All Day

The History of Medicine in Orillia

Medical history is convoluted: full of intrigue, missteps, and miraculous breakthroughs.  There is always something interesting about seeing an old bottle of medicine or a historical medical instrument. Healthcare in Canada is largely a standard service in our lives, so many people neglect to think about how it got to where it is today. It is important to take a moment, especially nowadays, to appreciate the struggles and advancements made in medicine, which is the goal of our new Medical Exhibit.  The Medical Exhibit showcases artifacts from OMAH’s permanent collection that relate to Orillia’s local medical history. The exhibit explores the history of the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital (OSMH), including images of the hospital through the ages, the Orillia School of Nursing, which ran from 1910 until 1974, and the career of local doctor, Trevor McLennan (1907 - 1980) who served in WWII and ran the radiology department at the OSMH. The most exciting part is the apothecary corner, where you can view medical bottles for a wide range of ailments and historical treatments. We invite you to step back in time with us as you visit this new exhibit on display from now until late June in OMAH’s main lobby. 

Views from a Canoe

 Tuesday, March 16, 2021 to Saturday, October 16, 2021  VIEWS FROM A CANOEThis exhibition, Views from a Canoe, comes from a more local journey. Spending much of his time now on Lake […]

Will McGarvey: Sticks and Stones

Orillia Museum of Art & History 30 Peter Street South, Orillia

On my canvas, natural forms are broken down into shape, colour and texture. Images emerge, interpreting themes currently challenging society and the environment. When painting, I celebrate the energy felt when beholding the intrinsic beauty of our world, no matter how ugly or scary. Art engages and transforms me. Landscape, politics, culture and the environment are just a few topics of exploration in Sticks and Stones, a body of work that I have been focused on for the past four years.

–Will McGarvey

Jill Price: Unfurled

Orillia Museum of Art & History 30 Peter Street South, Orillia

Drawing on narratives and word play based on animals hunted, trapped, and exchanged, Unfurled utilizes objects and materials held within OMAH’s historical collection, as well as objects created by Price, to discuss how the thriving abundance of animals led to the material wealth of their prime predators, human beings.

Welcome Home to Orillia

Orillia Museum of Art & History 30 Peter Street South, Orillia

In our upcoming exhibit, “Welcome Home to Orillia,” we interviewed eleven individuals from six continents who immigrated to Orillia to ask them these questions.  Their incredible stories of resilience and courage in the face of changing circumstances will be displayed at OMAH, alongside some of the objects they chose to bring with them.  Come visit the museum to learn about the amazing stories of people living right here in our community.  “Welcome Home to Orillia,” coming soon to OMAH.