The Halton Museum Foundation
The Foundation is a dynamic organization of members, volunteers, and a Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds for capital projects at the Halton Region Museum.
The Foundation
Discover Our Beginnings
Nestled beneath the Niagara Escarpment in Milton lies a former 200-acre farmstead owned by a legacy of Alexander family members from 1836 until 1961. Five acres of the land and the original 1870s farm buildings became the Halton Region Museum in 1962.
Significant renovations to the historic buildings were needed to preserve the Museum’s collection of 35,000 artifacts. In April of 1998 the Halton Museum Foundation was established to “BUILD A FUTURE FOR HALTON’S PAST”.
That same year, the Museum completed a Feasibility Study outlining several phases of improvements to the Museum site. Phase One, consisting of renovations to the Alexander Barn and Visitor Centre (former Exhibits Building ), was completed in 2002. Currently the Foundation is raising funds for on going capital projects at the Museum.
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The Vision
Imagine The Possibilities...
The Halton Region Museum is the Centre for Exploring Halton’s Natural and Cultural Heritage.
This centre is nestled at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment, in the heart of Kelso Conservation Area, on five rolling acres, with six historic buildings. The surrounding scenery, the warmth and ambiance of the historic buildings, and the plentiful parking areas combine to create a truly unique site. The Niagara Escarpment, a World Biosphere Reserve, is an incredible natural history resource.
The Alexander Farm buildings, housing an historic water-powered generating system, offer wonderful opportunities for interpreting and conserving Halton’s cultural heritage, while engaging the community.
Now that initial renovations are complete the Halton Region Museum offers environmentally controlled space for the preservation of the on-site artifact collection. Dynamic interactive exhibitions illustrating Halton’s natural and cultural history, a research centre, a gift shop, and two unique, historic meeting/conference rooms for group rentals.
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Renovations Plan
Explore Our Past Success and Strategy
Currently the Halton Region Museum needs an orientation centre to fulfill its mandate to provide quality programs and enhance the Visitor experience. The Halton Museum Foundation, the independent fundraising arm of the Museum, is seeking a sponsor for this project. The opportunity exists for the new centre to be named in honour of the sponsor.
Background:
The feasibility study completed by ATA Architect Inc. in August of 1999 became the blueprint for the 2002 renovations and a model for future capital projects including plans for the Select Storage building ( the Piggery) adjacent to the Barn. Originally built in 1880 to house the pigs on the Alexander farmstead, (hence the name of the building, the ‘Piggery”), the building has been used solely for storage since the renovations.
Although not identified as a priority in the first phase of redevelopment, it was recognized in the feasibility study that the Piggery would be an excellent space for an Orientation Centre that would include an audio-visual presentation, displays and exhibits. In addition to providing orientation to the entire site and a background on the Alexander family, it could be used as additional space for education and seniors' programs, which is greatly needed to expand on the existing complement of programs offered.
Project:
The Select Storage building will become the hub of the Museum providing visitors with an overview of the entire site and its buildings as well as telling the story of the Alexander family, the history of the area and the ever-changing story of the escarpment – one of the world’s largest biospheres. Utilizing the latest in audio-visual technology to bring the site and its history to life, visitors will be entertained and educated alike within the confines of the charming and newly-refurbished building once used to house pigs.
Currently, the Select Storage building is empty and plans are underway to refurbish the building in order to meet electrical and building codes, HVAC requirements, accessibility codes, etc. that are necessary to get the building ready for public use. In addition, the Museum is investigating displays and programming options for the space while developing a process for securing the professionals needed to transform the building into a multi-media “welcome” centre while maintaining its old-world country charm.
Renovation Objectives:
The Halton Region Museum Strategic Plan, 2008 – 2010, was developed with consultation and collaboration with the leadership and staff of the Regional Municipality of Halton, local community stakeholders, government funders, Museum staff and volunteers, and with colleagues from other museums. This document provides a framework for future planning and operations for the Halton Region Museum and the following governance statements were developed:
Vision
As a leader in heritage stewardship, the Halton Region Museum connects communities and people by relating Halton’s past to its present and future.
Mission
The Halton Region Museum records, preserves and communicates the story of Halton and its people.
In addition, 5 key strategic directions were identified and adopted by Regional Council:
- Engage people in meaningful and memorable experiences
- Develop Halton’s collection and ensure its long-term preservation
- Provide heritage leadership
- Raise awareness of the Museum and its activities
- Increase capacity and sustainability of the Museum
Refurbishing the Select Storage Building (the Piggery) will address a number of the strategic directions including:
- Enhance visitor experience
- Improve exhibitions
- Expand educational programming
- Increase the profile of the Museum within the community
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