Special things are happening this summer as the Cobourg Museum Foundation celebrates its 25th Anniversary. It was in November 1999 that a small group of Cobourg citizens decided to do something about the tumble-down old stone building on Orr Street. Rather than demolish it they decided to save it and restore it to be a museum. In 2012 the doors were opened and the facility was named the Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre after two of the original founders.
Now, in conjunction with its anniversary celebrations, the facility is being given a new name, the Cobourg & Area Museum, and a new logo. David Cook and Doug Sifton will continue to be honoured as the restored stone building will be officially the Sifton-Cook Exhibit Hall.
Opening Day, May 18, will see the logo flag flying at both Victoria Hall and the museum. That morning, starting at 11am, there will be anniversary celebrations, with honoured guests and, of course, an anniversary cake. All are invited!
Inside the Exhibit Hall will be “Our Community – Our Stories”, the stories of ten immigrants to Northumberland. Relevant artifacts accompany the videos showing the fascinating makeup of our county. And masterful dioramas by George Parker tell stories of Cobourg’s old railways.
Special events during the season will include a Volunteers Day with the unveiling of a volunteer wall, an Anniversary Tea Party, as well as speakers and musical performances.
In the meantime, to learn more, the public is invited to attend the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting on April 3, 7pm at the Victoria Hall Citizens’ Forum.
Further details will be posted on the museum’s website as they become available: www.cobourgmuseum.ca