Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, situated in Ontario, is among 12 historical sites in Canada competing for a total of $65,000 in prize money to aid in transforming the residence of its founder into an archival center. The museum has been selected as a finalist in the National Trust for Canada charity’s fourth annual Next Great Save contest, which focuses on preserving and promoting historic locations. Contestants present their proposals for revitalizing their sites, and the public can vote on the contest’s official website. Voting is open from April 7 to 24, with winners to be announced on the final day. The top prize is $50,000, followed by $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third.
The museum’s submission highlighted its ongoing initiative to convert the 1911 home of founder Janet Carnochan into a research and archival facility equipped with modern amenities such as climate control, fire safety measures, accessibility enhancements, and security features. Barbara Worthy, the museum’s community engagement coordinator, emphasized the importance of safeguarding and showcasing the 40,000 historical documents housed within the old residence.
The Carnochan house, located adjacent to the museum and acquired two years ago, is currently being upgraded and integrated with the main museum building through fundraising efforts. Worthy expressed that winning the prize would expedite the renovation project, but regardless of the outcome, every vote cast in the contest contributes to raising awareness about repurposing and preserving historical sites.
The other finalists in the Next Great Save competition include Fort Point Lighthouse Interpretation Centre in Trinity, N.L., Ancienne Église Sainte-Marie in Church Point, N.S., Trinity Anglican Church in Digby, N.S., Église Notre-Dame-des-Neiges in Trois-Pistoles, Que., Fort Ingall in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Que., Missisquoi Museum – Cornell Mill in East Stanbridge, Que., Backhouse Grist Mill in Port Rowan, Ont., St. John’s United Church in Brockville, Ont., The Spire in Kingston, Ont., Old Coleman High School in Coleman, Alta., and 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site in South Cariboo Region, B.C. The prize funding is provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance.