The Business of History

A letter of understanding with the City of London to provide core operating funding of $350,000 per year, from 2005-2010, with inflationary increments, has been secured. In 2010, a new agreement will be prepared for ongoing funding.

We are currently working with the municipalities of Middlesex Centre and Thames Centre (Middlesex County) to secure increased operating funding.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village launched its Capital Campaign at the close of 2005. To date we have raised $4.77million or 151% of our $3 million goal!! 

Our $3 million goal breaks down as follows - $1.5 million will be directed towards Capital Restoration Projects for heritage building renewal; $500,000 will be raised to double the size of our Endowment; $1 million will be raised to build a new Visitors Centre.

Designation of Fanshawe Pioneer Village as a Heritage District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act has been initiated by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the London & Middlesex Heritage Museum.

To guide the implementation of the Master Development and Business Plan, Dr. Christine Castle was recruited in 2004 to develop an Interpretive Master Plan for Fanshawe Pioneer Village. In addition, Wendy Shearer, Landscape Architect was hired to complete a Landscape Master Plan for the site. Both plans form the basis of annual operating plans developed by staff to direct the development and growth of this regional museum.

In 2006, with the help of the local marketing firm, Red Rhino, Fanshawe Pioneer Village adopted a long range Marketing Plan that will assist us in reaching our primary markets – Local Visitation, Tourists and Education Groups - and updated our corporate image. In 2007, Fanshawe Pioneer Village will engage a local consultant to develop our rental program, and in 2008, Dr. Castle was back to complete the Interpretation Master Plan Implementation manuals.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is fortunate to work in close partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. Operating systems such as IT, financial management, payroll and human resources will continue to be provided by UTRCA as a significant in-kind donation.

In 2006, the London & Middlesex Heritage Museum and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority signed a 50 year lease for the use of Authority land to operate Fanshawe Pioneer Village. The fee for use of over 46 acres was set at $2 per year for the first 15 years.

During hard times in the 1990’s, Fanshawe Pioneer Village accumulated $150,000 an operating debt. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has agreed to forgive that debt over five years from 2005-2009, as their contribution to our Capital Campaign. Thanks to this gift, in 2010, Fanshawe Pioneer Village was debt free.