History is in the making at the Northumberland County Archives and Museum (NCAM) in Cobourg as it has received a significant financial contribution from its first private donor.
NCAM is celebrating a donation of $85,000 from local entrepreneur, history enthusiast, and philanthropist Stewart Richardson.
The inaugural private donation reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of Northumberland County, NCAM archivist Abigail Miller said.
“This generous gift from Mr. Richardson reinforces the value of NCAM’s work and the trust the community places in us,” Miller told kawarthaNOW.
“NCAM is honoured to celebrate the generosity of a community member who believes that preserving our shared history matters and is worth supporting. As the first major private donation of its kind, it sets a strong foundation for future giving. We hope that it will encourage others to be part of something meaningful and lasting,” Miller added.
NCAM’s main exhibition gallery will be named after Richardson in recognition of his contribution.
“History has always fascinated me,” Richardson shared in a statement. “Having worked closely with the NCAM staff, I have found their hard work and dedication an inspiration and it is for these reasons I have made this donation.”
The money will be used to support the creation of the inaugural exhibit at NCAM, which is opening with the new building in the fall.
Gidinawendimin, meaning “All Our Relations,” will celebrate Anishinaabemowin in the Michi Saagiig dialect, the first predominant language spoken on this territory. The Indigenous-led exhibition will feature local Indigenous voices, contemporary digital art, and interactive media.
This announcement of Richardson’s donation comes at a pivotal time as the museum prepares for the exhibit’s debut, NCAM noted.
“We are thrilled and deeply grateful to Mr. Richardson for this transformative gift,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander.
“This sponsorship is not only a significant cultural investment — it reflects the vital importance of preserving and sharing the stories that shape our identity as a community and the rich and enduring histories of Indigenous peoples on this land. We hope this act of generosity inspires others to contribute to the protection and celebration of our shared heritage.”
Richardson has lived in Northumberland County for most of his life. Local history has always been of great interest to him, and he has frequently used the extensive resources offered at NCAM.
“From the early days of this project, Mr. Richardson has been a big supporter who has helped us build momentum,” Miller said. “It is incredibly meaningful to name the exhibition gallery after someone who is so passionate about local history and a true friend to this community.”
NCAM is a cultural institution committed to preserving and promoting the stories of the people, places, and development of Northumberland County.
The new facility, which will be shared with the county’s long-term care facility the Golden Plough Lodge, is on Courthouse Road.
The inaugural exhibit and NCAM has also been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, along with significant support from Cameco, the world’s largest publicly traded uranium company based in Saskatoon and with a uranium conversion facility in Port Hope. As part of Cameco’s contribution, a public research and programming space within the new NCAM facility will be named the Cameco Reading Room.
Those interested in joining Richardson and Cameco in sponsoring NCAM and the Gidinawendimin exhibit can visit northumberland.ca/sponsorship for more information. Naming rights are still available for several portions of the new museum, including the collections hall.
