Established in 1895, the Niagara Historical Society (the “Society”) is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The most important work of the Society is the maintenance of its Museum collection which began in 1896 and is one of Ontario’s most significant local history collections. The Society built Ontario’s oldest museum building, Memorial Hall, in 1907. In the 1940s the Society expanded to include the 1875 High School building next door. The two buildings were joined in the 1970s, via the Link Building, to create a facility that is very sympathetic to its surroundings.
As the Museum’s collection continuously grows each year and our public programs expand, space is becoming limited. Its collections storage is near capacity and it lacks of proper programming space. In anticipation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) the Society is also exploring what Museum changes are necessary to ensure we meet the legislation requirements by 2025.
In late 2016 the Society invited proposals from qualified parties for the design, plans, tender package, contract documents and administration, permits, approvals, and budget for a new build and renovation of its designated, heritage Museum buildings. Lynch+Comisso of Toronto, Ontario was selected and have now completed the design of the project including a Class A estimate.
The Society is now requesting submissions from fundraising consultants interested in managing a capital campaign to raise the money needed for this capital project. The estimated amount needed during the construction of the Museum extension and a subsequent fund to cover the expanded annual operating expenses for Museum staff and facilities is approximately $10,000,000 – the construction phase being approximately $7,000,000 and the operating phase being approximately $3,000,000.
Closing date: 07/05/2019