Sim Salata

Grey Roots’ curator, Sim Salata, is a graduate of Queen’s University with a BA (Honours) in art history and a professional certificate in Museum Management and Curatorship from Sir Sanford Fleming College.

After working and training docents at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Kingston and delivering many elementary school programs, Sim became the Curator at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, and then the Director/Curator of the Orillia Museum of Art & History. She served as the collections manager at Grey Roots from 2008 until 2021, when she became its curator. 

Sim is responsible for researching, conserving and tracking the County’s collection of over 13,000 artefacts, so that they can tell the County’s many fascinating stories. This involves everything from hiring fine art conservators, to installing exhibitions, to implementing pest management plans. She ensures that the artefacts in the museum and on display in the Moreston Heritage Village - from quilts to tractors - are safe, time-appropriate, and specific to each building.

She also presents to various groups on textile and heirloom preservation and various topics of Grey County history that relate to the collection. A 19th century architectural enthusiast, she and her son make their home in a drafty but beautiful, Victorian gothic revival house in Brookeholm.