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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 for tours (Tuesday – Thursday, 1pm – 4pm). No appointment is necessary. 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 1861, 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. 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 20 years.
As the museum’s curator 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.
Getting to work hands on with such a diverse collection is a continuous joy of mine. It’s always exciting to find an interesting object and spend time not only making sure the object is safe and well cared for but making sure it’s story is cared for as well.
Liz Watkins-McLean
I have always loved that museums make history exciting and accessible. It is for this reason that I pursued a certificate in Museum Management & Curatorship after completing my BAH in History from Trent University. I’ve been fortunate to work and volunteer in the cultural heritage sector in many different capacities for nearly ten years in Peterborough, Gananoque, Kingston, and now Lennox & Addington.
I love that this role gives me the opportunity to showcase all the museum has to offer – exhibits, programs, and archival and artifact features. I can’t wait to keep exploring the museum and its treasures, and will be sure to share the best of the best with you to enjoy online.
Monday – Saturday: 10am–5pm
Closed for the season – stay tuned for 2023 updates
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12pm*, 1pm –4pm
*closed from 12pm – 1pm
Adults (ages 13+): $3
Children (ages 12 and under): free
180 Elizabeth Street, Napanee, ON K7R 1B5
