About the Museum

Cider Press
Horse and Buggy
The Fry House making its famed journey across the Twenty Mile Creek
Pioneer Day festivities
Pioneer Day festivities
Pioneer Day festivities

About Us

Mission

The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre: Home of the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty researches, collects, preserves, and interprets the stories and material culture of all those who have called the land now known as Lincoln home. Through exhibitions and inclusive engagement, the Museum connects people, place, and the past, and inspires the community to listen, learn, and acknowledge our shared history.

About Us

Vision

In 2030, the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre: Home of the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty is a gathering place where residents and visitors come together to explore the stories of this land and its people. Rooted in the community, it is a place to learn, connect, and grow. Open to all and alive with new ideas, it inspires a deeper understanding of our past and present and helps guide us toward a better future.

Pioneer Day festivities

About Us

01Our Values

WELCOMING:  We welcome and celebrate the diversity of our community, past and present. We strive to ensure that everyone is invited into our work and reflected in our spaces.

ROOTED: We are rooted in the community. Our work centers the stories of Lincoln and is guided by the people who live here. We are committed to preserving and holding space for the full history of this land and all who have called it home.

INSPIRING:  We believe in curiosity, dialogue, and the power of museums to inspire new ways of seeing the world. The museum is a place for lifelong learning that sparks critical thinking and innovation.

CONNECTED:  We work alongside partners, knowledge keepers, artists, and educators to create meaningful experiences and tell stories with honesty and care. We strive to speak truthfully, grounded in the insights and lived experiences of our collaborators.

ACCOUNTABLE:  We care for our collections and spaces with transparency and long-term vision. We hold our objects in trust for the future. Our decisions reflect sustainability and care for collections, resources, and relationships.

RESPONSIVE:  We are responsive to the needs, challenges, and issues facing the community. We adapt with creativity and intention in a changing world.

The Fry Family

Established in 1953

02Our History

Originally known as the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty, the museum was founded in 1953 by a dedicated group of local volunteers who worked to preserve the historic Schoolhouse and collect objects that reflected everyday life in the community.

In 1995, ownership was transferred to the Town of Lincoln, ensuring the museum’s long-term sustainability as a publicly supported institution. Today, the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre continues to build on this legacy, connecting people to the stories of this land through exhibitions, programs, and shared experiences.

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Connected to the Community

Advisory Committee

The Town of Lincoln Museum Advisory Committee contributes to strengthening our community through sound leadership, optimizing Town operations, and meeting the needs of our residents.

The Advisory Committee has the following objectives and responsibilities:
  • Provide input into the Museum’s Strategic Plan (monitoring progress)
  • Assist in the development of future strategic plans
  • Formation of, and participation in sub-committees as deemed necessary relating to priorities outlined in the Museum’s Strategic Plan
  • Support special projects furthering public awareness of the Museum
  • Serve as Museum ambassadors to champion positive community engagement and support of key initiatives

TOL Committee Meeting Minutes and Agendas

Community Members (Voting Members):
  • Steve Barnhart
  • Donna Betts
  • Kristina Climt
  • Pauline Creighton
  • Angela Lytle
  • Joanne Loney
  • Ruth Smith, Friends of Lincoln History
  • Terry Teather, JHMTVA
  • Jane Woolsey
Council Appointed Members (Non-Voting Members):
  • Councillor Mikolik
  • Councillor Murre
Staff Support (Non-Voting Members):
  • Cultural Development Coordinator
  • Deputy Clerk

Acknowledging Our Past For Our Future

Land Acknowledgement

As we take a moment to reflect on the importance of the land on which we gather, our provider and sustainer, we look to understand the history of the land. Lincoln is situated on treaty land. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Intended to guide the relationship between the First Nations and Europeans, the Two Row Wampum is an important symbol of everlasting equality, peace, and friendship. It remains the foundation upon which Canada was built, and we recognize that this mutually respectful relationship between nations is essential for reconciliation today.

There are many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people from across Turtle Island that live and work in Niagara today. The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. We recognize that we must do more to learn about the history and current situation of Indigenous people. This will help us better understand our roles and take responsibility towards reconciliation as treaty people, residents, and caretakers.

Museum Data

Reports & Documents