On Saturday, MPP Laurie Scott met with the team at the Cannington and Area Historical Society to hear about the impact that an 18-month, $30,200 Resilient Communities Fund from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has had.
The grant, awarded in early 2024, was used for an Inventory and Automation project.
Over the course of the OTF grant, the society has done an inventory of its 1,800 artifacts that are located in eight different locations in the community. In addition, a dedicated room was created to house new shelving, and new archival storage solutions were purchased.
The grant was also used to buy personal protection equipment, needed inventory supplies, and it helped with the costs of internet and web services, and a customized, secure, cost-effective and user-friendly database, as well as embedding the Public Access Catalogue on its website.
The grant’s long-term impact has helped the society build on its resilience and sustainability so that it can continue to make local history accessible.
“Understanding and being able to share our collection will amplify the rich history of Cannington with stories woven together by our artifacts, people and places,” said Ted Foster, President, Cannington and Area Historical Society.
The Cannington and Area Historical Society works to Preserve the Past, Protect the Present and Enlighten the Future. The Historical Community Museum in MacLeod Park, established in 1978 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Village of Cannington, is home to locally rescued and restored buildings. A Canadian Northern Railway Station c. 1906 and Caboose c.1928 are featured.
The Blacksmith and Carriage Shop in its original downtown location, serves as a Museum and the head office.