This journey started with the vision to preserve and protect the rich history of our families, our government, and our county. Along the way, there were disagreements about location, design, and funding, but what matters most is that through it all, we never stopped working together. Even in debate, we remained neighbors. Even in disagreement, we remained friends.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments when the path forward wasn’t clear. But we kept talking, kept meeting, and kept trying to find common ground. And in the end, we got it right.

This building stands as more than just a home for records. It is a symbol of perseverance, of compromise, and of a community that values its heritage enough to invest in its future.

To everyone who played a part, including commissioners, staff, volunteers, and citizens, thank you. The result is something we can all be proud of, and generations to come will benefit from the work done here. I especially want to recognize former County Commissioner Rebecca Stone, who was instrumental in moving this project forward and never wavered in her support of preserving Cumberland County’s history.

Let’s celebrate this moment, knowing the history we have preserved today will tell the story of who we are for many years to come.