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.
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
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
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...
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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.