Richmond County Historical Society Museum: renovation of the newly acquired building is completed

Government of Canada's contribution of nearly $80,000 in financial assistance helped renovate historical museum located in the Eastern Townships

MELBOURNE, QC, May 28, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Members of the Richmond County Historical Society (RCHS), as well as history buffs from the Eastern Townships and beyond, can now enjoy improved facilities at the RCHS' museum thanks to $76,231 in funding from the Government of Canada. The financial assistance was awarded in 2015 to support the restoration of a newly-acquired building known as "the Manse".

The investment was officially announced today by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton?Stanstead and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, as she attended the inaugural event at the museum alongside Dr. Leo Gaudet, President of the RCHS, and other members of the community. Minister Bibeau was acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

The non-repayable contribution was granted under the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative (EDI) implemented by CED in Quebec. The EDI is a component of the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages and aims to foster the economic development of official language minority communities (OLMCs) through a range of activities, including innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships and economic diversification.

The financial support allowed RCHS to renovate the museum and archives building in a significant manner. The main aspects of this renovation comprised:

• A metallic roof covering in an authentic style.
• A new heating and cooling system based on thermo-pump technology.
• The demolition of the ancient garage.
• The construction of a new exposition room in its place.
• Upgrade of the electric wiring system.
• Demolition and reconstruction of side entry porch.
• Installation of directional lighting units.
• Restauration of the original floors upstairs.
• Refinishing and painting of all the walls.
• Stabilising the outside gallery (verandah).
• Installation of emergency lighting, smoke detectors and extinguishers.
• Pavement.
• Increasing attic insulation.

This project, as well as interactive exhibits on women in local history, have led to a record number of visitors to the museum in 2017. As communities like Melbourne across the country were celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canada, the involvement of students in the museum created a unique view of the local history. In 2018, RCHS looks forward to another banner year thanks to its newly renovated facilities, the cooperation of the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, as well as the Centre d'interprétation de l'ardoise.

Quotes

"The Richmond County Historical Society has been very active over the past few years in relocating its Museum in a more adequate space.  This helps, given by the Government of Canada, will allow the organization to continue its mission of preserving the community's history and transmitting it to future generations."

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

"The Government of Canada is proud to support projects that unite our communities. Contributing to preserving the rich history of Richmond County and its surrounding municipalities helps us establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"As President of RCHS, I would like to recognize the courteous and timely fashion in which the advisors at the Sherbrooke office of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions dealt with the requests for funding after each phase was completed. Through the funding of this project, a new life has been given to the museum."

Dr. Leo Gaudet, President, RCHS  

Quick facts

• The mission of RCHS is to collect, research, conserve and share the history of Richmond County and vicinity. It maintains an archive accessible year round by appointment and a seasonal museum with bilingual guides.
• Located in a 170 year old home in Upper Melbourne which had served as a manse for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church ministers, the museum is furnished with donations from the community as a typical house of the last century.
• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• This year marks the 50^th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions