Parry Sound, September 26, 2025

Media Release - $45,100 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Creates Museum Research Library

 

On Friday, MPP Graydon Smith met with the team at the Museum on Tower Hill to hear more about the $45,100 Seed grant that it received last fall from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant has been used to create a local history research library open to the general public, giving the community improved access to its collection of archival materials for years to come.

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“Having an organized space and a digitized catalogue will ensure the Museum can better preserve the history of West Parry Sound for generations to come,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “This investment will allow for more complete and accessible exhibits that highlight the extraordinary history of the region. I want to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for recognizing the importance of this project, and commend the Museum staff for their dedication. Our government will continue to support projects like this that strengthen communities and celebrate Ontario’s heritage.”

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The Museum on Tower Hill has used its OTF grant to fund the development of a research library on its site, that will offer the general public access to local history materials within the Museum’s collection. Funds from the grant have assisted with staffing and technical costs.

"This grant allows the museum to finally move forward with a long desired project and to hire an archivist to proceed with development of not only the space but the organizational system and policy and procedural documents,” said Nadine Hammond, Manager/Curator of the Museum on Tower Hill. “It enables the digitization of more archival documents within the museum’s collection which will allow us to better serve our collection and community.”

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Founded in 1984, the West Parry Sound District Museum (commonly known as the Museum on Tower Hill)’s mission is to collect, preserve, and share the history of the West Parry Sound District. With three gallery spaces, the museum works to bring new and exciting exhibitions to their visitors throughout the year. Currently, visitors can explore the main gallery focusing on local industries (railway, logging, shipping, etc.), and two new exhibitions: Lights of the Bay (navigation and lighthouses) and Fighting Fires: Our Volunteer Firefighters. Visit: museumontowerhill.com to learn more.

 

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:

Nadine Hammond, Manager/Curator

Museum on Tower Hill

705-746-5365

info@museumontowerhill.com