Written & researched by Mary Ann Grant, OMAH History Committee
The 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, fortunately for OMAH, she was a supporter and contributor to of the Orillia Museum of Art & History since its inception and made an immeasurable mark on the preservation of our heritage.
Sue’s Dedication to Our Heritage and it’s preservation
Sue contributed to keeping our local history front and centre by spending twenty years as a member of the Orillia Historical Society, holding executive positions over that time, including Chair.
For the next twenty years, Sue was one of OMAH’s main supporters. In June 2017, at a Volunteer Recognition Tea, she commented, “Over the years, I have enjoyed being involved with the Orillia Museum of Art & History as it has become better known to Orillians and many friends throughout Canada and the United States. I am passionate about everyone having the opportunity to visit the museum to see and enjoy this fabulous home of art and historical donations.”
Sue also donated both funds and items such as letters and historical family photographs to OMAH. For example, she provided a space for the gift shop when the Sir Sam Steele building was undergoing major renovations.
Ninette Gyorody, Executive Director, commented about Sue, “I cannot imagine where we would be without her outstanding assistance in so many ways. Her encouragement, her words of wisdom, and her knowledge of this area was priceless.” Born and raised in Orillia, she “was so passionate about the town, the history of this area and helping keep the stories vibrant and alive.”
Image credit: Source – The Orillia Museum of Art & History
OMAH Recognizes Sue
Sue was one of the featured stories in the exhibit, ‘HerStory,’ held in 2016. The exhibit honoured, showcased and celebrated local women and their remarkable lives and the impact they have made on their communities.
In 2019, she was the recipient of the OMAH Legacy Award in recognition of the immeasurable support she had provided to OMAH.
The first floor Gallery (the Mulcahy Family Gallery) was named in honour of Sue and her family to recognize their support.
We would be remiss if we did not recognize her ground breaking, holding non-traditional roles for women, working in her father’s real estate insurance business and eventually taking it over, joining the male-dominated Real Estate Board in 1955. And in 1968, she became the board’s first female president. She was also the third woman to hold a seat on town council.
Sue had unwavering support for many organizations in Orillia. She was involved in the restoration of the Leacock Boathouse; she was a board member of the Orillia Hall of Fame and a supporter of Streets Alive! She sponsored a scholarship at Patrick Fogarty Secondary School. She also sponsored a ‘Study Abroad Scholarship’ at Lakehead University that supports students’ study abroad, expanding their global perspective.
Civitas Award from Lakehead University
At the first convocation at Lakehead University in 2008, Sue was presented with its first Civitas Award, which recognizes Simcoe County residents for community engagement of significance to the university’s Orillia Campus. Sue was given the honour for her vision and leadership in bringing a university campus to Orillia.
Sue’s contributions, highlighted above, showcase her giving nature and passion for our community and our museum. The support she provided over the many years and her passionate belief was that people should have the opportunity to be enriched by OMAH and all that the City of Orillia has to offer is her legacy.