Written by Trish Crowe-Grande, OMAH History Committee
The 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, renovations and associated fundraising of the Sir Sam Steele building had been completed, but they were looking for volunteers.
With a strong interest in local history, Ted responded to an ad in the Packet and Times for OMAH Board of Directors applications. He was successful, and thus began a 9-year period of serving OMAH, which Ted has referred to as “the best little museum north of Toronto.”
Due to his passion for local history, he was interested in being involved with the OMAH History Committee. Ted also believed that continuity and good governance was critical, and when the opportunity arose Ted stepped up to make this his focus. This was the key period for OMAH to set a new course!
At that time, an interim Board, under the auspices of the Corporate Act, met to maintain continuity at OMAH until a special meeting elected a new Board. The practice of a third of the Board being elected annually was maintained. Once established, the Board could focus on strategic long-term planning to ensure development of programming required for the longevity of the museum.

Ted Duncan
A few years later, transition was the theme again. COVID required that OMAH shut down and pivot to a new situation. The community needed to see that OMAH was still available to them through social media and the internet. Now the Chair of the OMAH Board, Ted pushed for reorganization, enabling an equal presence of both art and history in programming and exhibits. As a result, two new positions were created: Art Programming Coordinator and History Programming Coordinator. The role of Operations Coordinator was also created to support the Executive Director in an administrative capacity. Ted stated, “Now our local history would have a much higher profile than it had in the early days.”
Duncan felt his career experience and leadership in organizations was the key skillset he brought to his role at OMAH. “I knew what direction I wanted to take the museum and worked to get there. You do it by attracting good people around you, because you can’t do it yourself,” he said.
Ted felt a significant contribution was bringing a history focus to the Museum to balance with the arts. The revitalization of the History Committee’s Speaker Series online has been key to improving that balance. He also believed that good governance ensures the continued functionality of the Museum.
Over his nine years on the Board, Ted had various roles including sitting on the Governance Committee, Vice-Chair 2017-2019, Chair 2020-2022 and Past President to 2024. Asked about the evolution of OMAH over time, he stated that OMAH has grown and developed from the early days through renovations and re-organizations and fundraising. As well, recruitment of dedicated staff and volunteers ensures the longevity of the organization. It is the hub of art and history, as it collaborates with the city and other organizations. OMAH’s profile in the community has grown with its involvement with schools and seniors too.
Over the years and beyond OMAH, Ted has served as President of the Conservation Club, Orillia Youth Soccer, the Orillia Lakers basketball program and the Simcoe County Historical Association. He also coached girls’ soccer for 12 years. When he retired from his teaching/librarian job in1999, he worked at Tiny Marsh, just outside Elmvale, where he supported an environment education program.
Ted Duncan’s commitment to local sports, conservation, education, history and his beloved OMAH, has been an amazing benefit to our community. His dedication knows no bounds and our community is much richer for it.
Deb Crawford, Chair of the Simcoe County Historical Association (SCHA) commented about Ted’s outstanding contribution:
“Ted’s arrival as SCHA President immediately infused new life and focus to the association. His endless energy and passion for Simcoe County’s history engaged new members and reconnected with historians, heritage advocates and groups across the County. Ted has recruited new story-tellers to share their piece of history through newsletter articles and in-person or virtual events. Ted’s special enthusiasm for photographing barns has proven to be an ongoing and welcome project. Through Ted’s passion and commitment, the history of Simcoe County holds a special place in the hearts of many.”