Our History

For 25 years, Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) has grown to become a centre of culture and heritage for Orillia and surrounding area, inspiring creativity and celebrating local history.

On August 9, 2024, OMAH will celebrate its 25th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the OMAH History Committee proudly recognizes and celebrates the individuals who had a vision for Orillia to have its own museum.  They were there from the very beginning and through the early years. They devoted time and effort to build what we have today and witnessed many ups and downs. Without these people, there would not be an OMAH. 

Please note acknowledgements are to be released every two weeks.

Dr. Dick Johnston

Dr. Dick Johnston

Written & researched by Fred Kallin, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize is Dr. Dick Johnston. Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) History Committee member Fred Kallin had the honour of interviewing Dick Johnston, who was...

Jane Sorensen

Jane Sorensen

Written & researched by Trish Crowe-Grande, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize is Jane Sorensen. In 2011, after leading a successful campaign for the Couchiching Jubilee House, Don Ross and the OMAH Board felt Jane Sorensen would...

Jean Sarjeant

Jean Sarjeant

Written & researched by Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize is Jean Sarjeant. In Celebration of Jean Sarjeant From the beginning, Jean has been a stalwart member, supporter and promoter of the Simcoe County...

Sue Mulcahy

Sue Mulcahy

Written & researched by Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize is the late Lucille (Sue) Mulcahy (1921 – 2021). Sue was a stalwart member of our community and had a great interest in the history of Orillia. And,...

Wendy Hutchings

Wendy Hutchings

Written & researched by Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History CommitteeIn 1959, Wendy and her husband Al moved to Orillia to raise a family, where she embraced the community. We celebrate Wendy’s numerous accomplishments and contributions to the Orillia Historical Society...

Don Ross

Don Ross

Written & researched by Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize today is Don Ross. When Don Ross and his wife Evelyn relocated from the Toronto to Orillia, the big city’s loss was Orillia’s gain. OMAH and other...

Richard Oatway

Richard Oatway

Written & researched by Trish Crowe-Grande, Chair: OMAH History CommitteeRichard Oatway played a pivotal role in the founding of OMAH, from its early days to post the amalgamation of the Art Gallery and the Orillia Historical Society in 1999, serving on its Board...

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.