Burlington Museums Celebrate Museum Month by Honouring Community Belonging
May is Museum Month in Ontario, and Burlington’s museums are celebrating by inviting the public to connect with each other over their shared local history. The Burlington Museums Foundation today launches “Your Home. Your Museums.”, a -provincial initiative to celebrate the contributions of Ontario’s museums and heritage sites. The Joseph Brant Museum, and Ireland House Museum are joining the Ontario Museum Association’s annual campaign – observed by over 700 museums, galleries and heritage sites across the province – to emphasize community belonging.
A sense of belonging is increasingly recognized as vital to well-being. Only 45.7% of Canadians feel a strong sense of belonging to their local community (Statistics Canada), and a 2024 survey found 60% of Canadians feel disconnected from their neighborhood (YMCA Canada).
“Burlington is your home – the place where you raised your family. It’s the place where you live, work and play,” said John Doyle, Chair of the Burlington Museums Foundation. “By supporting your local museums, you are helping to preserve the legacy of your community. Our Burlington Builders gallery in the Joseph Brant Museum honours generous donors who helped make the transformation of the Museum possible. Now we’re inviting others to join them, so that the stories of our people continue to inspire future generations.” The campaign honours and thanks our dedicated Builders and calls on others to contribute toward exhibits, educational programs, and historic site preservation – investing in priority areas including: special exhibitions, public programs, and educational opportunities.
The Museums hosts special events and programs on an ongoing basis throughout the year for all ages to encourage shared experiences. The Museums create a welcoming environment for connection, discussion and exploration. On Sunday, May 18, coinciding with International Museum Day, the historic Ireland House Museum will offer themed drop-in activities from 1pm to 4pm. All activities are included in regular museum admission (children under 3 are free, and a family rate covers two adults and up to four children). All are welcome.
About the Burlington Museum Foundation: The Burlington Museums Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Museums of Burlington, dedicated to connecting people through heritage, culture and learning. Funded by passionate donors, the Foundation raises money to ensure the museums can “Celebrate, Inspire, Connect, Belong.” Visitors to the Joseph Brant Museum and Ireland House Museum experience Burlington firsthand – and through campaigns like “Your Home. Your Museums.”, citizens help secure their cultural legacy for the future. For more information or to donate, visit www.BurlingtonMuseumsFoundation.ca call 905-332-9888.
Media Contact: Matthew Stodolak, Boldly Media, 905-634-3556, matt@boldlymedia.com.
Sources: Ontario Museum Association museumsontario.ca
Statistics Canada www160.statcan.gc.ca
YMCA Canada/Angus Reid survey globenewswire.com
