Ninette Gyorody has been OMAH’s Executive Director since 2013. Ninette has a BFA and a MA from York University and has worked as a curator, educator and administrator in museums and galleries since 2002. She has also been an instructor at Lakehead University, Fanshawe College, University of Guelph, and Georgian College. She is a member of the board of directors for Orillia and Lake Country Tourism and Ramara Public Library. She is also a member of the advisory committee for Georgian College’s Museum and Gallery Studies program.

Tanya Cunnington is an artist and curator. She received her associate’s degree from Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), majoring in drawing and painting, and studying in Florence, Italy, through its off-campus program. She exhibits regionally and in Toronto. She was the owner/director of Lee Contemporary Art, an independent art gallery, before joining the OMAH team.

Hannah’s artistic past has defined her current journey into museums. Initially, she pursued a career as a professional ballet dancer, later earning a diploma in Applied Museum Studies from Algonquin College in 2020. Hannah recently graduated with distinction from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2023, earning a BA in history. Actively involved in various museum roles since 2016, spanning collections, exhibitions, customer experience, and various sub-committees. Hannah is now excited to extend her knowledge towards history programming, aiming to make history more accessible to the public. Apart from her work, Hannah loves cottaging in Muskoka, knitting, and her cat Charlie.

Vanessa received her BA in Classical Studies and Masters of European Studies from the University of Guelph. She has worked as a Fine Arts Coordinator for TOTAL Fine Arts and as an Assistant Director for Rukaj Gallery in Toronto, in which she has participated in Art Toronto, and an Ontario Museum Association conference. Throughout these roles, Vanessa has participated in various exhibitions, engagement planning of various shows, and collections management. She is incredibly passionate about the collaboration and the importance of development as it relates to promoting cultural education, and community involvement. She is excited to be apart of the OMAH team and to continue pursuing her passion for history.

Mikenna is currently enrolled at York University where she is pursing a BA in History with a certificate of Public History. She joined OMAH in the summer of 2022 as Social Media Manager but then transitioned to be the Museum Assistant. Mikenna has a passion for learning and focuses on exploring the world of historic fashion and how people lived in the past. Prior to attending York University, Mikenna attended Humber College for graphic design and is happy to be able to use skills learnt there at OMAH.

Patricia (Trish) Crowe-Grande received her Honours B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Toronto as well as a Marketing Diploma from Seneca College. She recently retired from Procter & Gamble after a 30-year career in Shopper Marketing and Product Supply. She has volunteered for the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority as an Archeological Field Crew Member working on indigenous & historical archaeological sites. She joined OMAH’s History Committee in 2019 and has supported OMAH’s research activities by contributing her time to working on OMAH’s collections database and publications.

Matthew is an Investment Advisor at RBC Wealth Management with a deep commitment to community service. Raised in Oakville, he has strong ties to Orillia, where his grandparents lived and his father was born. His grandfather, a respected lawyer and prior city councillor, previously sat on this same board. His love for Orillia, nurtured through summers spent here, inspired him to start his own practice locally in the community he cherishes. Matthew specializes in Investment & Wealth management for seniors, retirees, and executives. Currently Matthew also acts as a Director for ArtsOrillia and is involved with local service clubs as well as the Orillia Chamber of Commerce.

Steph Dunn is a professional musician and visual artist from Orillia. She Is a singer-songwriter who performs regularly in the Orillia area and has released two full-length albums. Steph teaches visual arts and music at Georgian Bay District Secondary School in Midland.

Mrs.Sirisegaram-Cole ( pronounced sir-REES-sir-GA-rum- Cole) has recently moved to Orillia and is already in love with the community and the city. Her desire to join OMAH stems from a long history with the arts. In addition to formal training in Carnatic vocal music and Classical Indian dance style bharatanatyam, Abby holds an HBSc in Biology and Psychology, BSc in Radiation Medicine, and is currently working on a MSc in Organizational Leadership through John Hopkins University.

Professionally, she is currently working at the Cancer Centre at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie as a radiation therapist. She has a number of publications and oral presentations that speak to her high level of engagement and commitment in innovation and quality improvement. Previous Board experiences included the Research Ethics Board @RVH, Talk is Free Theatre @Barrie, and the Alumni Association @The Michener Institute for Applied Health Science, Toronto. In her (somewhat limited) spare time, Abby enjoys time outside with her spouse Colin and two young boys Richard and Rohan. She is looking forward to sharing her experiences, supporting, and contributing towards the wonderful work at OMAH.

Shannon Jackman graduated from the Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCADU) and worked as a wallcovering designer and art director for 30 years. She pursued a postgraduate certificate at Georgian College in Museum and Gallery Studies at Georgian College, Barrie. For six years, she was president of the Orillia Heritage Centre, an organization that oversaw the collection and preservation of artefacts related to Orillia’s industrial history. She has been a member of many OMAH’s committees and supported numerous programming initiatives. She is currently sitting on OMAH’s Fundraising Committee and has an interest in expanding membership and community engagement.

Doug was born and raised in Orillia. He left in 1977 to attend the University of Waterloo. After graduating with an Honours Economics degree, he became a Chartered Accountant working with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) in Toronto. He spent about 30 years with PwC (most of those as a tax partner) retiring at the end of 2013. Doug’s practice at PwC focussed on advising clients on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) transactions.

After retirement, Doug and his wife, Patricia, moved to Horseshoe Valley and operated the Forks in the Trail B&B until the end of 2018.

Doug currently serves on the boards of several non-profits in the following capacities:

President, Forks in the Trail Private Foundation
Vice-Chair & Board member, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Board member & Treasurer, Orillia Museum of Art & History
Board member, Huronia Woodland Owners Association

Janet-Lynne has been an Orillian since moving here with her parents at the age of eight. She attended Orillia Central School, Marchmont Public School, and Park Street Collegiate, before attaining an Honours BA in English, and a Bachelor of Education. She and her husband Max have raised two children in Orillia. After a 30-year career as an elementary school teacher, she retired in October 2022 to take on her new role as Orillia City Councillor for Ward Four.

Janet-Lynne has been an Orillia Farmers’ Market vendor, a long-time union representative at her workplace, and has served on the boards of the Orillia and District Arts Council and Mariposa Arts Theatre. She is a cofounder of Mosaic Productions, a theatre company that has raised over $50,000 for local women’s and children’s charities. As co-host of Rogers TV Arts Scene Orillia, she promoted our vibrant local arts community.

She is a life-long learner who loves to act, garden, read, walk her dogs, and spend time with family. Janet-Lynne is committed to working with other members of council, residents of Ward Four, and all citizens of Orillia to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the Sunshine City.

Deb brings a wealth of community engagement and leadership experience to the board of directors. Deb has many happy memories of summers in Ontario as a child. Originally from England, Deb immigrated to Canada in 2013 and quickly established herself as a dedicated advocate within our community.

With a background that spans across various sectors, Deb has made significant contributions. Key roles include family and youth support, group homes and Green Haven Women’s Shelter, demonstrating her passion for supporting vulnerable populations.

Deb’s dedication and leadership have been recognised by her recent promotion to the position of Fitness Coordinator at Orillia Recreation Centre. In this role, she not only fosters a healthy lifestyle among community members but also manages programs that promote inclusivity and well-being.

Deb is honoured to embrace this new opportunity in working with OMAH and is excited for what is to come!

Jessica Allen is a seasoned administrative professional with extensive experience in municipal operations and a proven track record in customer service. Currently serving as a Clerk’s Assistant with the Township of Essa, Jessica holds a post-graduate diploma in Museum and Gallery Studies. Her dedication to history and heritage shines through in her work, where she actively contributes to the Heritage Committee for the Township of Essa. Additionally, she passionately curates content on her Instagram account, @SimcoeCurator, which is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of Simcoe County. Moreover, Jessica is not only adept in administrative roles but also excels as a digital artist with showings internationally. Her artistic endeavors further demonstrate her commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage through a modern lens. With her blend of administrative expertise, artistic flair, and fervor for preserving and sharing local history, Jessica is an invaluable asset in promoting and safeguarding cultural heritage. working with OMAH and is excited for what is to come!

About Us

About OMAH

The Orillia Museum of Art & History, located in the historic Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building, offers a unique experience of exploration into Orillia’s rich heritage and artistic legacy. The building was originally designed by the renowned architect Thomas Fuller imitating the style of Richardson Romanesque. The building itself is a striking example of historic architecture.

The museum’s historical collection intertwines local history with artistic expression. Its primary focus is on preserving and showcasing the tangible history of Orillia, providing visitors with a deep dive into the city’s past through revolving exhibits that feature significant events, influential figures, and offers a glimpse into day to day leisure activities. The museum’s art collection focuses on collecting works from not just locally based artists, but from those who have contributed to the regional and national artistic landscape. Overall, our historical displays offer a unique perspective on the evolution of Orillia and its community, while our art exhibitions showcase the talent amongst artists, local and abroad.

The Orillia Museum of Art & History stands as a vibrant cultural centre, inviting both locals and tourists to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of Orillia’s past and present.

Members

Artefacts

Year Founded

Mission

Provide inclusive space to engage community, inspire creativity and celebrate culture, by exploring art and history.

Vision

Explore. Inspire. Celebrate.

Values

Inspired programming, Inclusive Engagement and Responsible Stewardship.

Read Our Strategic Plan

Our History

In 1999, the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery, located in the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building, merged with the Orillia Historical Society. This marriage resulted in the creation of the Orillia Museum of Art & History. Being built in 1894, the building was in rough condition, it was missing it’s third floor and the second floor was in such disrepair that the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery had been operating solely out of the first floor. The renovation project began in 2004 when the museum tackled the basement and first floor. In 2013, renovations continued and saw the addition of a climate controlled gallery, elevator, creative studio on the third floor, and permanent collection storage.

OMAH has continued to offer exciting programs since its inception, including Camp OMAH, our popular summer camp and multitudes of educational programs. The museum is a popular spot for tourists to visit while also being a staple field trip for local schools.

+1 (705) 326-2159 ext. 102

Email Mikenna

Director

Address

30 Peter Street South

Orillia, ON L3V5A9

+1 (705) 326-2159

HOURS:

TUESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

THURSDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

FRIDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

SATURDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

SUNDAY: CLOSED

MONDAY: CLOSED

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Land Acknowledgement

The Orillia Museum of Art & History is located on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We respect and observe the long and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Metis and Inuit – on this land. Their teachings and stewardship, culture and way of life have shaped our City’s unique identity.

In acknowledging that we occupy colonized Indigenous territories, and out of respect for the rights of Indigenous people, we accept our collective responsibility to recognize our colonial histories as well as their present-day manifestations in order to honour, protect, and sustain this land.