COLLECTIONS

OMAH’s collection is home to over 17,000 artefacts, which illustrate the heritage of the City of Orillia and surrounding area. Our collection features objects, archival documents, photographs and works of art pertaining to the local area. 

Some of the famous local people highlighted in our collection include Mazo de la Roche, Sir Sam Steele, Arthur Shilling and Franklin Carmichael, and many others who have contributed to the rich culture and history of the City of Orillia and the surrounding area.  These collections reflect the natural and human history of Orillia and area and are used for documentation, preservation, research, exhibition and interpretation purposes. We are honoured to be stewards of the local history collection.

WHAT KINDS OF ARTEFACTS ARE IN THE COLLECTION?

Among OMAH’s 17,000 artifacts, we have a variety of pieces which range from artwork to archival documents to locally relevant objects of all kinds. Our collections also feature individuals who impacted Orillia, such as Mazo de la Roche, Sir Sam Steele, Arthur Shilling and Franklin Carmichael.  Our collection comes from the generous donations of our patrons and members of the community.

HOW DO I DONATE TO THE COLLECTION?

The vast majority of our artefacts come to us through generous community donations. Some we buy. For example, OMAH recently made a historic purchase of Franklin Carmichael’s important painting, “Old Barns, Miner’s Bay,” thanks to generous fundraising support from our patrons.

If you are interested in donating to our collection, please fill out our artifact donation form here

 

CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR THE COLLECTIONS DEPARTMENT?

Absolutely! The Orillia Museum of Art & History is always looking for interested volunteers to help create a safe and organized environment for our collection. An ideal candidate will have some interest in history, keen sense of organization and appreciation for detail. Click here to learn more about OMAH’s Volunteer Program.

 

COLLECTION EXHIBITIONS

Every year we plan and run a variety of important, accessible exhibitions that showcase our phenomenal collections. We regularly work with community partners to display fascinating and relevant exhibitions of both art and history. If you are interested in becoming a community partner and sponsoring an exhibition or program, please contact the Operations Coordinator

COLLECTIONS RESEARCH

OMAH supports community research endeavors through our collection. OMAH’s Lake Country Rotary Research Room  is a volunteer-run resource for information on local history and genealogy. Visitors looking to do research are welcome to set up an appointment with one of our knowledgeable volunteers. We charge a small fee, but OMAH Members get free access and other research benefits.

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

Upcoming Events

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.