Major Exhibit Redesign Celebrates Local Stories at Grey Roots
Grey Roots Museum & Archives has launched its cornerstone exhibit, the Grey County Gallery - thoughtfully redesigned to honour the diverse stories of Grey County.
The museum was approved for a total of $355,486 in funding from Canadian Heritage through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) for the last two phases of the Grey County Gallery redesign project. The CCSF supports physical improvements, including renovation and construction projects, to arts, culture, and heritage institutions across Canada.
“The updated gallery presents a dynamic and inclusive history of Grey County, with the flexibility to change things up regularly,” says Jill Paterson, Manager of Grey Roots Museum & Archives. “Through artefacts, archival images, and personal stories, visitors can experience engaging, discovery-based learning that truly brings our history to life. The design also allows us to showcase more artefacts and archival materials, both now and in the future.”
From 2018 to 2020, Grey Roots began to conceptualize updates to its long-term Grey County Gallery, which had originally been installed in 2004. The first completed section, Voices, was installed in 2020 and explores the history of Grey County through personal stories.
In 2021, a design consultant was brought on to plan and design the next four sections: Abundance, Connection, Permanence and Hope. The fabrication and installation of the Abundance section were completed in 2022.
By 2023, the final designs for Connection, Permanence, and Hope were completed, with fabrication and installation completed in 2025.“Culture is not only who we are; it also unites us, shapes our identity, drives our economy, and inspires pride and innovation. This is why I am delighted that our government’s investment has supported the transformation of the Grey Roots Museum and Archives. The museum’s artefacts and archives have long been a true treasure to both the local community and visitors, and the updated permanent exhibits will be able to share more diverse, inclusive, and relevant stories, with improved accessibility for visitors,” says the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
102599, Grey County Rd 18, Owen Sound