A project that seemed to lose steam a decade ago could potentially be back on track.

The Maple Ridge Historical Society will host a workshop that will revisit plans from 10 years ago to design and build a new museum.

Two museum experts, Ian McLellan and Brent Cooke, who have nearly 90 years collectively in museum development projects, will lead the workshop.

“I think this will give us some direction. What should we be doing now? What will it take to have the municipality commit the operating funds?”

McLellan has a resume spanning 50 years in the museum world and he has been involved in development projects at every level – from community museums to the massive Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Cooke spent more than 30 years at the Royal BC Museum, specializing in their natural history and First Nations displays, including the fabulous “Out of the Mist” display on the Nu-chal-nuth peoples of Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Cooke has since done a lot of work with KARO design, which is the firm the museum worked with when the initial concept design for the new museum was developed.

“These two fellows have offered to come in and speak to us. We are extraordinarily lucky to get them. This will be an excellent opportunity to find out how the museum world works and how we can re-vitalize our stalled project,” said Patenaude.

The workshop takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Heritage Church Hall. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.