Type: Museum
This Georgian Revival style house was built in 1851 and lived in by prominent land surveyor and reformer David Gibson and his family. It operates as a museum for users to experience 19th century rural living.
Programming:
Conservation / Preservation:
Archives
This archives contains
- Early land surveys and the development of the province.
- Diaries of David Gibson covering the years 1819 to 1864, and misc letters. These are typescript, originals are available on a case-by-case basis.
- Misc documents surveying, reform politics, rebellion.
Artefacts
- Mid-19th century objects used for tours and recreations: kitchen and housewares, weaving looms.
- Gibson’s mid-19th century surveying equipment.
- Mid-19th century furniture and other period pieces not necessarily owned by the Gibson’s are used to recreate the setting.
Public Programming:
Exhibitions
- Static exhibit is an experiential examination of mid-19th century homelife targeted to school-aged children.
- Changing exhibit is often archival based. For example, displaying materials related to the 1834 survey of Toronto.
Re-enactments / Theatre
Experience based and offered to school aged children, looking at period living, food preparation and games.
Other
Adult level classes on hearth cooking. Seasonal dining using 19th century recipes in theatre.
Volunteer/Internship/Placement Opportunities:
Volunteers: Yes, with a focus on high school aged student volunteer
Student Interns/Placements: Yes, focusing on collection or archival based projects.
Address & Contact Information:
Gibson House Museum
5172 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON
M3N 5P6
Phone: 416-395-7432
Email: gibsonhouse@toronto.ca
Website: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/gibson-house.htm
Hours of Operation:
Office open (contact to schedule archival time): Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Museum open: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm to 5 p.m.
Key Words: household, politics