Shared stories of strength and survival
McDougall Cottage explores “Resiliency”
If you’ve never been to McDougall Cottage, you might be surprised by what you’ll find at this quaint granite and limestone cottage set along the Grand River - an active hub for community events, intimate gatherings like weddings and celebrations of life, workshops and wonderful themed afternoon teas. As soon as you open the front door, you’ll feel the welcoming energy of the cottage and the individuals who continue to tell its ever-evolving story.
Interact with engaging exhibits, and peer out the window at the ever-evolving neighbourhood of the downtown Cambridge historic factory district.
Although you wouldn’t know it today, decades ago the Cottage had fallen into a state of disrepair. Overgrown with vegetation, crumbling plaster and broken windows, it took time and commitment to bring the Cottage back to vibrancy.
In 2022, the team at McDougall Cottage decided to explore the idea of developing an exhibit on the topic of mental health, using the Cottage as a metaphor for Resiliency.
The exhibit featured a multimedia journey of shared personal stories of resiliency and offered resources and strategies to help the community bounce back from life’s challenges. There are options when building one's resiliency, but it's not a one size fits all solution. Resiliency gave guests a chance to explore options that resonated with them.
A message wall invited guests to leave notes of encouragement for other visitors who may have been experiencing difficult times.
Through partnerships with local organizations like Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington and local wellness experts, the Cottage was able to offer programs, virtual talks, workshops and informal gatherings on mindfulness, forest therapy and much more.
Resiliency also represents the next step in McDougall Cottage’s future direction to explore and embrace new and innovative ways to tell stories. In fact, across the Region of Waterloo Museums you’ll find a collection of ever-evolving exhibits, programs and events that raise community voices, explore diverse experiences, celebrate cultures, and share traditions of people who have lived here before and those that do so today.
And, it’s this coming together that gives our community strength. That builds our resiliency.
