Elgin County Museum - Strategic Plan
Help Shape the Future of the Elgin County Museum
We’re inviting residents, visitors, and community partners to review and share feedback on the Elgin County Museum Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
Your input will help guide the Museum’s priorities, programs, and services over the next five years before the plan is presented to County Council for approval. Feedback from the public helps ensure the Museum reflects the voices, experiences, and expectations of the people it serves.
About the Elgin County Museum
Located in the Elgin County Heritage Centre(460 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas), the Elgin County Museum preserves and shares the stories that define our community. From agricultural roots to everyday life across the County, the Museum collects, protects, and interprets local history through exhibits, programming, and digital resources.
The Museum also supports and collaborates with museums across Elgin County, helping strengthen a shared heritage network.
About the Strategic Plan
In 2025–2026, the Elgin County Museum completed a full review of its previous Strategic Plan. This updated plan aligns with the County of Elgin’s broader strategic direction and reflects opportunities in digital access, programming, and community engagement.
The plan focuses on maintaining Ministry standards while improving services in key areas within current staff and budget.
Our Mission
The Elgin County Museum exists to promote Elgin County’s rich historical heritage to the community by acquiring, documenting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting artifacts pertaining to the history of the County of Elgin; and to provide leadership and support to County museums in the promotion of a heritage partnership.
Our Vision
Elgin is a welcoming, innovative and sustainable community. The Elgin County Museum will advance the prosperity of our County while respecting our rural heritage and promoting local learning through virtual resources and onsite experiences.
Our Values
- Respect: We foster an inclusive environment where diverse stories and histories can be shared and valued.
- Collaboration: We prioritize working cooperatively across departments and with museum partners to share knowledge, resources and information openly.
- Learning and Leadership: We nurture a space that inspires learning and discovery and provide resources to help lead fellow museum partners.
- Creativity: We develop fun and innovative ways to excite visitors and patrons through our exhibitions and public programming.
Strategic Priorities
- Strategy 1: Strengthen the Elgin County Museum’s digital collections.
- Strategy 2: Improve relevance of museum collection
- Strategy 3: Improve capacity to share histories from across the County of Elgin
- Strategy 4: Sharing local stories and items from the museums collection to make local history accessible
- Strategy 5: Enhance partnerships with local school boards, libraries, and community organizations
- Strategy 6: Enhance museum partner services and programs
- Strategy 7: Improve access to off-site storage
Share Your Feedback
Your feedback is an important part of shaping the Museum’s future. Here is how you can help:
