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Memories

2011 - We may have a new home for the museum soon, we are working on it. We are happy to have such great support throughout our community. Meanwhile, volunteers are busy working on a large project called 'Stitch in Time' - If you would like to volunteer please let us know. Whitby History is fascinating and the museum is a focal point in downtown Whitby.

2010 was a big year for the museum as volunteers were kept busy researching and interviewing seniors about their life stories for the Memories Project. You can download a copy of the e-book on the Events page.

2009

Bridgett Nickerson, Miss Canada 2010 attended A Victorian Ball given by the Whitby History Museum at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club on Friday, October 16th 2009.

The $125.00 a person fundraiser was attended by

Honorary Chair: Mayor Pat Perkins, Town of Whitby as well as Reg. Councillor, J. Drumm - Deputy Mayor and Lorne Coe - Councillor

The Ball was very successful in both raising funds for the downtown Whitby museum and raising awareness about how museums draw tourists to towns and villages in Durham Region.

Many thanks to Garth Riley for being the MC for the evening. O.P.P. Constable Guy Higgott, Ontario Provincial Police gave a presentation of the 100th Anniversary dog sled race through Northern Ontario.

Special thanks to Ian and Luverne Baron of Model A Acres B&B who graciously provided accomodations for Bridgett Nickerson, Miss Canada 2010.

Special thanks to all those who attended the Ball to support the Whitby Historical Society endeavors.

Margaret Boyce, President of the Whitby Historical Society was awarded the 2008 Certificate of Merit Award by the Ontario Historical Society on June 13th, 2009. The award was presented at the OHS -AGM in conjunction with the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Ontario Provincial Police at the North York Civic Centre in Toronto.

The event which was followed by a reception at the John MacKenzie House.

Refreshments were served, some of which came from a cookbook sold by the Society on heritage and northern Canadian Cuisine. Visitors were treated to the lovely garden displays as well as a newly planted organic community garden located beside the museum.

Margaret was happy to have been given the award and in her speach afterwards thanked the many volunteers she has worked with over the years. Brian Winters, of the Whitby Archives was also given the Conachan Award on the same occasion.

The Ontario Provincial Police put on a wonderful slide presentation and talked about the
OPP Tribute Dog Sled Trip through Northern Ontario - An amazing 1,000 kilometres OPP Commemorative journey through northern Ontario terrain using traditional equipment and skills.

Constables Guy Higgott and Erik Howells, two O.P.P. officers, traveled for three weeks, beginning February 1, 2009 by Dog Sled dressed in period reproduction wool uniforms, circa 1922-1939.  The trip took them through Kapuskasing, Timmins, Cochrane and Moosonee during fridged temperatures between -15 and -25 degrees Celsius and all sorts of inclement weather conditions. The constable giving the talk, explained while showing a photograph that appeared to be taken in white-out snow conditions  see photo in flickr show) that on the right hand side of the photo, was actually the Trans Canada Hwy. They made it through to the next town, many of the cars did not get to the rendezvous point that day.

The trip was a tribute to the officers who patrolled the north over the last century who, in the beginning had no telephones or radio communications. They relied on their trusty dogs, to pull them through and the kind hospitality of people along the way. This trip was no exception the officers were welcomed by townspeople with hot meals, hospitality and an occasional night in a real bed. Visit the OPP Anniversary website.

Once a wealthy port town, Whitby’s port was no match for Toronto’s so it became the satellite town instead. Settlement dates back to 1800, but the downtown business area began in earnest in 1836 established by Whitby`s founder Peter Perry. Whitby has an exciting history, home of the first Canadian clock factory, Canada Clock Company 1872, and was also the location of the secret spy camp called Camp X during the Second World War established by Sir William Stephenson.

Today the Whitby History Museum is bursting at its seams in the downtown storefront filled with many a fine replica from the past. Have a look at the china, the embroidered linens and early tools for housekeeping. Whitby is still a good place to live and work.

You will be fascinated when you visit Whitby History Museum with the ingenuity of people who have called Whitby home!

Visitors to Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre are always amazed at the collection of heritage textiles, antique clothing and of course, shoes. Visitors come from far and wide, easy to get to from the 401 highway, just head on north on Brock street to number 123 Brock Street South, just south of #2 hwy (Brock St.)

You may be surprised how many come to visit us by boat. With the Whitby Marina just down the street, (south of the 401 to Lake Ontario)  many sail boaters call a cab and come downtown. They usually start at the museum and ask where to go next. Our friendly guides, all volunteers, are always happy to assist. The museum keeps brochures and information for the area on hand for visitors. We are the acting 'Information Centre'. Downtown Whitby has several fine restaurants.

Also housed at the museum is the Canadian Heritage Art Guild which was formed to teach heritage handcrafts to today's generation as well as give accreditation to those artisans who have made up a large part of our heritage and still do today!

Artisans in woodworking and stain glass, embroidery, quilting, quilling, applique, graphic arts, photography, bookbinding and others. A display of the entries submitted by artisans were on display in May 2009.