By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County Archives will now be known as the Northumberland County Archives and Museum in order to capture the full scope of services it offers the community.
The name change also positions the operation for the enhanced programming and exhibitions that will be on offer to the community, once the collection moves to the new combined Golden Plough Lodge-Northumberland County Archives and Museum facility, due to be completed in the fall of 2022.
“The collecting activities of the county archives, from the very beginning, have involved the care and preservation of both documentary materials and artifacts,” Northumberland director of corporate services Lisa Ainsworth said in the county's press release..
“This name change signifies a heightened awareness of the opportunities created by embracing this dual identity, and the further recognition of the important role that cultural institutions play in engagement, education, and identity-building within our community.”
The press release listed services already available at the NCAM, including research support, access to artifacts and documents representing lives – historical and contemporary - from all over the county (including municipal records, family and genealogical records, property records, photos and maps), programming for young people (such as the Life in the 1800s in Northumberland County comprehensive lesson package for Grade 3), and engaging tours for small groups (which can be customized according to their particular interests).
That's for now. In the new space, so much more is possible.
The press release listed enhanced community programming for all age levels (including specialized programming for Golden Plough residents), a permanent display about the history of the county, changing exhibits about content important to local residents (developed in collaboration with community groups), an expanded reading room for public research, and a forum for community groups to showcase the stories they wish to tell.
The NCAM collection was built through the generous donation of materials by individuals and organizations. Staff strive to build a collection that represents the diverse experiences and histories of this area, and are available to answer questions about the primary sources NCAM is interested in collecting, and how to donate.
Warden John Logel stated in the press release that the archives exist to make historical investigation possible and promote accountability, transparency and diversity,.
”Likewise, museums, created in the public interest engage visitors in developing a deeper understanding of authentic cultural and natural heritage,” Logel continued.
“This name change is a natural realignment of the identity of this operation with the important functions it performs today for the community.”
Until the end of 2022, the NCAM will continue to operate within the C. Gordon King Centre at 200 Ontario St., Cobourg. At that time, the collection and staff will move into the new facility co-located with the new Golden Plough Lodge redevelopment.
For more information, visit Northumberland.ca/GPLandNCAM
