The Orillia Police and the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building

Inspired by the saying, “if the walls could talk”, this family-friendly exhibit shares stories of the building’s history and its occupants, with a focus on the Orillia Police Service (active c.1885 to 1996). It includes a large display of artefacts loaned and donated by former members of the Orillia Police Service and their families. Additionally, there are interactive activities for all ages including cell-fies, codebreaking and fingerprinting.

The exhibit was designed and developed by Amy Henderson, a student of Georgian College’s Museum and Gallery Studies program, who interned at OMAH in 2023. 

Retired police officers and members of their families were invited to share stories and their experiences in police services.

The exhibit also explores the role of policing in communities as it evolves in order to best serve in a way that is empathetic and mindful of the impacts of the actions that officers make.