Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – During the November 5 council meeting, Thomas Levesque, Museum Manager and Curator, presented the annual report from the Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum - to council, providing insights into the museum’s performance, financial health, and evolving strategies for community engagement.
Despite financial challenges, 2024 was a dynamic year for the museum’s programming. From October bus tours to popular paranormal investigations, visitors enthusiastically participated in the museum’s unique offerings. A standout event, the “50s Rock and Roll Extravaganza,” was particularly well-received, drawing significant positive feedback and community interest. Other notable activities included the Lucan Night Market, which brought nearly 200 guests and their pets to the museum, and a special family reunion for the descendants of Peter Butler, a key figure in the Wilberforce settlement. Altogether, these programs attracted nearly 1,400 visitors.
While attendance was commendable, the museum encountered financial hurdles, partly due to a decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023. Levesque explained that this decline was expected, as last year’s attendance was boosted by local theater festivals. Additionally, this year’s fundraising events, while profitable, fell short of anticipated goals, and a costly restock of the museum gift shop also affected the year’s balance sheet.
The museum remains stable thanks to prudent financial management over the years, which has allowed it to draw on reserves. However, Levesque noted that the organization cannot sustain repeated financial losses without implementing a comprehensive recovery strategy.
To enhance visitor numbers and community engagement, the museum has several exciting projects in the works. A major highlight for the coming year is the planned launch of a virtual reality exhibit. Funded by post-COVID grants, this immersive experience will offer visitors a virtual tour of the historic Donnelly homestead. Using advanced equipment, including an Oculus VR headset, visitors will feel as if they’re truly there. This project, anticipated to be a popular attraction, will add an innovative, tech-driven dimension to the museum’s offerings.
In addition to expanding its programs, the museum is focused on effective advertising to reach a broader audience. Recognizing Lucan’s off-the-beaten-path location, Levesque emphasized the importance of promoting Lucan as a destination town, where visitors can experience the museum along with other local attractions. This initiative aligns with the museum’s commitment to culturally and economically enriching the Lucan community.
In closing, Levesque expressed optimism: “Interest in history remains strong,” he said. “We are committed to drawing more people into the community—not only benefiting the museum but also local businesses and the town itself.”
