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 […]

Recurring

See You on the Patio

Friday nights all summer long, OMAH will be participating in the “See You on the Patio” evenings in the Peter Street Arts District.  Starting Friday July 2nd, visit us in front of the museum each Friday for a drop-in, family-friendly activity. Peter Street will be alive with art on these evenings, you will not want to miss out!

Recurring

Historical Orillia: A Guided Walking Tour

On Friday nights, OMAH will be running guided, history walking tours all around the downtown.  Join your guide for a fascinating excursion through the Orillia of the past as we share stories of famous local people and places.  Some stories are sure to bring back memories, and maybe some will be new to you!  Tours will depart from OMAH at 7pm and return to the museum after about an hour and a half.  Please wear appropriate footwear to walk in.  This program begins on Friday July 2nd, and will run every Friday until the fall.  Book now as space is limited!

Only $10 per person ($7.50 for members).

Let the fur fly!

OMAH Online

Two speakers take opposing views of Canada's historic trade in animal skins.

OMAH exhibiting artist Jill Price examines the fur trade from an imagined animal perspective while amateur historian John Savage offers the viewpoint of his ancestor Antoine Gaudaur, a fur trader and Orillia's first non-indigenous settler.

Will McGarvey: Sticks and Stones

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

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, Ontario

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.

Recurring

Gangs, Guns and Grog: True Stories of Orillia’s Wild West Days

This summer OMAH is debuting a guided downtown walking tour themed around Orillia in the 1870s, a time in which there was a licensed pub for every 150 citizens and it was legal to carry a loaded and concealed firearm.  1870s Orillia was chaos, and we are so excited to tell you all about it every Wednesday night! Tours will depart from OMAH at 7pm and finish at The Hog N’ Penny at 8:30pm where one drink is included in your ticket price.  Please wear appropriate footwear to walk in.  This program begins on Wednesday July 28th, and will run every Saturday until the end of September.  Book now as space is limited! You won’t want to miss out on this fantastic date night opportunity, or an evening out with friends.

Welcome Home to Orillia

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

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.

En Plein Air With Juliana Hawke

Thursday August 19th, 10am-3pmA plein air artwork is one that was made outside, on location, from real life.  En plein air literally means “in the open air.”  The concept is […]

Recurring

Eco-Art with Parklane Landscapes

We have teamed up again with the team of Parklane Landscapes  to bring you eight sessions of eco-art programmes starting this fall.  In this family based program, both children and guardians will learn about plants and planting, biodiversity, sustainable garden design, pollination, and the watershed through unique art projects, seed planting and games.  Eco-Art runs on the first Tuesday of each month until June, December excluded.   All family members are welcome, pricing is based per child.   

This program is open to children ages 4-12 and requires guardian participation.