New Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre in Jordan. Photo credit: Town of Lincoln
Unveiled and initially made accessible to the public at the end of July, the brand-new Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre had its formal grand opening this past weekend.
Three days of events ushered in the museum’s latest chapter, including a gala and two separate festivals. Around 1,000 people attended Saturday’s marquee event: the 55th annual Pioneer Day festival.
As cultural development coordinator for the Town of Lincoln Jessica Wilson told Niagara This Week’s Abby Green, pre-registration tickets were sold out a week in advance of the event and many had to be turned away.
“Hopefully next year we’ll be able to welcome everyone back. There’s definitely a pent up demand for events like this in people’s communities,” said Wilson.
The weekend’s centrepiece, the new 8,400 sq. ft. Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre, was designed to “properly house the artifacts and exhibits that showcase Lincoln’s uniqueness” within Niagara.
Located at 3800 Main St. in the village of Jordan, ground was broken on the facility in May 2019. Nearly $5 million in funding was sourced from both public funds and private contributions from businesses and individuals to complete the project, including $1 million from the Government of Canada’s Cultural Spaces Fund.
“The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre is an institution deeply rooted in its community. It plays an essential role in preserving important collections and local heritage,” said Canada’s Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault. “We are proud to support its redevelopment and expansion, which will better showcase local culture for more residents and visitors alike.”
The new museum and cultural centre is the result of over a decade of planning, with the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty Volunteer Association committing to the construction of a new facility in September 2008.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate this remarkable investment and cultural asset in the Lincoln community,” said Mayor of Lincoln Sandra Easton.
“This new facility is a place where residents and visitors can meet like-minded people and share an appreciation for arts, culture, and history. Museums inspire creativity and provide a sense of belonging and community.”
The Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty was first established by a group of volunteers in 1953 and operated for over 40 years under their leadership and dedication. In 1995, at the behest of community volunteers, the Town of Lincoln took ownership of the institution.
“The new Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre will have a positive impact not only in local culture; but society as a whole,” said Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Lincoln.
“Museums can close the gap between community members and visitors of different generations, ethnicity, and social-economic status.”
To browse the museum’s collections, current exhibitions, and more, go to the institution’s website here.
