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, 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.  

Recurring

PA Day Camp @ OMAH

Wondering what to do with the kids during their PA Days this year?  OMAH has the answer!  We will be offering full-day camps at the museum which include art projects, history activities, and of course, time to explore the museum’s exhibits.

Recurring

Spooky Stroll

This October join your OMAH guide as they lead you around Orillia’s hair-raising, historical downtown.  Your guide will take you on a journey back in time to explore Orillia’s eerie past, including OMAH’s own jail cells.  And who knows? We may even meet some ghostly visitors!  This event is fun for all ages.  Tours are 1-hour in length.  Sign up for one of our time slots now.