Nelles foundation sets sights on sustainability
Fundraiser launched to support Grimsby heritage home
A group which oversees one of the oldest homes in the country is looking for help from the community.
Nelles Manor was turned over to the non-profit Nelles House Foundation in 2015 by the Coutts family, who purchased the home — then divided it into seven apartments — and set about restoring it to its former glory.
Bill Thompson, director of the foundation, said the group is embarking on a fundraising campaign with the hopes of raising $22,000 to help put the museum on a sustainable financial path.
“Our goal is to raise $100 for each of the 220 years,” Thompson told aldermen at Monday’s Grimsby town council meeting.
“As can be expected of a new venture in its initial years, positive financial results can be difficult. In fact, our property taxes alone the past two years total $15,000.”
The fundraising drive will also provide the opportunity to raise awareness of programming at the home, Thompson said.
“This campaign will not only create awareness in this community about this unique heritage resource, but it will also create financial stability as we grow as an organization.”
The manor will be the site of an event marking the 200th anniversary of the Victory Ball the Nelles family hosted on June 4, 1818, to commemorate the end of the War of 1812. The event will be held on June 10.
“During that time (during the war) Grimsby was occupied several times by both British and American troops,” Thompson said, adding the ball was a celebration of Grimsby’s postwar reconstruction.
Nelles Manor was built on land granted to the family by the Crown as a reward for Henry Nelles’ efforts fighting for the
British during the American Revolutionary War.
As for next month’s celebration, it is hoped that a colour party from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, which has a direct line from the 4th Regiment of the Lincoln Militia — it took part in the Battle of Stoney Creek as well as the Battle of Forty Creek in Grimsby — will be on hand for the afternoon event, Thompson said. Tickets to the reception will be $25 a person.
The museum is opening its doors for the summer this weekend, including a special high tea on Saturday to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families. Tickets are limited for the tea. Call the museum at 289-235-7755 and leave a message or email info@nellesmanor.ca.