Written By Jan Sims
DELAWARE - Everything old is new again, as the Middlesex Centre Archives welcomed new and returning visitors to its annual Heritage Fair. This year’s fair was held on Saturday April 11th at the Delaware Community Centre. “My hope is that those who attend want to visit the heritage sites they learned about-be it one of the museums or historical society reading rooms to learn more. Maybe they'll join a local historical or genealogical society. I hope that they learn something new about their community,” says Middlesex Centre Archivist Krista Taylor.
The 2026 fair included more than 20 exhibitors. “New exhibitors include the Presbyterian Church Heritage Centre, Home Children Canada, Museum Strathroy-Caradoc and the CEMCA Working Group Thames Centre Heritage Keepers,” says Taylor. “There was also a special display from Strathroy Collegiate Institute showcasing their recent trip to Europe which included a visit to the grave sites of three brothers from the Adair family of Strathroy who were killed in action in World War II.”
The perennial popularity of the fair is the result of people’s desire to learn more about the community around them, according to Taylor. “This area has a very rich history, that goes back much further than most think. The history of white settlers begins in Delaware in the late 1790s. War of 1812 activity took place in the surrounding area. And the First Nations history far surpasses all of that,” says Taylor.
“For the exhibitors themselves, the Heritage Fair gives them the opportunity to get into the community, visit with those who are interested, network, promote upcoming programming for the summer season. My hope is that each year those who attend learn something new and find it a worthwhile outing for all ages,” adds Taylor.
The Archives has been seeing an increase in visitors to the Delaware offices, according to Taylor. And there’s been a lot of interest in the group’s tours of local cemeteries.
“We’ve also seen an increase in donations for the collection. It reinforces the need for a permanent repository,” says Taylor. “Middlesex County is at a critical point right now as the feasibility study about a Middlesex County Archives is beginning this month. We have a lot to share, and I hope that those who visit will come away with that knowledge,” adds Taylor.
