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Joseph Chimczuk's last will of Aug 4th, 1989 and finally probated, left his estate to "The Corporation of the City of Windsor" (also appointed as the Trustee), to:

Build a building to be known as the "C(h)imzuk Museum" for use as cultural museum and archives and library.

In the actual will, Chimczuk was mis-spelled as Cimczuk, but his own signature and the prior will of July, 1989, and an undated hand-written will use the correct spelling of "Chimczuk" so we conclude that "Chimczuk Museum"TM is what he wished.

Over the years there has been controversy about the interpretation of the wording. Eric Buchholzer, who typed out and witnessed the final will, tried to get Joseph Chimczuk to be more specific about his wishes, but he would not go beyond what is written above, Joe knew that his will would be controversial, in fact, he told a business acquaintance that people would "fight" over it.

Chimczuk Museum Inc. has tried to make sense of the wording in light of personal relationships with Joseph Chimczuk, two of our directors knew him well, and as mentioned above, Eric Buchholzer typed out and witnessed the will itself.

We will divide the wording into its constituent parts.


There has been argument on what this means. A new building? Could it be a renovated building? Could it be part of an existing group of buildings? or any combination of the above?

The fact of the matter is that Joseph Chimczuk merely wanted a building with his family name on it, to be know as the "Chimczuk Museum"TM , and, fifteen years later, this has not happened.

"For use as a Cultural Museum and Archives and Library"

"Cultural Museum" - There is no accepted definition of the two words together; so they must be interpreted apart (definitions taken from 1865 & 1980 Websters included)

"Cultural" - promoting culture, education or enlightenment

Culture(d) - Act of cultivation (e.g. of soil, mind) Intellectual or physical training, refinement education, way of life of a people, civilization, growth of bacteria or fungi.

Museum - A place to study, exhibition of objects from history, arts and sciences.

"Archives" - Documents or records of facts relating to public, national, city, corporation, community or family history, or the place where these are stored.

"Library" - A collection of books or where they are kept


The money bequeathed ($1M) now grown to $2.75M, would certainly "Build a building known as the "Chimczuk Museum"TM , however, who would be responsible for heating, lighting, maintenance, staffing and security, let alone purchasing the contents there to be displayed?

Definition interpretations aside, since traditional museums, archives and libraries are notorious for not being self-supporting, it is hardly surprising that the City of Windsor has not created another "Money Pit"


We, at Chimczuk Museum Inc., believe that, by partnering with other existing groups, and by involving the private and business sectors, can plan a project that would not only be compatible with Joseph Chimczuk's wishes, but would be financially viable and a credit to the City of Windsor and the community.

We are interested in your thoughts and suggestions.

Please click here to contact us.

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