Type: Museum

The historic buildings of Erchless Estate were once home to Oakville’s founding family but are now the setting for Oakville’s community museum. Colonel William Chisholm, an enterprising merchant and shipbuilder, founded the town and built Erchless overlooking his new harbour and Lake Ontario.

Programming:

Conservation / Preservation:

Artefacts

The museum holds a diverse collection of objects reflecting the history of Oakville from its establishment to the present day, including costumes and textiles, fine and decorative arts, ethnological artefacts and Chisholm family-related materials.

Public Programming:

Exhibitions

Permanent and changing exhibitions. Permanent exhibitions include Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History and The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom.

Tours

The Oakville Museum offers guided tours of the Chisholm family home.

Other

Throughout the year, museum staff present a series of mini exhibits coupled with conversational-style presentations to seniors’ residences in the community. Various themes are covered including oddities in the museum’s collections, an overview of Oakville’s history, vintage quilts and cocktail party gowns.

Volunteer/Internship/Placement Opportunities:

Student volunteers assist museum staff with school-age programs, special workshops and events.

Address & Contact Information:

8 Navy Street
Oakville, ON L6J 2Y5

Phone: 905-338-4400
Email: oakvillemuseum@oakville.ca
Website: http://www.oakville.ca/museum/index.html

Hours of Operation:

March 1-18, 2012
Tuesday through Sunday, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The museum is closed to the general public on Mondays.

March 19-April 30, 2012
Museum closed for construction

May 1, 2012
Museum reopens and regular hours resume.

Key Words: agriculture, household