,” she added.
Originally established by Victor Blochin and Anne Wilson, who acquired the Yonge Street property in the late 1920s, the Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery holds a unique place in Aurora’s history.
Expressing his elation, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas stated in a news release, “I am absolutely thrilled that this documentary has garnered global recognition. The pet cemetery here in Aurora stands as one of the most distinctive facets of our heritage, and we have long been committed to preserving and showcasing its captivating narrative.”
Highlighting excellence in video and television, the Telly Awards receives an impressive influx of over 12,000 submissions annually.
Directed and produced by Tracey and Tom Strnad, affiliated with the Mountain Goat Film Company based in The Blue Mountains, the film serves as a testament to the dedicated efforts aimed at immortalizing the legacy of Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery for generations to come.
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