New Archives and Museum facility opens in Cobourg

Photo courtesy of Northumberland County.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Northumberland County has officially opened its new Archives and Museum. The 6000 square-foot facility opened with a new Indigenous exhibition “Gidinawendimin”, an exhibition exploring the beauty and resilience of the first language and culture of these local lands – that of the Michi Saagiig. This exhibition was developed under the guidance of e wiindmaagzijig, a circle of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and language teachers who worked closely with County staff to help shape how Michi Saagiig language and culture are shared with visitors.

“Our language is more than words put together - it is the heart and soul of our people,” stated Melody Crowe, Elder, Alderville First Nation. “It carries our values, our way of seeing the world and a connection to our ancestors. As visitors experience Gidinawendimin, we hope they see the beauty of our language and understand how deeply it is connected to who we are. We are very thankful for the opportunity to share this part of who we are and to help carry our language forward for future generations.”

The Archives and Museum is located in the same facility as the new Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home in Cobourg.

“The newly built NCAM facility is a new home for the stories, records and objects that help us understand who we are and where we have come from,” stated Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “Our collections will be given the care they deserve while creating new opportunities for people to explore Northumberland’s history. It is also a place where we can continue to build relationships and create space for the histories and experiences of the many communities that make up Northumberland.”