Open Letter to Middlesex County
Residents from Committee to Establish a Middlesex County Archives
This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Middlesex County - it is 225 years since the County of Middlesex came into existence. In many counties, that is a cause for celebrations throughout the year. We note that London has celebrations planned for its 200th anniversary this year. Neighbouring County of Oxford is also celebrating their milestone 175 years. We are looking forward to the events the County has planned to celebrate.
In the past few years, members from several heritage and cultural groups in Middlesex County have attended seminars provided by Middlesex Tourism.
Heritage and culture are the main drivers of tourism. Our heritage groups have made this point many times. In fact, those in the tourism businesses in Middlesex County pointed to heritage and culture as many of the inquiries from their clients. Yet, Middlesex County fails to acknowledge their importance and fails to promote them. This is concerning.
In this time of economic uncertainty, Canadians from across this great county, are choosing to see Canada. Middlesex County has an opportunity to enhance and promote tourism with its 225th anniversary celebrations. In many municipalities, tourism dollars are a major contributor to the economy. Once again, it seems the governance of Middlesex County fails to recognise the long, rich history of this County and its possible contributions to the County’s economy.
Middlesex County remains alone in Southwestern Ontario as a County without an archives. It is time for Middlesex County to invest in its heritage and culture. Aging volunteers are burning out and cannot continue to save our history alone. The day-to-day responsibilities heaped on volunteer organizations to meet the need for preservation and presentation is, frankly, unfair. The few are saving the County’s heritage for the many. Without them, there would be a great deal of information lost. Middlesex has an incredible heritage that should be celebrated and preserved with pride.
The Committee to Establish A Middlesex County Archives (CEMCA) encourages County Council to approve a feasibility study. Such a study, completed, by heritage professionals, is needed to determine the extent of the records, including archival and retained documents, kept by the municipalities and the County. In addition, small archives, historical societies; and provincial archives, university archives and neighbouring county archives need to be assessed to gauge the quantity of records better suited to a Middlesex County Archives facility.
Once the study is completed and recommendations are made, Council needs to act upon the report. What a boon a County Archives would be to tourism in Middlesex County! Such a study, being completed in 2025, would be a fantastic gift to the County to commemorate 225 years!
With the federal and provincial governments providing funds for investment in nation-building infrastructure, this would be a most opportune time for Middlesex County to invest in Middlesex County with a Middlesex County Archives, a tribute to the past and a legacy for the future.
We urge you to contact your county representative and voice your support for a Middlesex County Archives. For further information, please contact proposedmiddlesexcountyarchive@gmail.com, your local historical organisation or the Middlesex Centre Archives.
