Banting House facts for kids
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Banting House in 2013
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| Location | 442 Adelaide Street North London, Ontario N6B 3H8 |
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| Official name: National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1997 |
| Type: | Municipal Heritage Designation (Part IV) |
| Designated: | August 2, 1983 |
Banting House is a special museum in London, Ontario, Canada. It used to be a home, but now it's famous as the "Birthplace of Insulin." This is where Sir Frederick Banting had a brilliant idea very early in the morning on October 31, 1920. This idea later led to the amazing discovery of insulin.
Since 1984, Banting House has been a museum. It teaches visitors all about Banting's life and his incredible discovery. For many people affected by diabetes, this house is a powerful reminder of Banting's work. His discovery helped save countless lives around the world.
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The Story of Banting House
Frederick Banting lived in this London house for about ten months. He tried to start his own medical practice there. When that didn't work out, he began teaching at the University of Western Ontario. While preparing for a lecture, he had a big idea. This idea, just 25 words long, was the key to finding insulin. Insulin changed everything for people with diabetes.
Banting House tells the story of how insulin was discovered. It also shares details about Banting's life and career. You can learn about his time in London and his work during both World Wars. The museum also shows his talents as an artist. Some cool things you can see include Banting's original art, his desk, and his bed frame. You can also see his Military Cross and a replica of his Nobel Prize.
In 1997, Banting House was officially named a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history.
How Banting House Became a Museum
For many years, people thought of Banting's house as the "Birthplace of Insulin." They wanted it to become a special place to honor this Canadian hero. The Detroit Free Press first used this famous title in 1923.
In 1970, the house received official recognition. The London Public Library Board placed a special plaque there. Later, in 1981, the London & District Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association bought the house. They used it as an office and planned to turn it into a museum. With help from grants and fundraising, the museum officially opened in 1984.
What You Can See at Banting House
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Banting House has many interesting things to see. You can find old papers, objects, and other items. These all relate to Banting as a co-discoverer of insulin, a doctor, and an artist. You can also learn about his involvement in the First and Second World Wars.
One part of the museum shows what Banting's office might have looked like. It has some of his personal items. These include his original medicine cabinet. There's also a special glass cylinder he used at the University of Western Ontario. The next room has a sink that Banting put in for his medical practice. Other areas of the museum display more of Banting's belongings. You can see his desk and his bed frame. The bed frame is in Banting's bedroom. Visitors can even take a picture with it, as it's not roped off.
You can also see a copy of the Nobel Prize medal. Banting and his colleague Macleod won this award together. Many of Banting's other medals are also on display. Another gallery shows what a military operating room was like during World War I. Banting worked in places like this. There's also information about projects he led during World War II. Finally, an entire gallery is filled with artwork created by Banting himself.
Outside the museum is Sir Frederick G. Banting Square. This is a garden with information plaques. It also has three main attractions. Two of these were revealed by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. One is a statue of Banting writing down his life-changing idea. The other is the Flame of Hope. The Queen Mother lit this flame during her visit. It stands for the hope that one day there will be a cure for diabetes. The third attraction is a globe sculpture. It was added in 2010. This globe shows Canada's gift of insulin to the world. It welcomes visitors from all countries, with their names listed on it.
See also
