Victoria County Historical Society

The Victoria County Historical Society (VCHS) is a Canadian nonprofit heritage organization dedicated to preserving, sharing, and promoting the cultural and historical heritage of Victoria County, now part of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. Established in 1957, the Society focuses on increasing community awareness, appreciation, involvement, and support for local history through its museum, archives, educational programs, and public outreach initiatives.

History

The origins of the Victoria County Historical Society trace back to 1957 when a group of local citizens began collecting and preserving historical artifacts and records related to Lindsay and the surrounding townships within Victoria County. The Society’s official Letters Patent were issued on August 3, 1976, formalizing its mandate to collect, preserve, exhibit, and publish materials pertaining to the history of Victoria County as well as broader Canadian historical records. Early efforts centered on gathering documents, manuscripts, pioneer narratives, and maintaining a gallery of historical portraits and museum collections. Charter members included prominent community figures such as Roy Bullock, Edgar Faed, Joan Metherall, and Melville Omerod among others.

Initially, the Society operated from modest facilities, gradually acquiring a site on which a small building, a log cabin, and a barn were constructed to house its collections and exhibits. As part of its mission, the Society sought suitable venues for public education and exhibition of regional history.

Olde Gaol Museum

In 2003, with the closure of the old Lindsay correctional facility ("the Gaol"), the Victoria County Historical Society embarked on a significant project to repurpose the historic building. After extensive fundraising and redevelopment, the Olde Gaol Museum opened to the public in 2011 as the Society’s new home and major exhibit site. The museum is situated in the former Victoria County Gaol, a notable heritage structure built in 1863.

The Olde Gaol Museum serves as a central hub for the Society’s activities, offering visitors insight into the local history of Victoria County and the broader Kawartha Lakes region through curated exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships. The Society’s work highlights significant historical events and figures, linking local heritage to the wider narratives of Canadian history.

Mission and Vision

The Victoria County Historical Society is committed to:

• Increasing public awareness and appreciation of Victoria County’s cultural heritage
• Encouraging community involvement and support for historical preservation
• Collecting, preserving, and exhibiting historical artifacts and records
• Providing educational content and programming related to the history of the region and Canada

Through the Olde Gaol Museum and outreach initiatives, the Society emphasizes celebration and sharing of the region’s rich history, aiming to create memorable educational experiences for visitors and residents alike.

Organizational Status

The Victoria County Historical Society is a registered charity and nonprofit organization under Canadian law. It operates with a dedicated Educational Committee and relies on community support, volunteers, and partnerships to fulfill its mission.

This article is based on information about the Victoria County Historical Society as provided through historical records, organizational documents, and publicly available resources.