Cobourg, September 18, 2026 — Northumberland County has officially opened the doors to the new Northumberland County Archives and Museum (NCAM), providing a purpose-built space to preserve, care for and share the region’s history, records, artifacts and stories for generations to come.
Designed to meet Canadian Heritage Category A curatorial standards, NCAM will help preserve municipal records and collections, while offering enhanced opportunities for public access, research, programming and exhibitions.
“The newly built NCAM facility is a new home for the stories, records and objects that help us understand who we are and where we have come from,” stated Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “Our collections will be given the care they deserve while creating new opportunities for people to explore Northumberland’s history. It is also a place where we can continue to build relationships and create space for the histories and experiences of the many communities that make up Northumberland.”
NCAM was built as a unique pairing alongside the newly opened Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home in Cobourg, to provide unique history programing, specialized spaces, proper environmental conditions, and modern technology for the long-term preservation and care of collections.
The new 6,000-square-foot facility was officially opened on Thursday, September 17, during a special ceremony. Bringing together First Nations Chiefs and Elders, elected officials, community partners and members of the community, this event marked the debut of Gidinawendimin, an exhibition exploring the beauty and resilience of the first language and culture of these local lands – that of the Michi Saagiig. This exhibition was developed under the guidance of e wiindmaagzijig, a circle of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and language teachers who worked closely with County staff to help shape how Michi Saagiig language and culture are shared with visitors.
The opening ceremony began with smudging, an opening song and prayer, followed by remarks from Warden Crate, First Nations Chiefs and Elders, and community partners.
“Our language is more than words put together — it is the heart and soul of our people,” stated Melody Crowe, Elder, Alderville First Nation. “It carries our values, our way of seeing the world and a connection to our ancestors. As visitors experience Gidinawendimin, we hope they see the beauty of our language and understand how deeply it is connected to who we are. We are very thankful for the opportunity to share this part of who we are and to help carry our language forward for future generations.”
Northumberland County is grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, which contributed $412,406 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund toward the establishment of the archives and museum space. An additional $393,069 from Canadian Heritage supported the development of Gidinawendimin, which will be hosted at NCAM over the next year.
The facility includes:
- The Stewart Richardson Gallery, NCAM’s main exhibition space and home to its inaugural exhibition, Gidinawendimin;
- The Parker Westgate Studio, equipped with state-of-the-art digitization technology to help make collections more accessible;
- A Reading Room, sponsored by Cameco, providing space for research as well as community and family-focused programming;
- Climate-controlled collection storage to protect archival records and artifacts;
- A dedicated processing and conservation lab for the care and preparation of collections; and
- A quarantine area for newly received and unprocessed materials, helping protect the permanent collection.
“The opening of NCAM represents a significant investment in the future of our local history,” says Warden Crate. “The facility gives our collections the specialized care they require, while the new public spaces allow us to showcase our collections and connect people with the stories they tell, for generations to come.”
Public invited to discover NCAM
Northumberland County is inviting residents and visitors to experience the new facility during a free public Open House.
Open House
Friday, September 18: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Visitors will have an opportunity to:
- Explore the new museum and exhibition spaces;
- See behind-the-scenes areas and learn how NCAM preserves and cares for its collections;
- Experience Gidinawendimin the inaugural exhibit in the Stewart Richardson Gallery; and
- Enjoy portraits from a free caricature artist.
Operating Hours for the new Archives and Museum
Following the Open House, NCAM will be open to the public following regular public hours: Monday/Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The first Saturday of every month: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (special children’s programming)
Research services and access to collections are available by appointment. To book a research appointment and student field trips, contact ncam@northumberland.ca.
About Northumberland County Archives and Museum
Northumberland County Archives and Museum is the County’s home for preserving, caring for and sharing the documents, artifacts and stories that reflect the region’s history. NCAM provides specialized collection storage and conservation spaces, research services, public programming and exhibitions, and opportunities for residents to discover Northumberland’s diverse heritage.
NCAM’s inaugural exhibition, Gidinawendimin, was developed in partnership with
e wiindmaagzijig, a circle of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and language teachers, and honours the language and culture of the Michi Saagiig people.
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