Bridget Roussy and Martin Vander Byl, Historical Society and Marketing committee members, review plans for the June 13 Sock Hop at the RCAFA Wing on Water Street.
SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - This summer, you're invited to a party! The Cornwall Community Museum is celebrating its 70th anniversary with events running until September.
In June 1956, the SD&G Historical Society announced a fundraising campaign to open a museum. Howard Smith Paper Mills (later Domtar) had offered the old stone house on their property - known as the Wood House - and funds were needed to renovate it into a museum. Amazingly, just a few months later, the United Counties Museum opened on Sept. 15, 1956, with Mary Mack as Chair of the Board and Agnes Young as Curator. In 2000, the museum buildings made a journey down Second Street and Water Street to a new home in Lamoureux Park when Domtar needed the previous location for expansion projects.
Now, 70 years from that initial call for funding, the historical society and the museum are ready to celebrate seven decades of preserving and showcasing the area's history.
Kick off the celebration at a 50s-60s Sock Hop
The 70th Anniversary celebrations kick off with a 50s-60s Sock Hop on June 13 at the RCAFA Wing on Water Street. Dust off those poodle skirts and leather jackets and dance the night away to an evening of 50s-60s music and nostalgia. Celebrate the golden age of rock 'n' roll with hits played by The Fabulous Heartbeats from Ottawa.
There will be prizes for the best 50s-60s attire, a jitterbug competition, hula hoop contest, dance prizes, and other fun activities -plus pizza at the finale. All ticket sales and donations made at the event will support the Cornwall Community Museum.
Tickets are available online in the SHOP section of the museum website (www.cornwallcommunitymuseum.ca) and at the museum. They're limited to 100 people, so get yours soon.
More celebrations throughout the summer
Throughout July and August, the celebration continues with:
- A plein-air artists day outside the Museum on June 27
- Family Picnic Day and kite building in the park in July
- A heritage market and workshops featuring vintage cars from the Cornwall Olde Car Club in August
- A members commemorative event at the museum on Sept. 20
Join us in celebrating 70 years of history
For seven decades, the Cornwall Community Museum has been a cornerstone of our community, preserving the stories, artifacts, and memories that make our region unique. This anniversary isn't just about looking back - it's about celebrating the generations of volunteers, donors, and visitors who have made the museum what it is today. We invite everyone to be part of this milestone celebration and help write the next chapter of our story.
Visit the museum’s Facebook page for updates on all anniversary events and join in the celebration.