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.

Virtual Exhibits Investment Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Note: As of Fall 2008, all proposals to the VMC Virtual Exhibits Program must include the creation of a complementary learning object collection and a lesson plan based on the proposed production.

The following list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed to help clarify the changes to the program.

Q: What do the following terms mean in the context of the VMC Investment Programs – “production”, “exhibit or game”, “learning object”, “learning object collection”, and “lesson plan”?

A: Definitions:

  • “Production” - An online exhibit or game with a related learning object collection and lesson plan, all on the same topic, or covering the same subject matter.
  • “Exhibits and Games” - Stand-alone online products in which the content provides a complete story or experience.
  • “Learning object” - An educational resource consisting of one or more digital assets (image, text, audio, video or Flash element) in combination with one or more learning objectives.
  • “Learning Object Collection” - A minimum of five learning objects on the same subject created by using a specialized tool available on the CHIN web site.
  • “Lesson plan” - An educational resource which incorporates the Learning Object Collection and is created by an accredited educator using the tools available in the VMC Teachers' Centre.

Q: Why do the learning object collection and lesson plan need to be created using the online tools provided by CHIN?

A: The tool provided ensures that the learning resources are created in a modular way which will allow them to be used interactively. Teachers and students will be able to use them in pre-arranged groupings as created by member museums, or re-group them into new resources themselves. Visit the The VMC Teachers' Centre to see how this is done!

Q: What other changes have been made to the program?

A: CHIN members proposing to the use of Web 2.0 technologies in their exhibits (blogs, wikis, etc.) can now request investment to support the implementation of these technologies into a product. Once the product is launched however, the on-going costs of these technologies must be covered by the institution and/or its partners. Members are also asked to identify the specific technologies which they propose using and how these technologies will be managed.

Q: Who do I contact for additional information?

A: Canadian Heritage Information Network
15 Eddy Street, (15-4-A)
Gatineau, Quebec
Canada K1A 0M5

Tel: (819) 994-1200
Toll-free: 1-800-520-2446 (Canada and the U.S.)
Fax: (819) 994-9555
Email: service@chin.gc.ca
Teletypewriter* (toll-free): 1-888-997-3123