Whitby History Museum

Margaret was happy to have been given the award and in her speach afterwards thanked the many volunteers she has worked with over the years. Brian Winters, of the Whitby Archives was also given the Conachan Award on the same occasion.

The Ontario Provincial Police put on a wonderful slide presentation and talked about the

OPP Tribute Dog Sled Trip through Northern Ontario
 

An amazing 1,000 kilometres OPP Commemorative journey through northern Ontario terrain using traditional equipment and skills.

Constables Guy Higgott and Erik Howells, two O.P.P. officers, traveled for three weeks, beginning February 1, 2009 by Dog Sled dressed in period reproduction wool uniforms, circa 1922-1939.  The trip took them through Kapuskasing, Timmins, Cochrane and Moosonee during fridged temperatures between -15 and -25 degrees Celsius and all sorts of inclement weather conditions. The constable giving the talk, explained while showing a photograph that appeared to be taken in white-out snow conditions  see photo in flickr show) that on the right hand side of the photo, was actually the Trans Canada Hwy. They made it through to the next town, many of the cars did not get to the rendezvous point that day.
The trip was a tribute to the officers who patrolled the north over the last century who, in the beginning had no telephones or radio communications. They relied on their trusty dogs, to pull them through and the kind hospitality of people along the way. This trip was no exception the officers were welcomed by townspeople with hot meals, hospitality and an occasional night in a real bed. Visit the OPP Anniversary website.
 

Whitby History Museum & Children’s Centre is home to a large collection of almost 9,000 artifacts.

The museum houses a large textile collection, garments, shoes and furnishings. The museum is located right in the heart of old Whitby, just south of the historic ‘Four Corners’ at Dundas and Brock Streets.

Whitby Museum has a collection of old photographs which tell quite a story of the history of Whitby and the surrounding area.

Once a wealthy port town, Whitby’s port was no match for Toronto’s so it became the satellite town instead. Settlement dates back to 1800, but the downtown business area began in earnest in 1836 established by Whitby`s founder Peter Perry. Whitby has an exciting history, home of the first Canadian clock factory, Canada Clock Company 1872, and was also the location of the secret spy camp called Camp X during the Second World War established by Sir William Stephenson.

Today the Whitby History Museum is bursting at its seams in the downtown storefront filled with many a fine replica from the past. Have a look at the china, the embroidered linens and early tools for housekeeping. Whitby is still a good place to live and work.

You will be fascinated when you visit Whitby History Museum with the ingenuity of people who have called Whitby home!

Visitors to Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre are always amazed at the collection of heritage textiles, antique clothing and of course, shoes.

Visitors come from far and wide, easy to get to from the 401 hwy. we are located at 123 Brock Street South, just south of #2 hwy (Brock St.)

You may be surprised how many come to visit us by boat. With the Whitby Marina just down the street, many sail boaters call a cab and come downtown. They usually start at the museum and ask where to go next. Our friendly guides, all volunteers, are always happy to assist. The museum keeps brochures and information for the area on hand for visitors. We are the acting 'Information Centre'.

Also housed at the museum is the Canadian Heritage Art Guild which was formed to teach heritage handcrafts to today's generation as well as give accreditation to those artisans who have made up a large part of our heritage and still do today!

Artisans in woodworking and stain glass, embroidery, quilting, quilling, applique, graphic arts, photography, bookbinding and others. Come in and see the new display of artisans who achieved accreditation this May.

Our President Margaret Boyce, is the one responsible for originally organizing the Durham Region Museums Tour. A faithful and hard working volunteer for many years, Margaret has been awarded the 2008 Cerificate of Merit from The Ontario Historical Society.