Barbara Worthy
Special to The Lake Report

Each year across the country May is Museum Month and in these very different times museums around the world have continued to provide a means for communities to connect, stay involved and to stay strong together.

The Niagara-on-the Lake Museum has played a significant role in the community during these COVID months. Its ability to provide ongoing social and educational programming has provided its members, and the community at large, with a feast of resources.

A recent survey reported that members find the NOTL Museum to be “one the most innovative and forward-thinking organizations in the community.”  High praise indeed, but well-earned.

During a year of reduced programming the NOTL Museum hosted more than 20 virtual lectures, co-produced nearly 30 short history vignettes, offered game nights, online weekly quizzes, community challenges and monthly documentary club gatherings.

The museum's gift shop has maintained and even grown its usual customer base with online purchases. Plus, the museum has a rigorous social media communications schedule.  

Community partnerships also resulted in popular drive-thru pig roasts with PigOut Catering and the now almost legendary fundraising dinners with partners Friends of Fort George, Ravine Winery, and local restaurateurs, Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill and the Garrison House. 

Today, a museum is not just a place of dusty records and rarely handled artifacts. Museums around the world believe in interactive learning, immersive experiences and community engagement. The strength of the NOTL Museum lies in its ability to do all that, and to help maintain a vital and strong community.  

Said one member, “For a little museum, the NOTL Museum thinks big.”

And so, on International Museum Day – Tuesday, May 18 – and throughout the month of May, let’s all celebrate how museums just like NOTL's connect, preserve and honour our communities.

#MayIsMuseumMonth #MuseumsConnectON #Community