I have been working at the AGN as a Curatorial and Collections Assistant under a Young Canada Works grant. Operated by the Government of Canada, Young Canada Works partially funds summer jobs and internships for students and emerging heritage professionals. During my internship I took over the reigns of the James Cockburn Room from Alexis Gago, a previous intern. I held a curatorial role for this project, designing new elements for the space that would increase visitor engagement.

This process started with conducting research into Victoria Hall, James Cockburn, Cobourg, and the objects in the room. While trying to decide on a topic for the new display I knew that I wanted to stick to the era of the historical office. I had discovered that the Town of Cobourg owned a couple of furniture pieces that were made by Cobourg cabinetmakers and wanted to focus on this element for my display.

With help from the Northumberland County Archives and Museum I was able to find information about the Clench family. Freeman S. Clench was a cabinetmaker who settled in Cobourg during the late 1800s. Freeman and his sones would make furniture in Cobourg for over 50 years. I had also discovered that the AGN has artwork by Harriet Kane Clench in the collection. The Clench family felt like a bridge that connected the Gallery to the James Cockburn room while staying true to the original intent of the historical office.

I also discovered that two of the original artworks looked in the James Cockburn room were painted by his sister Jane. Hopefully my work has breathed some new life into this historical office and created more opportunities for people to meaningfully connect with the history and legacy of Cobourg.

Zoe Chevalier, Curatorial and Collections Assistant