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.
Qennefer Browne
Written by Don Ross, OMAH FounderThe Founder/Visionary we recognize today is the late Qennefer Browne. The late Qennefer Browne was born in Toronto in 1937, the only child of Canadian sculptors Emanuel Hahn and Orillia-born Elizabeth Wyn Wood. For more than 50 years,...
Ted Duncan
Written by Trish Crowe-Grande, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary we recognize today is Ted Duncan In 2015, after serving 40 years with the Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club, Ted Duncan, wanted to be involved with the community in another way. At OMAH,...
Ted Markle
Written by Trish Crowe-Grande, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary we recognize today is Ted Markle Over a cup of coffee recently, former OMAH Board Chair, Ted Markle, shared his memories of his time on the Board of Directors. In 2016, his uncle, Richard...
Will Davis
Written by Trish Crowe-Grande, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary we recognize today is Will Davis In 2006, Will Davis, a local businessman, who had moved to Orillia over 40 years ago, was approached by his neighbours Richard Oatway and Sue Mulcahy to join...
Dorothy Macdonald
Written by Janet Houston, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary we recognize today is Dorothy Macdonald Dorothy Macdonald has had a lifelong interest in both art and history. As a young girl she spent some of the earnings from her first summer job scooping ice...
Marcel Rousseau
Written & researched by Jessica Allen, OMAH History CommitteeThe Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize is Marcel Rousseau. Marcel Rousseau’s deep-seated love for Orillia's history is evident in his extensive volunteer work with OMAH. For more than 25 years,...
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
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
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
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,...
Address
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
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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.