We’re excited to welcome visitors to the Museum of Lennox & Addington, located at 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee.
To say we are passionate about Lennox & Addington would be an understatement. At the museum we celebrate our roots as well as connect our residents and area visitors through unique programming and events.
There’s always something new to see and explore, so make sure you come back time and time again.
We’re sure you’ll have a safe and enjoyable visit.
Contact the Archivist with your research request and to book a time to visit.
Email: archives@lennox-addington.on.ca
Phone: 613.354.3027
The Archives are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (closed for one hour at lunch, 12pm – 1pm).
You can also submit your research request online by completing the form found at the bottom of the Archives page here.
The Macpherson House is open during the summer months on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 1pm- 4 pm. The Macpherson House is located at 180 Elizabeth Street, Napanee.
When you visit the museum, you are also stepping into what once was the County Gaol. The limestone walls hold over 125 years of history all preserved in old gaol reports, County Minutes, and newspapers, now housed in our County Archives.
Gaol records date back to 1865, to when an 18 year old Camden youth, charged with theft, became the very first inmate until his crime was overturned. Besides theft you could also end up in the gaol if you committed other crimes such as; assault and battery, vagrancy, drunkenness, horse stealing, foul language, non-payment of taxes, and keeping a house of ill-fame. But, it wasn’t just criminals that were residents of the gaol, these walls also housed those deemed insane, poor or orphaned children.
In October of 1976, the Lennox and Addington County Museum was officially open in the old County Gaol.
Let’s Learn: Back in the 1860s, there was a variety of staff that worked at the gaol. These included the gaoler who made an annual salary of $400. There was also a turnkey who made $200 per annum and the gaol physician who received just $50 per annum.
JoAnne Himmelman
History has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I have always wondered what people did before me, how things were used, and imagined a world that was before my time. So it’s not surprising that I graduated from Queen’s University with a BAH in History and Classical Studies and finished my degree in Museum Studies. I started my career in Kingston area museums and eventually landed in Napanee, where I have worked with the County’s collection for over 20 years.
As the Museum’s Curator and Supervisor it brings me great joy to capture glimpses of our past and display it for all to see and enjoy. Stop in and say hello, I look forward to sharing my love of history, travel, and story-telling with you.
Heather Wilson
History has always fascinated me, and I have always found myself drawn to museums wherever I go. After completing a BA in Ancient Studies and an MA in Scottish History I realized I wanted to share this passion with others. This led me to complete a MA in Public History, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management. Over three years of experience working at heritage institutions in Ontario and New Brunswick has fostered my love for community museums, and led me to the Museum of Lennox and Addington.
What I enjoy most about my role as Archivist is the opportunity to work hands on preserving the diverse voices of our past, and to connect others with their stories. I look forward to getting to know our community, and sharing our stories with you!
Alannah MacGregor
I have always been drawn to the museum environment, I love all the different ways knowledge is presented and stories are told. In 2017 I found myself at cross road in my life, I’d just finished my B.Sc. and discovered that it wasn’t where I wanted to go with my career; when a good friend asked if I’d ever considered working at a museum a lightbulb clicked on, and I’ve never looked back. I obtained my Advanced Diploma in Applied Museum Studies, and started working at the Museum of Lennox and Addington.
One of my favourite parts of this position is getting to find members of the community with unique knowledge and abilities to share. I love seeing visitors light up with a new understanding, an artistic accomplishment, or just the joy of moving in a welcoming space. Whether through programming or exhibitions, it’s a joy to see people engaged.
Liz Watkins-McLean
It would be too simple to say that “I’ve always loved museums and knew I wanted to work in one.” My path to the museum world was very meandering, and something I never considered until well into my academic pursuits – but after pursuing my History degree, and doing some volunteer work at a Museum in my home town, I knew the Museum world was one I wanted to stay in!
I have now been working and volunteering in museums for ten years now and have been so fortunate to explore different collections. While I will always have a fascination for the artifacts, it’s the stories that draw me in. I’m excited to share the stories of Lennox and Addington with you in my role!
Howie the Owl
I was owl excited to graduate from Hoovard University in 2020 with a Bachelor in Mathematics, specializing in Owlgebra. However, I soon realized it is not something I can dig my talons into nor am truly passionate about. Rather, I find my heart gravitates toward local hoostory. Looking back, you could always find me prowling the university’s museum and archives at night (despite rude welcomes from security). Then in the fall of 2022 I heard the Museum of Lennox & Addington was hosting an exhibit, “Amherst Island Owls & Other Canadian Wildlife” featuring the work of my friend and wildlife photographer Bill Bickle. As newly self-actualized hoostory nerd and owlet from Amherst Island, this beaked my interest. I had to fly on over. Between the lovely paper mâché owls in the lobby (thanks Clelia Scala) and the endless knowledge and wisdom within the Museum and Archives collections, exhibits, and programs, I felt right at home and have not left since. Oh, and the Staff do not mind when I am up owl night prowling the Museum (and particularly love my sense of style with each seasonal costume change!)
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
*closed on holiday weekend Saturdays and Mondays
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12pm* & 1 – 4pm
*closed from 12 – 1pm
Tuesday – Thursday, 1 – 4pm in July & August
Ages 5+: $5
Children under age 5: Free
180 Elizabeth Street, Napanee, ON K7R 1B5