Lincoln, ON – (June 24, 2026) – Years of research gathered during the development of the Town of Lincoln’s Sho’aríshon Park are being transformed into a lasting public resource for learning, research, and interpretation at the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre.
The Museum has established the Neutral Nation Research Collection, a growing collection focused on the history of the Neutral Nation (Attawandaron), Indigenous history, archaeology, and the cultural landscape of the Niagara region. The collection will support researchers, educators, students, community members, and anyone seeking to better understand the long Indigenous history of Lincoln and Niagara.
By preserving and organizing these materials, the Museum is creating a lasting resource for public learning about the Neutral Nation and the Indigenous history of Lincoln and Niagara. The collection includes books, academic articles, archaeological reports, dissertations, and other historical research.
Researchers, educators, students, and community members may consult the collection by appointment. The collection will continue to grow as new research becomes available. Researchers wishing to arrange an appointment may contact Adam Montgomery, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.
Background:
The Neutral Nation, also known as the Attawandaron, were an Iroquoian-speaking people who lived throughout what is now southern Ontario, including the Niagara region, at the time of early European contact. They lived in longhouse communities and sustained themselves through agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade.
The Neutral Nation were the first known inhabitants of the land now known as Lincoln. By the mid-17th century, disease, famine, and conflict had led to the dispersal of their communities, with survivors joining other Indigenous nations.
Sho’aríshon Park was created to support public learning about the Neutral Nation and the broader Indigenous history of the Niagara region. Developed by the Town of Lincoln in collaboration with Indigenous partners, the Park opened in November 2025 at 3039 King Street. It is connected to the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre by the Twenty Valley Trail, a hiking route through the Twenty Valley.
The development of Sho’aríshon Park brought together Indigenous partners, archaeologists, historians, artists, and community organizations. Their work explored the history and archaeology of the Neutral Nation. The Neutral Nation Research Collection preserves and organizes the research gathered through this process.
Quotes:
“Sho’aríshon Park created new opportunities for people to learn about the Neutral Nation and the Indigenous history of this region. By making the research gathered through the Park’s development available to the public, the Museum is extending that work and helping ensure these resources remain accessible for future generations.”
Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln
“This collection reflects our commitment to learning, understanding, and meaningful action. By collaborating with our partners and community, we have created a valuable resource that helps deepen understanding, encourages reflection, and builds on the important work already underway through Sho’aríshon Park.”
Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Lincoln
“The value of a research collection lies in how it can be used. Bringing these materials together in one place makes it easier to explore new questions, support scholarship, and inform future exhibitions, interpretation, and public learning at both the Museum and Sho’aríshon Park.”
Adam Montgomery, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230