The Lennox and Addington County Museum, an Introduction.

What kinds of things does the Museum collect? What will you see at the Museum? Special events. School classes. Go to a calendar of activities.

Plate, 1840-1860, from the Fretts family of Fredericksburgh township.

THE COLLECTIONS

The Lennox and Addington County Museum is the home of the collections of the Lennox and Addington Historical Society, founded in 1907. Artifacts are selected for their significance to the story of the county and its peoples from prehistoric times to the first tire produced at the Goodyear plant in 1990 and beyond. The rich, local history collection includes prehistoric items, furniture, textiles, clothing and accessories, toys, glass, ceramics, transportation artifacts, advertising ephemera, tools and equipment, household collectables and much, much more.

The artifact inventory (estimated to be 10,000 items) is entered into a computer data bank using Heritage Sentinel software.

Additions to the collections are welcomed. To enquire whether your items are appropriate for this Museum, please contact the Manager by e-mail or telephone 613-354-3027.

(Return to top of page)

WHAT WILL I SEE AT THE MUSEUM? The Prehistoric Past: Your visit begins with Lennox and Addington's prehistoric origins from 7,000 B.C. to the arrival of European explorers. Displays include projectile points, axes, gouges and other tools. An interactive computer programme 'Prehistory in Ontario' helps you to discover what these artifacts tell us about Ontario's first peoples. United Empire Loyalists: The first permanent European settlement of southern Lennox and Addington occurred at the end of the 18th century. Americans who took the side of the King were displaced by the American Revolution and were relocated to the Bay of Quinte. A colourful display made possible by the Toronto Branch, United Empire Loyalist Association, recreates the uniforms worn by the Royal Provincials, a militia corps raised to fight alongside the British Regulars. Soldiers for the King. Unfortunately, no original uniforms of our Loyalist corps have survived, but these accurate replicas (right) capture the appearance of our soldier-settlers. Post Loyalist Migrations: A pair of pastel portraits circa 1812, an 1820's Empire desk, 1840 communion set and 1850 handwoven shawl are among the artifacts which evoke the lives of the 'late Loyalists', the Irish and other settlers who came to Lennox and Addington. Gibbard Furniture: John Gibbard, cabinetmaker, leased a mill on the canal, Napanee, in 1860. On display is a very fine 'fish and fowl' sideboard c1870 and Renaissance Revival/East Lake style bedroom set c1878 produced by Gibbard and Son.

Glass and China: A generous sampling of imported mid to late nineteenth century wares reflect the taste and economic status of various families in Lennox and Addington. Notable pieces include a Podmore and Walker soup tureen with bud finial, an 1844 tea service and a pair of 1878 Bristol vases. These may be contrasted with archaeological finds from the Herring Glass factory which operated in Napanee from 1881 to 1883.

Cottage Industries: Products of local nineteenth and early twentieth century entrepreneurs are evidence of the needs of the rural community. Among the products on view are a Herring fanning mill and cider press, an Ezra Pringle cutter, Daly Tea Company shipping boxes, Wartman Pumps, a J.C. Connolly democrat, and a Boyle and Son model cheese vat. The stitching machines, polishers and a miscellany of tools used in the Keech Harness Shop in Enterprise from 1870-1970 are also on display during the summer months.

The War Years: Changing displays reflect the role that citizens of Lennox and Addington played in various conflicts. A special item from the Second World War is the bell from the flower-class corvette, HMCS Napanee.

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

Periodic theme exhibits provide an opportunity to see and enjoy other artifacts from the permanent collection. Guest exhibitions are arranged as available. Watch this site for updates about Museum activities! For most events a general admission fee of $3.00 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, $2.00 for students and $1.00 for children applies.

A regular feature every fall is the annual exhibition and sale of the NAPANEE PHOTO CLUB, held in conjunction with the STUDIO TOUR WEEKEND. Admission to the Museum on Studio Tour Weekend is free, so it is an excellent opportunity to introduce your family to the Museum.

Each CHRISTMAS, the Museum features a special event to compliment the holiday season. For instance, in the past greeting cards, Christmas ornaments and antique teddy bears have been displayed.

The LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY uses the Museum as home base, and holds many of its monthly meetings here. Presentations from interesting speakers who can highlight an aspect of local culture and heritage are a regular feature at these meetings. Attendance at Historical Society meetings is free! You can see a list of upcoming meetings on the Calendar.

(Return to top of page)

EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

The Museum offers a selection of education programmes specially designed to complement the curriculum. Presentation space at the Museum will accommodate one class at a time (maximum 30 persons). All programmes are presented in a workshop format. Admission fee is $2.00 per student. Supervisors are admitted without charge. Bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Kids Collect. The Museum occasionally offers children's activity programmes. For more information, please telephone (613) 354-3027.

Return to index of Museum services page.

Return to Society homepage.

(Return to top of page)

This page created 2004; revised 2008. Lennox and Addington Historical Society©