The end of 2014 marks the culmination of these changes. The Society wishes to thank the many, many members of the Glengarry community who have worked tirelessly over the past four years to enable this transition and renewal and who continue to give generously of their time.
The new name, Glengarry History, will be used for marketing purposes to attract new members and new generations.
Glengarry students at the elementary, high school, college and university levels are invited to research and present topics connected to the rich and varied history of Glengarry. The presentations may be in any medium, and category winners will be eligible for bursaries.
This enterprise would not be possible without the enthusiasm and hard work of the the members of the History Fair Committee: Lisa Ellis, Susan McDougall, Gabrielle Stanton, Lindsey Howes and Julie Slater.
For more information go to: http://glengarryhistoryfair.ca
Members and interested persons will be invited to submit articles on Glengarry history directly on-line. More information will follow shortly.
If you interested in giving a talk or know someone who is, please contact Robin Flockton at info@glengarryhistory.ca
January 8, 2015 | Permafrost | Donaldson MacLeod | Alexandria |
February 5, 2015 | George III and the Canadian Connection | Lisa Ellis | Williamstown |
March 5, 2015 | D.A MacDonald and the Montreal Waterworks | Dane Lanken | Alexandria |
April 9, 2015 | Glengarry’s Postal History | David Anderson | Williamstown |
Williamstown Meetings at the Nor’Wester’s and Loyalist Museum.
The Board of Directors has approved:
the acquisition of video equipment to enhance presentations;
exploration of alternative future central locations with a view to increased access and parking convenience for members;
a small fee of $5 per member and $10 per non-member for each lecture to cover expenses and fund Glengarry History Fair bursaries;
publication of the annual program in August of each year
Glengarry History Website http://glengarryhistory.ca
The Glengarry History website gives directors’ contact information, keeps members up-to-date with all developments (including a calendar of events throughout the year) and provides links to other groups involved in the stewardship and promotion of the history of Glengarry.
February 21, 2015 | Glengarry History Fair. | Sports Palace | Alexandria |
May 7, 2015 | Annual General Meeting | Guest Speaker | Alexandria |
June 11, 2015 | GHS Picnic | Sir John Johnson Manor House | Williamstown |
Glengarry History is indebted to John Woodrow for maintaining the site.
& Invests in New Glengarry County Archives
The Society holds, in trust, a wealth of family papers and other documents related to the history of Glengarry, including the recently purchased papers of Donald Alexander (DA) Macdonald, the first MP for Glengarry following Confederation, Postmaster General of Canada and finally Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
The preservation and cataloging of the GHS collection has been a concern for a considerable period of time. The formation of the Glengarry County Archives (GCA) by the Townships of North and South Glengarry offered a possible solution.
Recognizing the historic importance of this development, the GHS contributed $20,000 towards the start-up of the new County Archives. The GHS collection is now on “permanent loan” to GCA in the capable hands of volunteer County Archivist, Allan J MacDonald (formerly Deputy Archivist for Ontario).
The GCA opened in late September 2014. It is located at Glengarry District High School in Alexandria and is well signed. It is open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. GHS members are welcome and encouraged to visit and use the GCA research room. For more information: www.northglengarry.ca (click on “things to do” and “Glengarry County Archives”).
By 2010, the advent of increased government accountability, particularly relating to the Canada Revenue Agency necessitated changes to the relationship between the two museums and GHS. As a result, a study of the governance of GHS was instituted and multiple discussions took place between GHS and the two museums.
Glengarry Pioneer Museum
The community of the Glengarry Pioneer Museum opted for full legal independence, and,
at a special GHS members meeting in February 2013, this was granted. All legal and financial formalities connected with this development are now complete. For more information on events and exhibits, visit: www.glengarrypioneermuseum.ca
Nor’Wester’s & Loyalist Museum
In 2014, a salaried curator was hired to run the Nor’Wester’s & Loyalist Museum (NWL). At the same time, representatives of GHS, the Township of South Glengarry and the community of the NWL met frequently. In November 2014, they agreed to form a new corporation for NWL with a completely new and well-qualified Board of Directors. Incorporation will be complete in December 2014. For more information on NWL, visit: norwestersandloyalistmuseum.ca.
In addition to their support of Glengarry History, the members of the GHS Board Directors provide a liaison with other organizations preserving and promoting the history of Glengarry:
President: | Robin Flockton | (Glengarry County Archives) |
Vice President: | Allan J. MacDonald | (Glengarry County Archivist) |
Treasurer: | Don Wood | |
Secretary: | Frances Fraser | (Dalkeith Historical Society) |
Director: | David Anderson | (Bethune-Thompson House and St Raphaels Ruins.) |
Director: | Michael Cowley-Owen | (Glengarry Pioneer Museum) |
Director: | Bernie MacCulloch | (St Raphaels Ruins) |
P.O.Box 416, Alexandria, ON, K0C 1B0