A West Grey resident is bringing local history to life in a new digital format, ensuring the region’s stories are preserved for generations to come.
Mat Johnson is launching the West Grey Virtual Museum, an online archive dedicated to showcasing the rich history of the area through an extensive collection of photographs, documents, and personal stories. The initiative aims to make historical resources easily accessible to both residents and researchers, offering a deeper understanding of the community’s past.
Johnson, an avid local historian, says his passion for heritage and the fear of losing valuable stories inspired the project. He hopes the virtual museum will serve as a bridge between past and present, allowing people to connect with the history that shaped their community.
"There’s so much history in this area that people may not even realize," Johnson said. "By making it available online, we can keep those memories alive for future generations and spark new interest in our local heritage." The virtual museum will feature rotating exhibits, including historical accounts from long-time residents and digitized records from community archives. Johnson is also encouraging the public to contribute photos and stories to help expand the collection.
"We want this to be a community-driven project," Johnson explained. "The more people contribute, the richer the history we can showcase. Everyone has a story, and I believe this platform can preserve them for years to come."
Johnson also emphasized the potential educational impact of the museum, particularly for younger generations. "It’s important that younger people connect with the history of the place they live," Johnson said. "This platform will allow them to learn more about the area they call home and the people who have shaped it." The project is set to launch in the coming months, with updates and previews available on social media.
Johnson is also looking to expand his team by bringing on a lead historian to focus on the towns of Durham and Elmwood. He hopes to find someone who can help guide the historical direction of the project in those communities. Anyone interested in contributing to the virtual museum or applying for the position can reach out to Johnson at MJohnson@marathonofhistory.ca or through the West Grey Museum’s Facebook page.