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.

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.

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.  

Recurring

“Monsterfy Yourself” Mask-Making Workshop

OMAH presents “Monsterfy Yourself!” a half-day Halloween-themed program for kids ages 5-11.  Join Cassy McKendry, a veteran prop-maker who specializes in monster props, as she guides the class through creating their very own monstrous disguise.  Students will spend the class creating a Halloween mask, decorating a trick or treat bag, and practicing for the big night by trick or treating around the museum, all of which will culminate in a spooky photoshoot.  You will not want to miss out on this ghoulishly good workshop!

Music for the Museum Matinee

St. Paul's Centre 62 Peter St. N, Orillia, ON, Canada

An enchanting afternoon of classical and popular pieces featuring pianist Jacquie Dancyger Arnold and clarinetist Hugh Coleman in support of the Orillia Museum of Art & History.
With Blair Bailey, MC, and special guests Ross Arnold, accordion and percussion, Laura Aylan-Parker, vocalist, and Gail Spencer, flute.

Music for the Museum Evening Performance

An enchanting evening of classical and popular pieces featuring pianist Jacquie Dancyger Arnold and clarinetist Hugh Coleman in support of the Orillia Museum of Art & History.
With Blair Bailey, MC, and special guests Ross Arnold, accordion and percussion, Laura Aylan-Parker, vocalist, and Gail Spencer, flute.