A generous donation from local philanthropist Stewart Richardson has made history at the Northumberland County Archives and Museum (NCAM).
The County announced that NCAM’s main exhibition gallery will be named in Richardson’s honour – marking the museum’s first-ever private sponsorship. His donation will support the creation of NCAM’s inaugural exhibit, which opens this fall alongside the museum’s new building on Courthouse Road in Cobourg.
“History has always fascinated me,” said Richardson, a longtime Northumberland County resident. “Having worked closely with the NCAM staff, I’ve found their hard work and dedication inspiring – and it’s for these reasons I’ve made this donation.”
The upcoming exhibit, Gidinawendimin, which means All Our Relations, will explore Anishinaabemowin in the Michi Saagiig dialect, the first predominant language spoken in this territory.
“This sponsorship is not only a significant cultural investment,” said County Warden Brian Ostrander, “it reflects the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that shape our community and honour the histories of Indigenous peoples on this land.”
NCAM Archivist Abigail Miller says Richardson’s support has helped build momentum for the museum since its early planning days. “It is incredibly meaningful to name the gallery after someone so passionate about local history,” she said.
The NCAM facility will share space with the County’s long-term care home, the Golden Plough Lodge. The project is being supported in part by the Government of Canada.
To learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, visit Northumberland.ca/Sponsorship.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)