NCAM receives government funding!

Cobourg, ON – October 6, 2020 – As Northumberland County moves closer to the launch of construction on the highly-anticipated new Golden Plough Lodge & Northumberland County Archives and Museum facility this fall, County Council is thrilled to share that the County will receive $432,406 from Canadian Heritage through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) towards the establishment of the Archives and Museum space. This funding will support the installation of specialized equipment such as exhibition lighting and multimedia systems, compact mobile shelving and public art.

“Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build vibrant communities,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “We are proud to support the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, so that it can continue its important work in making the area’s heritage, history and culture more tangible to residents and visitors.”

During initial planning for the redevelopment of the Golden Plough Lodge (GPL) long-term care home, Northumberland County identified an opportunity to create space in this new facility for the Northumberland County Archives & Museum (NCAM), whose mandate and collection has outgrown its current accommodations within the C. Gordon King Centre in Cobourg.

By pairing NCAM with the new GPL, Northumberland County is pursuing the development of an innovative new asset for the community. Anticipated to open to the public in January 2023, NCAM will ensure space to achieve mandated duties to preserve municipal records and deliver enhanced programming and exhibitions, increasing access to underrepresented local historical and cultural collections.

The facility will also include:

• A permanent display about the history of Northumberland County
• An expanded reading room for public research
• A processing & conservation lab
• A quarantine area for new/unprocessed artefacts/documents
• A gallery for community groups to showcase the stories they wish to tell

“This investment by the federal government is further recognition of the important role that cultural institutions play in engagement, education, and community-building,” states Northumberland County Warden Bob Sanderson. “The new 557.4 square meter NCAM facility will enable the expansion of local cultural programming and services; it will be a location where all will be welcome to visit, research, and explore the varied and nuanced stories that our community has to tell. On behalf of County Council, we sincerely appreciate the substantial injection of funding for this important project, which will help to ensure that Northumberland’s rich local history is preserved and featured for generations to come.”