William Crooks
Attendees of the Uplands annual general meeting pose for a warm group photo inside the historic house, wrapping up an afternoon filled with laughter, conversation, and a shared commitment to the centre’s future
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre held its annual general meeting on April 22, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in its operations as it prepares for a temporary closure beginning in November. While not the anniversary of the centre itself, this year marked the 25th annual meeting of its current incorporated board, formed in 1999—highlighting a quarter-century of community stewardship.
The gathering, held at the Speid Street site in Sherbrooke, struck a cheerful and light-hearted tone. Between official agenda items, attendees shared laughs, swapped stories, and enjoyed “homemade” cake served with coffee and tea. “Nancy baked the cake,” quipped Board President Graham Moodie. “Don’t hurt her feelings—have a slice.”
Local politicians and prospective candidates were also in attendance, mingling with members, volunteers, and representatives from the Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society (LAHMS). Moodie welcomed everyone with humour and warmth, noting the continued dedication of those present. “It’s nice to see some new faces,” he said, before joking about bribes for local reporters and the challenges of volunteer coordination. “You’ll want to be here next year when my term expires and they vote me out,” he added with a smile.
Behind the humour, however, was serious business. Beginning in November, Uplands will close to the public for nearly a year to allow for a complete renewal of its permanent exhibit. The centre is scheduled to reopen in fall 2026.
The overhaul is being led by Montréal-based museum design firm Merlicht and supported by a $354,000 grant from the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications. The City of Sherbrooke will also restore Uplands’ heritage doors and windows as part of the larger project. Uplands staff are working closely with LAHMS to ensure the reimagined space remains true to the centre’s roots while improving accessibility, modernizing presentation, and increasing engagement.
“We want to keep the spirit of Uplands alive, but make it more vibrant, more welcoming, and more reflective of our community today,” Moodie said.
Executive Director Nancy Robert called it “the biggest transformation in our history,” but emphasized that the goals set out in Uplands’ original letters patent remain unchanged: to share history, art, and tradition. “We’re in the business of happiness—and kindness,” she said. “And in today’s world, we all need more of that.”
The exhibit renewal is expected to better showcase the lives of women and children in Uplands’ history and will include a new educational program tailored to school groups. “It’s a good place to be,” Robert added. “It’s a place full of laughter, of generosity, and of stories.”
While enthusiasm for the future is high, the temporary closure presents challenges—particularly for the centre’s volunteer program. Moodie, who also coordinates volunteers, said the team is already planning ways to maintain engagement through the off-season. “We’ll need to get creative,” he said. “When I post a call for help, I usually get replies within 30 minutes. That kind of commitment is rare.”
Volunteers continue to be a pillar of the organization, with roughly 50 individuals supporting events and activities. “Without them, we’d have a garden full of weeds, white walls in our gallery, no concerts, and no minutes of meetings,” Moodie said.
The 2024 Volunteer Report noted the importance of diversifying the volunteer base. “We need more young people. We need more men,” Moodie said. Still, the devotion of long-time contributors remains a point of pride. Dinah Duffield, who has curated Uplands’ exhibitions for 25 years, was warmly thanked for her voluntary service. “She’s worked with hundreds of artists and hung hundreds of shows,” Robert said. “And she’s still doing it with energy and grace.”
Uplands presented five exhibitions in 2024, hosted 15 outdoor concerts through the Brise Culturelle series, and welcomed nearly 8,000 visitors. The garden also thrived under the care of returning gardener Élise-Anne, with added support from volunteers and town staff.
Financially, Uplands closed the year with a deficit of $35,874. Treasurer Pauline Farrugia explained that the shortfall was manageable and largely offset by a healthy accumulated surplus of $118,794, most of which is already allocated for exhibit renewal and contingency reserves. “We remain in good financial health,” she said.
Total revenues for the year were $427,576, with key support from the City of Sherbrooke (31 per cent), the provincial government (23 per cent), and the popular Tea Tradition experience (19 per cent). Federal youth employment programs, donations, and artisan sales rounded out the funding.
Looking ahead, the centre plans to remain open through the summer with a full slate of activities before closing in the fall. As Nancy Robert said, “We’re ready to welcome people with open arms this summer—tea, laughter, and all.”
The meeting included the reappointment of three board members—Wendy Durrant, Melanie Cutting, and Judy Keenan—ensuring continuity through the renovation period. As attendees left, many lingered to chat and share memories, underscoring the strong sense of community that continues to define Uplands.
“This place is a hidden gem,” Robert said. “It’s tucked behind the trees, but those of us who’ve found it—we know its worth. And that’s why we stay.”