Aylmer’s beloved Symmes Inn Museum welcomes new General Director 

Sophie Demers

Aylmer’s Symmes Inn Museum is a non-profit organization and a beloved part of the area's history located near the Marina at 1 rue Front. The museum, founded in 1987, has recently welcomed a new General Director.

Originally from Mexico, Gerardo Familiar-Ferrer has lived in Quebec for 17 years, 13 of which were in Aylmer with his wife and two children. A historian by profession, he studied ancient Mexican history at the master's level before moving to Canada. His master's research project brought him to many museums and, once in Canada, he did a master's degree in museology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO).

“Every time I passed the museum, I found the building magnificent as well as the surrounding marina that my family and I regularly visit for activities year-round,” said Familiar-Ferrer. “I was drawn to this place. When I saw the publication for the General Director position, I didn’t hesitate. Aylmer’s history is also a passion of mine.” Aylmer has a rich history, and he hopes to play a role in sharing it more widely within the community.

“There are likely people who haven’t thought about visiting the museum,” said the new general director. “I’d like to reach them.” He added that he hopes to work closely with residents to collect stories, knowledge, and firsthand accounts that help preserve the area’s history. He also aims to work with Aylmer’s various cultural communities which, he says, have a lot to offer to enrich our culture. 

Familiar-Ferrer also aims to work with local schools to develop projects and work with students. “I would like to make the museum a space for learning and for local students to be able to learn about Aylmer’s history.” He says he hopes to enrich and improve the museum’s public activities.

The museum is now preparing for two events as part of Gatineau’s Heritage Month in February. These include a conference and a discovery activity that will give visitors the opportunity to see items from the collection that are not usually on display. The Symmes Inn Museum will reopen to the public on March 5 with an exhibition highlighting a Victorian-era table service.

This upcoming season is also a great opportunity for residents to experience the museum's escape room “Robbery at the Aquatic Club”. The activity can accommodate 2 to 4 people and costs $15 per person. For more information about upcoming activities, visit the museum’s website: https://symmes.ca/

Familiar-Ferrer says the Symmes Inn Museum is always in need of more volunteers. Anyone interested can reach out by email to symmesreception@gmail.com