Uxbridge Historical Centre (Museum & Archives)
7239 Concession Rd. 6 L9P 1N5 Uxbridge, ON, Canada

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Uxbridge Historical Centre! Here's a Christmas button from our collection, featuring the Uxbridge Library. Do you have old holiday treasures like this one? Share yours in the comments!

... and he spent over a decade in our lovely town!

We acknowledge that the UHC is located within the boundaries of the Williams Treaties (signed on this week in 1923), encompassing the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Alderville First Nation, and of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Beausoleil, and Rama First Nations. During Treaties Recognition Week #TRW2020, we encourage all to learn more about the history of the Williams Treaties and other Ontario treaties, and how they impact land use rights to this day. https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-in//treaties-week

The Uxbridge Historical Centre has been awarded a #SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council for adopting health and hygiene global standardized protocols. Go Team! For more information about the #SafeTravelsStamp program, visit the WTTC website: https://wttc.org/COVID-/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp

Thank you to MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy for your support for our paving and lighting project! #OnTrillium #GovernmentOfCanada #AccessibilityForAll https://www.facebook.com/UxbridgeHistoricalSociety/videos/1063851797367251/

The Township of Uxbridge has proclaimed today as Orange Shirt Day. This day is for recognizing and celebrating the resiliency of Residential School survivors, ...to acknowledge the harm done to generations of indigenous Canadians and to affirm our commitment that every child matters. #OrangeShirtDay2020. To see our video proclamation and for more information visit https://bawaajigewin.ca//proclamation-of-orange-shirt-day/. #EveryChildMatters #bawaajigewinACC

The Township of Uxbridge has proclaimed today as Orange Shirt Day. This day is for recognizing and celebrating the resiliency of Residential School survivors, ...to acknowledge the harm done to generations of indigenous Canadians and to affirm our commitment that every child matters. #OrangeShirtDay2020. To see our video proclamation and for more information visit https://bawaajigewin.ca//proclamation-of-orange-shirt-day/. #EveryChildMatters #bawaajigewinACC

Today is #OrangeShirtDay, a day created to honour the indigenous children sent away to residential schools. For more information, or to find a teacher's resource guide for Orange Shirt Day, you can visit: www.orangeshirtday.org

Sunset over the UHC is looking quite colourful tonight . . #sunset #quakerhillschool #uxbridgehistoricalcentre #uxbridgeontario #discoveruxbridge #discoverdurham

Fall colours are here!

These are difficult times for many of our institutions. The Uxbridge Historical Centre is a gem on the hill. Unable to fully open the doors during the pandemi...c the Centre has received help from Ottawa, Queens Park and the Township to pay the bills and upgrade to make it fully accessible when doors re-open. MP Jennifer O’Connell helped bring Federal funds. See more

Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund for supporting our paving and lighting project! https://www.facebook.com/UxbridgeHistoricalSociety/videos/324737865445880/

Thanks Mayor Dave for highlighting our project!

July 31st is the last day to enter the Historic Places Selfie Contest! If you're walking by the UHC this weekend, grab a selfie in front of your favourite building and tag us and the National Trust for Canada / Fiducie nationale du Canada for a chance to win $1000 for you and for us! Don't forget the hashtag: #HistoricPlacesDay... Not in the area but want to participate? You can still enter the contest by visiting our page at https://historicplacesday.ca/pla/uxbridge-historical-centre for a digital selfie backdrop!

FYI for anyone who would have planned to visit the dog park / park area tomorrow. Our parking lot needs the full 3 days to cure and be beautiful!

July 31st is the last day to enter the Historic Places Selfie Contest! If you're walking by the UHC this weekend, grab a selfie in front of your favourite building and tag us and the National Trust for Canada / Fiducie nationale du Canada for a chance to win $1000 for you and for us! Don't forget the hashtag: #HistoricPlacesDay... Not in the area but want to participate? You can still enter the contest by visiting our page at https://historicplacesday.ca/pla/uxbridge-historical-centre for a digital selfie backdrop!

The Lodge Hall is getting some TLC!

Happy Canada Day from all of us at the UHC! #CanadaDay2020

The Twelfth of July is celebrated by the Orange Order of Canada and by Orangemen throughout the world. Originally from County Armagh in Ireland, the Order celebrated King William III's victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, who finalized English rule over the Irish. The Order itself formed about 1795 as a way to protect Protestantism during sectarian conflict in Ireland, and Ulster Protestant emigrants brought the Order and it's traditions to Canada. The biggest event in... an Orangeman's year was a parade on or around July 12th. This year would have been the Toronto parade's 200th run, though it has been postponed until next year. We have Victoria Corner's Orange Lodge Hall on our grounds and a large collection of Orange artifacts, which were to be shown in our "March for the Crown" exhibition that was meant to take place this month. Here's a peek at a few of our artifacts, including Uxbridge's own LOL 583 hall banner, a Toronto LOL 2159 parade banner, and a Goodwood LOL 572 memorial ribbon.

It's back for another year - the National Trust of Canada's Historic Places contest runs throughout July! Tag an old selfie from your visit to the UHC, or use our building photos from our website to create your digital selfie with the #HistoricPlacesDay hashtag for a chance to win $1000 for you and $1000 for us! More info here: https://historicplacesday.ca/contests-selfie/

So happy for our new pathways! Work is almost complete, only the parking lot left!

It's been busy at the UHC in the last few weeks, and we have great news to share: our pathways between buildings and parking lots are paved! This project allows our grounds to be fully accessible in any weather. Thanks to the Enabling Accessibility Fund and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for making this project possible.

Historic Places selfie contest begins today! View our site on the National Trust's Historic Places Day webpage to download our photos for your digital selfie (and don't forget to tag us!) #HistoricPlacesDay National Trust for Canada / Fiducie nationale du Canada http://ow.ly/xHxu30qUE1f

Tiny artifact alert! We were challenged again by Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum to showcase our smallest artifact for the #TinyArtifact challenge, and thought this would be a great opportunity to share info about our Uxbridge Print Shop. We happen to have numerous tiny artifacts in the print shop in the form of our movable types! These teeny characters were placed by hand, letter by letter, to create all the content on newspapers and posters. Many visitors remark that you would need extraordinary eyesight to see the letters. Oh yes, and all the letters are mirrored, and work like a stamp! Do you think you could manage the task?

Today, June 21st, is National Indigenous People’s Day! We can’t celebrate in person, but you and your family can download an activity kit at https://www.rcaanc-...cirnac.gc.ca//15282103531/1580759773150 so you can participate in the celebration of indigenous culture. Happy Indigenous People’s Day! See more

If discovering artisan cheese, browsing books, and an authentic coffee house is of interest, Downtown Uxbridge, nestled in the beautiful landscapes of the Oak R...idges Moraine is your next destination. Uxbridge is home to many shops and restaurants that highlight locally made goods and ingredients. Offering heritage alongside culture, Uxbridge has a thriving arts community to explore. We encourage you to take a moment to discover all that Downtown Uxbridge has to offer and continue to #SupportLocal! #DowntownsofDurham Discover Uxbridge, Ontario Uxbridge BIA (Business Improvement Area) https://downtownsofdurham.ca/downtowns/uxbridge/ See more

We were challenged on Twitter for the #MuseumScattergories game with the letter M by Sharon Temple NHS. We had to find a name, object, flower, and city that started with this letter from our collection / local heritage - it was pretty fun! Can you think of any objects that could be in our collection that start with each letter of the alphabet?

Fantastic photos by John Cavers!

What memories do you have from visiting our site? We want to hear from you! The UHC first opened in 1972 as the Uxbridge-Scott Museum, and since then we have had so many great events, exhibits, and updates to the grounds. Share your memorable Museum Moments below! #MuseumMomentsMW #MayIsMuseumMonth

Applications are due next week for our Museums Services Associates and Exhibition & Buildings Tech positions! While the dates may vary due to our temporary closure, we are still currently accepting applications for all our positions. More info here: https://www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com/get-involved

May is Museum Month! Even though we are closed for the time being, we still want to promote this month of recognition for museums and cultural institutions. Museums are vital tourism assets in every community in Ontario, and will play a key role in Ontario’s recovery! #MayIsMuseumMonth #MuseumsConnectON #Tourism

WATCH: In May 1945, the Seaforth Highlanders of the Canadian Army marched into the Netherlands to liberate it from the Nazis. For the 75th anniversary of the li...beration of the Netherlands, our NEW Heritage Minute commemorates the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers and celebrates the bond formed between Canada and the Netherlands. See more

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers! Last year, we had so many great volunteer projects: our textile collection was inventoried and re-housed, our numerous gardens were kept beautiful, and we made great progress on our archival inventory project. We also can't forget the efforts of the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society for assisting with our spring and fall clean-up, organizing Heritage Day planning, and the ever-popular Horseshoes Club, to name a few.... We miss you all and appreciate everything you do for the Uxbridge community!

Please note that the UHC will remained closed until further notice. Activities, research requests, and events will be postponed. Follow us here for further updates as we continue to take guidance from our health officials and the Township of Uxbridge regarding the duration of the closure. Pat and Amanda will continue to monitor our emails if you need to get in touch with us. Stay safe everyone!

The Township has declared a State of Emergency to be able to respond quickly to community needs. Stopping the spread of the virus is very critical to protect th...e vulnerable in our community and our health care resources. Please do your part. Learn more at https://uxbridge.ca/news_Township_of_Uxbridge_Declares_a_Mu. See more

One month left for our Collection Associate and Community Engagement Associate job openings! Are you passionate about your local heritage, or interested in community outreach or collections? What are you waiting for - send us your application today! http://ow.ly/fIJ250yIqCw

Interested in opportunities at the UHC coming this year? Follow our LinkedIn page for job and volunteer updates! https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxbridgehistoricalcentre

The UHC had quite the busy - and exciting - year. Here's our #topnine photos of 2019! What was your favourite event at the UHC this year? Looking back on our year: 3 artistic workshops 8 public events... 1 major exhibition (and 2 building display revivals) a massive textile inventory project and numerous school groups and kids programs! Join us in welcoming 2020!

The Uxbridge Historical Centre is now closed for the season, BUT we will reply to emails regarding our upcoming exhibits. We're still looking for quilts for 'Pieced Together: Quilts on Quaker Hill' in May 2020, and for those who wish to share their memories regarding the Orange Order within Uxbridge Township for 'March for the Crown: 200 Years of Ontario's Orange Parade' in July 2020. More details are available on our website (https://www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com/exhibitions). Bookings for spring programs and/or information regarding facility rentals can be found through the Township until we're back (905-852-6761). See you in the spring!

The UHC is designing an exhibition for next July, and we want to include your voices in it! Our exhibit will focus on local experiences with the Orange Order of Canada. If you have a memory to share about the Lodges of Uxbridge and Scott Townships, Orange parades within the Township, or an experience you or an ancestor has had with the Orange Order of Canada, please get in touch by email ([email protected]). We encourage you to share all kinds of experiences. More information is available on our website: http://ow.ly/XWKe50xmeli.

#OnThisDay: On December 2nd, 1911, the post office cornerstone was laid by (at the time) Major Samuel Sharpe. The cornerstone is now on our grounds in front of Quaker Hill School with an inscription of this event.

Our final newsletter of 2019 is going out tomorrow, featuring a first look at 2020 events for the UHC and for the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can enter your email on our website to receive monthly newsletters (April-December), and eBlasts for upcoming events, exhibitions, and programs. Dont't delay! https://www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com/

What are Museums? Museums are an escape, a teaching tool, and a place to come together. We not only tell stories about the past, but show how it shaped our present day. We are the safeguard for your local heritage. The #Museum30 photo challenge is taking place this month - one photo a day based on pre-selected themes. See our Instagram and Twitter feeds for our participating posts, and learn a bit more about the UHC and Uxbridge!... https://www.instagram.com/p/B5X84flHSuY/?igshid=gxj6kn9z8zmq

Here's an event you won't want to miss: Ted Barris will be stopping by Uxbridge Secondary School on December 5th (7pm) to talk about his latest book, "Rush to Danger: Medics in the Line of Fire." The book features stories from his father's experience in WWII as a US Army medic. The event is hosted by Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society and Uxbridge Secondary School. Contact Bob Kirvan (USHS) at 905-852-9176 for more information

Did you see us in this week's The Uxbridge Cosmos? We're looking for quilts from the community to include in our spring special exhibition! More info can be found on our website: https://www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com/exhibitions

Footprints all over the grounds says a job well done at our PA Day camp. Campers had a blast making decoder rings, taking part in arts and crafts, and they escaped the final challenge - a museum escape room! Maybe we'll have more opportunities for that activity in the future...

We're all ready for the PA Day Camp tomorrow! Here's a sneak peek of some activities we have planned. Join History Detectives from 9am - 3pm, space is still available! Call the Museum today (905-852-5854) or sign up online: https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com//pa-day-camp-his/3246

Our November PA Day Camp is this Friday! Register today to save your spot: https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/townshipofuxbri//3246

#LestWeForget On November 8th, 1931, the cenotaph was unveiled, and unlike our snow covering today, it was "bright clear sunshine and almost summerlike and upwards of 2500 people gathered for the ceremony which was carried through in a most dignified and impressive manner." The following clippings are from the front page of the Uxbridge Times-Journal, November 12th, 1931, describing the unveiling ceremony.

Thank you to Uxbridge Secondary School and the Sam Sharpe Club of 2019 for organizing this year's USS Remembers ceremony. Pictured here is Major (retired) Jim Parks, who served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and landed on Juno Beach 75 years ago. Jim shared his experience with the assembly, made up of veterans, Town Council, invited guests, and USS students. You can also hear Jim speak through The Memory Project (Historica Canada): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr6-QZL2sN8 See the Township of Uxbridge's page for information on the Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday.

Who wished for the snow last night? We definitely got some of it here on Quaker Hill!

And it's up! See our pop-up display at Uxbridge Secondary School until Remembrance Day. What do you remember learning about D-Day, or what have you recently discovered?

November 3rd - 9th is #TreatiesRecognitionWeek in Ontario. We recognize that UHC's site is within the Johnson-Butler Purchases of 1787-1788, and of the Williams Treaties of 1923. The Williams Treaties were signed by Chippewa peoples of Rama, Christian Island, and Georgina Island between October 31st and November 7th, 1923, and then signed by Mississauga peoples of Alderville, Scugog Lake, Mud Lake, and Rice Lake between November 15th and 21st, 1923. By signing the Williams Treaties, these First Nations were provided less favourable terms than other Numbered Treaties or land surrenders. Read more about what signing these treaties meant for the Chippewas and Mississaugas through the Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca///williams-treaties

Good morning, Uxbridge!

Thank you who attended, and our volunteers and staff, who put on another fantastic Fright at the Museum! Don't want your ties to the spiritual world to end? We still have one more event for you, and a few more tickets left for each session: join Jennifer the Medium at the UHC this Friday! #DYK November 1st was originally known as All Hallows Day, which is where Hallowe’en, or the eve before All Hallows, got its name. This day is in the middle of a period called Hallowmas. Running from October 31st to November 2nd, Hallowmas is considered a ‘liminal’ time, meaning the boundaries between this world and the spiritual one as easier to cross.

'Fright! at the Museum' begins in 1 hour! Tag us in your photos tonight with #UHCFright

Guess what's happening tonight... Are you joining us?

Tomorrow is Fright At The Museum, and we've got all our decorations and games ready for you. The ball will be hosted in the Lodge Hall, and children's activities in the School. But for the rest of the buildings, you'll have to attend find out!

Tonight, the USHS presents Glenn Kerr's presentation, "Snapshots of the Great War". USHS members and those who are interested in history are welcome! Come to our school house at 7pm.

Oh, the humanity! We've received word that there may be a zombie outbreak happening tonight in the Quaker Hill School. Does anyone know what to do when the outbreak happens? Well, the fabulous Theatre On The Ridge will be there to guide us through it. Watch their performance tonight at 7pm! #DaysOfFright

On this day: 100 years ago, a referendum was held on Ontario prohibition, and was held consecutively with the provincial election. It was the first time enfranchised women could vote, and was a chance for soldiers returning from WWI to have their voices heard. It failed to overturn prohibition because there was no majority. Every vote matters! There is a chance for you to have your votes count tomorrow. Exercise your right to vote at your local polling station! #onthisday #UxbridgeRebels #ydhtempted

The Georgina Paranormal Society has arrived!! Join us in the School at 7pm (only 1 hour away) for demos, stories, and to ask your paranormal questions.

Do you dare confront the ghosts in your attic? Ask the Georgina Paranormal Society how paranormal investigations work TONIGHT at Paranormal Q&A. Join us at 7pm! #DaysOfFright

A lovely find on a rainy day! Staff found a Kindness Rock (painted rocks left behind to bring joy to others) left on the post office cornerstone outside the school today. Thank you for brightening our day!

Happy Thanksgiving! We also acknowledge that today is #IndigenousPeoplesDay. Thanksgiving has become a time of self-reflection and celebration of the harvest, both which remind us that the land where we live, work, and play is rich with Indigenous history and current traditions.