Muskoka Lakes Museum facts for kids
| Established | July 2, 1967 |
|---|---|
| Location | Port Carling, Ontario, Canada |
| Type | History |
| Founder | Marion Catto |
The Muskoka Lakes Museum is a special museum that teaches about the history of the Muskoka Lakes area. It's run by the community and is located on James Bartleman Island Park. You can reach the museum by walking across a footbridge from the village of Port Carling in Ontario, Canada.
The museum has six different areas to explore. These areas show the story of the First Nations people and early settlers in the region. You can also learn about boats and how they were built in Muskoka. There are exhibits about old cottages and vacation spots from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. Plus, there's a gallery where you can see art made by people nearby.
The museum is open every year from Victoria Day until the Canadian Thanksgiving Day weekend. It offers many fun activities for kids. These include programs for school groups and summer day camps. You can also have children's parties there and play outdoor games. The museum has lots of hands-on exhibits too!
The museum also offers walking tours of Port Carling village. They have talks, trivia nights, and workshops where you can learn traditional crafts.
Contents
Discovering the Museum's Past
How the Museum Started
The idea for the Muskoka Lakes Museum began with a person named Marion Catto. She started the Port Carling Historical Society on September 9, 1961. This group wanted to save and share the history of the area.
The museum first opened its doors on July 2, 1967. Back then, it was called "The Port Carling Museum." The original sign that hung above the entrance is now displayed inside the museum's Marine Room.
Growing Over the Years
In 1972, the museum added a new part called the Catto Wing. This was named to honor Marion Catto and her husband. As the museum collected more and more historical items, they needed more space. So, they added new sections in 1976, 1977, and again in 1983.
In 1982, the museum bought an old log cabin. This cabin was built way back in 1875 in a nearby village called Glen Orchard. The museum carefully took the cabin apart, moved it, and put it back together at the museum in 1983. It officially opened for visitors on July 14, 1984.
A New Name for a Bigger Story
In 1989, the museum's leaders decided to change its name. They changed it to the "Muskoka Lakes Museum." This new name helped the museum show that it represented and served the history of the entire Muskoka Lakes District, not just the village of Port Carling.
