Huron County Museum and Cultural Programs Invite Input on Their New Strategic Plan

by Bob Montgomery

The Huron County Museum and Cultural Programs are developing a new strategic plan and they're looking for input from the public.

County Librarian and Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble says public input on the Museum and Cultural Programs’ services, programs, and facilities will provide valuable feedback that will help shape the plan. “Whether you are a regular visitor to the Museum and Gaol, have participated in a Cultural Program such as the Huron Multicultural Festival, or have never visited or attended any programs before, we want to hear from you.” Rumble says all feedback is welcome and will be considered as they set their direction for the next five years.

The last strategic plan they did was in 2018 and it ran from 2019 to 2023 so it's time to take another look at what's working well, what isn't working well and different ways they should consider providing services and programs moving forward. Rumble says at this point they're not looking at specific things, they're collecting data on whatever users and non-users feel should be addressed and then they can determine where their strengths and capabilities lie.

Rumble says one thing a lot of people aren't aware of is how much of their work is done out in the community. “We are the Huron County Museum and Huron County Cultural Programs so we are all over the County making sure that we're telling those stories and engaging with people.” They did some strategic planning with the Library last year and one unintended consequence of that was when they asked people about the services they used, they found that a lot of people weren't aware of the range of programs the library provides. Rumble suspects that will be the case with this strategic plan for Cultural Services, the Museum and Gaol as well.

The online survey can be accessed by visiting the Connected County of Huron website. Paper copies of the survey are also available at the Museum or any branch of the Huron County Library. The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and to say thanks for taking the time to provide feedback, all participants will be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card to Fincher’s in Goderich, and $100 Eat Local Huron gift card .

The deadline to complete the survey is Sunday, March 31. To further engage with the public in person, a number of focus groups are scheduled throughout March at various locations across the County. All are welcome to drop into any of the following sessions:

• Thursday, March 14, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Goderich, Huron County Economic Development office, located at 57 Napier Street, Goderich

• Monday, March 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Alice Munro Library, Wingham

• Wednesday, March 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Seaforth Library Branch

• Thursday, March 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Exeter Library Branch

• Tuesday, March 26, 7-8 p.m.: Virtual session.

• Wednesday, March 27, 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Clinton Library Branch

Full details, including full rules for participating in the giveaway can be found at the Huron County Museum website.