Huronia Museum

The Huronia Museum is a Canadian nonprofit organization located in Midland, Ontario, Canada. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the region, with a special emphasis on the Huron/Ouendat and Ojibway First Nations, the art of the Georgian Bay region, the marine history of Georgian Bay, and Euro-Canadian material culture.

Founding and History

The museum was established in 1947 as "Huronia House" in the former residence of James and Charlotte Playfair. It was relocated in 1967 to Little Lake Park, adjacent to the Huron/Ouendat Village, which was originally built and operated by the Midland Y's Men's Club. In 1981, the museum acquired the Huron Village, integrating both sites into one facility.

Exhibitions and Collections

The museum complex includes a replica of a pre-contact Huron/Ouendat village, featuring a lookout tower, wigwams, and a full-size longhouse. The museum building houses an extensive collection of nearly one million objects, including tens of thousands of historic artifacts, photographs, Native archaeology, and artworks. Notable art collections include works by members of the Group of Seven (A.Y. Jackson, Franz Johnston, J.E.H. MacDonald), David Milne, Homer Watson, Manly MacDonald, and others.

Programming and Outreach

Huronia Museum offers educational programs for both schools and adults, focusing on the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum is a significant cultural institution, attracting about 20,000 visitors annually.

Annual Events

One of the museum's annual highlights is the Heritage Dinner, a major fundraiser that brings community members together to celebrate local history and heritage. The event often features presentations on historical topics relevant to the region.