As a university student studying history, it often enters my mind the purpose for which this subject holds to the world at large.
Though this thought usually comes to me mere hours before a particularly problematic exam, I find it to be absolutely vital.
Through years of toiling with the importance of history, I have deduced that in order to fully understand the present without ignorance or neglect, one must be aware of the history that has shaped the world that we reside in.
The very importance of the past affects every individual, family, community, and country in various ways. Learning about the history of Meaford is imperative to understanding the present state of our municipality, as well as the it’s inhabitants.
In order to fully grasp the beauty of such a place, one must care for the past toils and successes that have served as building blocks to create the place that many of us now call home.
This leads me to another remarkably important place in our community: The Meaford Museum.
The museum resides on the calm and beautiful harbour in the heart of the urban Meaford. The location in which the museum rests is particularly interesting because it encapsulates the very picturesque beauty of the town whose historical magnificence is defined within the museum itself.
Down the street from the Museum, rests both McCarrol and Raper park. You can hear the children playing, the picnics commencing, and on particularly special holidays like today, the fireworks exploding over the peaceful water.
You can hear history in the making.
The Meaford Museum combines both the need for preserving history with the desire to participate and support the local community. It is home to numerous artifacts that equally contribute to creating the story of Meaford’s past.
Some of the most impressive artifacts include costumes of varying periods, letters from John Muir, historical displays of marine and rail, and much more.
Although the walls of the museum are filled with local history, the history of the museum is equally significant.
The building was originally the water pumping station for the town in 1961, but with the support of the Kent Womens’ Institute, the museum was created. It has recently enjoyed much needed renovations to provide museum patrons with a more modern and accessible guide to local history.
Next year, the Meaford Museum will celebrate its 50th year of providing residents and tourists with a key to the past.
*Watch for upcoming Meaford Moments as we explore our entire municipality and bring to you some of the fascinating places in rural and urban Meaford alike.
A life-long resident of Meaford, Stephanie Rennie loves to live in and write about the community of Meaford. Stephanie is working in the Children’s Department of the Meaford Public Library this summer. In the fall she will be completing the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History at the University of Guelph.
Stephanie is the new Assistant Editor for The Meaford Independent.
