Sesquicentennial Museum and Archives

Type: Museum

This museum and archives aims to preserve artefacts, fine art, archival and published material relating to the history of the Toronto Board of Education.

Programming:

Conservation/Preservation:

Archives / Library

  • Records and manuscripts from 1847 to present.
  • Historical collection of publications such as yearbooks, newspaper clippings, board of education minutes, annual reports, newsletters, report cards.
  • Vertical files and pamphlets.
  • Broadside collection, audio-visuals.

Artefacts

  • Fine arts collection (20th century; Canadian Inuit; modern-historical period; prints, drawings, and sculpture).
  • Classroom artefacts relating to many aspects of the curriculum including ceremonial objects, communications devices, electricity.
  • Furniture / furnishings, household objects, imaging, photographs, video, medals, military history and technology, oral history, sports equipment, toys and games, medals, trophies, musical instruments.

Public Programming:

Exhibitions

  • The museum is housed in a neo-classical inspired building dating back to 1915.
  • The first floor of the former Toronto Board of Education administrative office houses a restored boardroom, now an education museum. Adjacent to the boardroom, the original walnut paneled Trustees’ Committee Room functions as an additional display area and researchers’ reading room.
  • Displays include furniture of the Board and school classrooms, textiles, and tapestries.

Tours

Guided Tours offered in English.

Educational Programming

Classes or workshops and lectures.

Volunteer/Internship/Placement Opportunities:

Volunteers and students can assist in preservation and maintenance of archival records and engage in other administrative duties required.

Address & Contact Information:

263 McCaul St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1W7

Phone: 416-397-3680
Email: greg.mckinnon@tdsb.on.ca
Website:

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm; free admission. Researchers must make an appointment before consulting archival materials.

Key Words: education, school