Cobourg Museum Foundation

The Cobourg Museum Foundation was Incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario on November 22, 1999. Its creation grew out of the gradual deterioration of a limestone building believed to be the oldest building in the Town of Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. In 2010 that building, locally known as "the barracks", is still being restored with the intention of opening it to the public in 2012 as a local heritage centre. Letters Patent of Incorporation were issued on November 22, 1999 with Douglas Sifton, Muriel Edwards and Joan Chalovich as the first directors.

Cobourg "Barracks" - east view

Purpose

The first of the objects of incorporation was "to acquire, restore and preserve the ancient limestone building known as 'The Barracks', located in the Town of Cobourg in the County of Northumberland, and to dedicate it to public use". In 2000 the old building was purchased and restoration work has been continuing ever since. The Foundation has announced a projected opening date of the spring of 2012 for the Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre, named after two of the founding members.

Charitable Status

On February 4, 2000 Cobourg Museum Foundation Inc. was designated as a Charitable Organization by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. It has received some funding from federal and provincial programs and has membership in the vicinity of 100 individuals and families.

Further Development

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  Site Plan showing Administrative Cottage and Exhibition Hall

In 2008, an 1860s workman's cottage, located on a nearby site slated for redevelopment, was donated to the Foundation and moved on site. When restored it is expected to provide room for offices, a gift shop and research centre.

Ongoing Projects

While the first, and currently the main, project of the CMF is the restoration of its two buildings and their development into a local heritage centre, other small projects have been undertaken. In 2002 the CMF began its Outreach Program by putting on the first of its annual February Ontario Heritage Day displays at a local mall. In 2003 it continued its Outreach Program by putting on an exhibit about the War of 1812 at the local library and staging a re-enactment event. Since then exhibits have been created on the subject of "The Role of the Blacksmith in the Early Economy of Upper Canada" and "The History of the Mississauga First Nation at Alderville". On two occasions the "barracks" has been included in the Doors Open Ontario event in Cobourg. The CMF has participated in Cobourg’s popular July 1 Waterfront Festival a number of times with the purpose of informing visitors about the unique history of the area.

It is envisioned that much of what the Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre will display will be of a digital nature using modern technology. Recent projects of this nature include an Interactive Timeline of Cobourg's History, which resides on the website and the ongoing cataloguing of books which relate to local history and are owned by members. A picture gallery of local mills is being gathered and posted on Flickr.

Opportunities

The CMF has a strong and active volunteer Board of Directors but there are always opportunities for other interested people to take an active part in building restoration, development of the heritage centre, membership development and other areas. Contact can be made through the Contact Us page of the website.

External links

• Cobourg Museum Foundation Website
• Flickr