Wellington County held a ground breaking ceremony on Monday celebrating the start of construction on the new archives expansion project at the County Museum and Archives.
The Ventin Group architectural firm designed the new 8,100 square foot facility, tripling the size of the existing structure.
The new archives addition will provide more space for the museum’s growing artifact collection. The current archives wing on the second floor of the museum will become artifact storage when the archives relocates.
The most prominent feature of the new facility will be the storage vault which will provide three times the capacity for storing the county’s growing collection of archival records.
The secure vault will be equipped with compact mobile shelving to fit various types of media, and a conservation quality environmental system to maintain acceptable standards of temperature, humidity and other air quality controls.
“The Wellington County Museum and Archives is a National Historic Site which contributes to the cultural vitality of our community,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj.
“I am pleased that this project is receiving Building Canada funding, a museum assistance program grant and additional funds from the Investing in Ontario program. By collaborating on this project, the county is able to renew its current cultural infrastructure.”
County councillor Brad Whitcombe, chairman of the information, heritage and seniors committee, said, “This project would not be possible without the support of all levels of government.
“Such support is tangible evidence of their commitment to the preservation of Wellington’s local history. This major expansion will also help create jobs and stimulate the economy in our community.”
Wellington County Museum and Archives administrator Bonnie Callen said, “We are pleased to break ground on the archives expansion project today.
“Staff are excited about continuing their important work, while enhancing their ability to provide excellent service to the residents of Wellington County.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $4.7-million.
The new Archives expansion is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010.
