History in the Making

Friends of Wellington Heritage Museum surpass goal

There was excitement resonating from the Wellington Museum on Main Street this past Saturday evening, as the Friends of the Wellington Heritage Museum hosted History in the Making—its capital campaign in support of renovations of the building. The evening, which was a sell out, was complete with cocktails prepared by Krista Tevelin, hors d’oeuvres by chef Michael Hoy, music by DJ Andrew Wyatt of Deserters’ Records and a silent auction.

The Friends’ goal has been to raise $100,000 for upgrades to the building— $50,000 of which was donated by corporate sponsor BMO in 2022. Before Saturday’s event, the group was about $25,000 short of its goal.

The event opened with Chair of the Wellington Heritage Museum, Elspeth Domville, welcoming guests to the special party, thanking the Friends and saluting the three co-chairs of the event, Carmen Ellis Toddington, Debbie Eyton and Sheila Casgrain, who she says have worked tirelessly for months to ensure the evening was a success. Domville also noted the passion of Cassandra Waldon, Volunteer Coordinator with the County Museums.

“We have received support from so many Prince Edward County businesses and individuals,” said Domville. “Thanks to the funds raised from our 2022 party, there have been a lot of changes made to this site already—inside and out. The most recent improvement, funded largely by the Friends, is an overhaul to the front of the Museum. This is important to us because apart from creating an appealing entrance to attract and welcome visitors here, we are very aware of the buildings prominent place in the villages streetscape. We wanted to make it nice, not only to look at, but as a space that people can use and enjoy even when the museum isn’t open.”

Domville noted the Friends installed two new benches, and incorporated seating into the masonry work.

“It’s been very nice to see people sitting there chatting with friends, having coffee, and watching the Wellington world go by,” she added.

Inside the building, the Friends have refinished the floors, added a fresh coat of paint, and the second floor gallery has been cleaned out.

“It now is configured exactly how it was when it was Quaker Meeting House when it opened in 1885,” said Domville.

Mayor Steve Ferguson noted the perspective from the second floor gallery.

“This is a really cool view from up here. It certainly indicates how this space can be used and should be used,” said Ferguson.

He noted the extraordinary effort the Friends of the Wellington Heritage Museum have put into overhauling the building.

“None of this would have happened without the participation of the community and the important role of the Friends of the Wellington Heritage Museum and Elspeth. This small group of under a dozen people, has collectively, since 2016, invested and donated over 8,681 volunteer hours—1,300 of those this year alone,” he added.

The evening was a great success, as the Friends exceeded their fundraising goal, raising a total of $32,000, comprised of ticket sales, over $10,000 in donations, and $16,000 through the silent auction.

Domville noted the Friends work in the building is not quite complete. Still on the list of upgrades are improved lighting and a projection system.

If you would like to make a donation, contact friendsofwhm@gmail.com