2008
HOMECOMING REPORTS

The museum again had another successful year. This was quite evident from the attendance, the enthusiasm and the media coverage that we experienced during our Labour Day celebrations - with the ringing of the Buxton Liberty Bell being the highlight. There were tears of remembrance, reflection, joy, laughter and an immense sense of pride that the descendants shared with each other and the "new comers" to Buxton.

This was a momentous occasion as we acknowledged our ancestors that have gone on before us by pouring libations, ringing the bell and placing flowers in a wreath. We are truly grateful to all the participants, especially the Pittsburgh contingent from whence the bell originated!

Our grant application to Celebrate Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism was approved, enabling us to enhance our Labour Day program with music!  The enhancements began at the History/Genealogy conference on Friday with Dr Brooksie Harrington and the Jubilee Ensemble;  Saturday we were entertained by the Ken Crone All Stars;  Sunday we were inspired by the Toronto Children's Choir, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale and the Karen Schussler singers with Denise Pelley;  and the grand finale was the South Shore Chicago drill team which enthralled the spectators along the parade route.

We have seen an increase in our Canadian visitors and our friends to the south are gradually returning - especially with our present economy. Our school programs that we offer have also increased - locally and afar.

Christopher Paul Curtis' award winning book, "Elijah of Buxton" has also brought numerous visitors to our museum. He held several interviews from here along with the filming from Scholastic Books which will be viewed by more than 50,000 children.

We have added another exhibit to our museum grounds - the barn located behind the log cabin came from Abraham Doras Shadd farm located on the Seventh Line. Once restored, the barn will house our farming implements and we will also be able to tell Abraham's story more thoroughly. Thanks to Michael Mack for this donation. We also are very grateful for the numerous artifacts that were graciously donated by Ken Thompson.

We are still in the process of our long range planning and Janet Jones from the Ministry of Tourism is facilitating this process.   Siegfried Rempel from the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa also met with the board to discuss as part of this development. This will assist us in prioritizing our goals and strategies for the museum.

February was quite busy at the museum. One of the projects that were initiated last year through a grant from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities came to fruition. Diane Handsor & Derry Mckeever two of the participants conducted oral interviews from various people from Chatham, Dresden, Windsor, Merlin and Buxton. These interviews were transferred onto DVD's and were added to the family tree's we presently have in our data base. They also scanned documents and photographs pertaining to each family and they were also included in the data base. The other project was the production of a cook book - "The Flavour of Buxton".

This is a compilation of anecdotes, pictures, and remedies and of course recipes. If you haven't picked one up yet, please get your copy over the weekend. This is a truly a best seller! Every kitchen needs one!
We were also elated to have a visit from the Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Peter Fonseca. He was impressed with the site and is now more aware of the history here and in Chatham Kent.

Two of our very own board members and "Buxtonites" were recognized for their volunteer contributions to the museum and the community by the Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration. Congratulations to David Middleton and Audrey Prince!

The museum hosted a Heritage Facility Planning workshop sponsored by the Ontario Museums Association. Participants were from heritage sites across Ontario.

Once again we were fortunate to have our friends from Union Gas/Spectre Energy to beautify our grounds. We are truly appreciative for their continued support!

We are continuing our partnership and dialogue with York University in Toronto and with the Freedom Centre in Cincinnati Ohio.

We would like to welcome our summer students - Chelsey Parker, Owen Shadd and Blair Newby. Once again we held a heritage camp for children. Many thanks to Anna Hoadley for volunteering to assist with the Heritage Day Camp. The students bring their youth, enthusiasm and passion for history with them to the museum.

The museum's profile has increased immensely and is becoming more nationally and internationally known. I attribute this to you, the descendants, the friends and the many volunteers who share the Buxton story with everyone. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. We will keep the legacy alive!

We hope that when you leave you will be left with a feeling of inspiration, of friendliness and of family. Enjoy the weekend!

Shannon Prince - Curator

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website created July 2008; updated November 2009; by Lori Gardner