The Grey Roots Museum and Archives has completed the redesign of its cornerstone exhibit, the Grey County Gallery.
First installed in 2004, the museum began plans to thoughtfully update the gallery seven years ago, in a way that would honour the diverse stories of Grey County.
"The updated gallery presents a dynamic and inclusive history of Grey County, with the flexibility to change things up regularly," says Jill Paterson, Manager of Grey Roots Museum and Archives in a release. "Through artefacts, archival images, and personal stories, visitors can experience engaging, discovery-based learning that truly brings our history to life. The design also allows us to showcase more artefacts and archival materials, both now and in the future."
The final phases of the redesign received $355,486 in funding from Canadian Heritage through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF).
All told, the gallery has five update sections. Voices, was installed in 2020 and explores the history of Grey County through personal stories. In 2022, Abundance, which celebrates Grey County's natural richness, was completed. The final three sections: Connection, Permanence, and Hope were completed this year.
"Culture is not only who we are; it also unites us, shapes our identity, drives our economy, and inspires pride and innovation," said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages in a release. "This is why I am delighted that our government’s investment has supported the transformation of the Grey Roots Museum and Archives. The museum’s artefacts and archives have long been a true treasure to both the local community and visitors, and the updated permanent exhibits will be able to share more diverse, inclusive, and relevant stories, with improved accessibility for visitors."
For more information, visit the Grey Roots Museum website.
