Type: Education Centre
This museum interprets and conserves Halton’s history. It is located on a former 19th century farm, originally settled in 1836 by Scottish immigrant Adam Alexander and his family. The Museum site is home to six historic buildings and showcases many of the 35,000 artifacts in Halton’s collection. Changing exhibitions tell the story of fascinating characters, communities and events of Halton’s past.
Programming:
Conservation / Preservation:
Artefacts
The collection includes:
- The Alexander Farm buildings, housing and historic water-powered generating system interpret and conserve Halton’s cultural heritage, while engaging the community.
- Archaeological artifacts, Native artifacts, natural history specimens
- Household utensils, furniture, tools and trades
- Personal effects, clothing and textiles, carriages and cutters.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Collections Storage offers visitors the opportunity to learn about collections conservation and Museum practices, and features “visible storage” of Museum collections
Public Programming:
Exhibitions
- Located in the Visitor Centre and Alexander Barn, the Museum hosts a variety of changing exhibitions on Halton’s cultural & natural heritage.
- Permanent exhibitions include: Main Street Halton, Water Power on the Farm, A place called Halton, Kelly’s General Store, characters of Halton’s past, Victorian Times: Getting About in Good Weather and in Winter, The Dominion Seed House.
Tours
Yes
Online / Digital
- Digital gallery featuring historic photographs from the Museum’s archives.
- There are three sections of the gallery including People and Places from Halton’s History, The Alexander Family and the Ford Oakville Assembly Plant Construction.
- ‘A Glance Back Through Halton’s History’, presented by the Halton Region Museum. Read about the land, the people and the industries that shaped this Region.
- Museum on the Move is a program which loans artefacts to schools or learning centres for one week. The kits are designed around specific themes, such as 19th century cooking or writing, and are accompanied by guides to explain their use and historical significance.
- Puzzling Pieces is a presentation that includes participants handling the artefacts.
- Pond Study is a two hour excursion that provides kids an opportunity to study pond life.
- Escarpment Discoveries will offer visitors a choice of two paths: a journey through time to learn about the development of the Niagara Escarpment including threats to its future; the opportunity to take a virtual hike on the Escarpment and discover its natural splendor.
Volunteer/Internship/Placement Opportunities:
Museum volunteers are involved in all kinds of programs and projects, helping out on specific projects as required by the Museum.
Address & Contact Information:
Halton Region Heritage Services
5181 Kelso Rd
RR3 (Kelso Conservation Area)
Milton ON Canada L9T 2X7
Phone: 905-825-6000
Email: Julie.Sutton-Yardley@halton.ca
Website: http://www.halton.ca/discovering_halton/heritage_services
Hours of Operation:
The Reference Library and Archives is located on the 2 nd Floor of the Visitors Centre and are open to the public year round Monday – Friday by appointment.
Open Year Round Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Key Words: architecture, agriculture