Museum of Northern History

09/01/2026

Last week we said goodbye to our summer students, and it's ALWAYS one of our least favourite weeks throughout the summer.

Pic 1: Our entire crew for the summer.
Kapelynn (our Museum Assistant)
Kelly (our Curator)
Kaitlyn (our Manager)
Kaytlyn, Calleigh & Katelyn (our summer students)

Kapelynn, Kaitlyn, Kaytlyn, Katelyn, Kelly and Calleigh
Yes, it WAS as fun as it sounds 🤣

Pic 2: Three of a kind! Our three Kaitlyn/Kaytlyn/Katelyn's

Pic 3: The Three Musketeers - Kaytlyn, Calleigh & Katelyn

We will miss their energy, enthusiasm and creativity! Wishing you all the best of luck in the upcoming school year!

And a huge thank you goes out to the Government of Canada, Canadian Museums Association and the Province of Ontario for their continued support of summer student employment and grant opportunities.

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Here's a little taste of what's new in the Gallery!

We hope you make it out to the Museum tomorrow for the Opening Reception of "Echoes of the North". This is an extraordinary display of Northern inspired works by local artists Liz Pacey and Kit Ormsby.

Join us between 1pm and 3pm Saturday - meet with the artists, enjoy some snacks and refreshments, and spend some time with some fellow art lovers!

Admission is a coin donation at the door.

08/20/2026

Happening tonight at the Museum!
This is a free event, thought donations are appreciated!
Starting at 7pm!

Join us on Thursday, August 20th for an Author Talk with Brian “Chip” Martin.

First released in 2011 (now reprinted), Ernie's Gold: A Prospector's Tale tells the true story of prospector Ernie Martin, a one time friend and partner to Sir Harry Oakes. His rags to riches story embraces the tall tales that accompany life in a mining camp – ranging from meager offerings to grandiose lifestyles.

Delve deep into the story with the author, and grab a copy for yourself.

Click here to learn more about the book!
https://brianchipmartin.ca/ernies-gold

This is a free event, though donations are appreciated!

08/19/2026

Our June Tasty Techniques Workshop was so popular, we've added a Fall Edition!

Join us on Thursday, September 17th from 6pm to 8pm for our next installment in partnership with Michelle's Sweets & Treats and Sipsters Mobile Events

We're so excited to promote this upcoming cake painting workshop with a seasonal spin! The event will feature everything from painting and mixology demonstrations, mocktails by Sipsters and some oh so delightful charcuterie teacups. And not to mention a beautifully decorated mini cake you get to take home complete with some extra fondant details!

You will receive your own small 4" x 4" cake, a palette of coloured icing, and some fondant for decorations. From there you will create a completely edible cake masterpiece to take home. You will also receive a charcuterie teacup snack and two complimentary mocktails courtesy of Sipsters Mobile Events - with the option of purchasing additional drinks throughout the evening.

There will be a limited number of spots, so register fast!

The cost is $70 (+tax) and covers all materials.

Scan the QR Code or click on the link below to register.
https://forms.gle/hRvibCnKQErHku1j7

08/17/2026

Coming up this week at the Museum, we hope you'll join us on Thursday the 20th for an Author Talk with Brian "Chip" Martin!

Learn the true tale of prospector Ernie Martin, the author's great uncle, a one time friend and partner to Sir Harry Oakes.

His rags to riches story embraces the tall tales that accompany life in a mining camp – ranging from meager offerings to grandiose lifestyles. Delve deep into the story with the author, and grab a copy for yourself.

This is a free event, though donations are appreciated!

08/12/2026

Our final scheduled Mini-Maker's workshop for kids is next Tuesday.

We need 5 more participants to run this Cap-Tastic-Creations event.
For children ages 7-10, kids will leave with some amazing crafts created from recycled bottle caps - including an "oh-so-special" mini terrarium!

Contact the Museum by Saturday to register!
You can complete the online registration by scanning the QR code on the poster, or by clicking on this link: https://forms.gle/nrbQhgu8FSQ6nNkh8

08/11/2026

On behalf of Museum Staff and the OPHAT Board, It is with profound sadness that we mourn the sudden loss of our board Vice President, Beverley McChesney-Rumble.

Without Bev's stalwart support of the Museum, we simply wouldn't be here.

She was instrumental in securing the Museum's future & funding to continue in 2024. Her love and passion for the Museum and the Sir Harry Oakes Chateau is long standing. Her grandfather was the head carpenter for the Lake Shore Mine and worked alongside Harry Oakes for years. It meant more to her than most that this and our legacy continue.

Bev was a devoted teacher (retired, but never REALLY retired) and community champion. Her career had her celebrating arts & culture, particularly with drama and a dedicated educator of students with special needs.

She was creative, bold and enthusiastic and utilized those strong characteristics to support the Museum, Trinity United Church, the Lasalle Theatre, and Kabaret (to name a few)

We will forever be grateful for her care, dedication and steadfast support of the Museum and other community causes. May her spirit of celebration, creativity and enthusiasm for Kirkland Lake and its people continue on. Rest easy Bev!

08/10/2026

Join us on Thursday, August 20th for an Author Talk with Brian “Chip” Martin.

First released in 2011 (now reprinted), Ernie's Gold: A Prospector's Tale tells the true story of prospector Ernie Martin, a one time friend and partner to Sir Harry Oakes. His rags to riches story embraces the tall tales that accompany life in a mining camp – ranging from meager offerings to grandiose lifestyles.

Delve deep into the story with the author, and grab a copy for yourself.

Click here to learn more about the book!
https://brianchipmartin.ca/ernies-gold

This is a free event, though donations are appreciated!

08/10/2026

Join us on Thursday, August 20th for an Author Talk with Brian “Chip” Martin.

First released in 2011 (now reprinted), Ernie's Gold: A Prospector's Tale" tells the true story of prospector Ernie Martin, a one time friend and partner to Sir Harry Oakes. His rags to riches story embraces the tall tales that accompany life in a mining camp – ranging from meager offerings to grandiose lifestyles.

Delve deep into the story with the author, and grab a copy for yourself.

Click here to learn more about the book!
https://brianchipmartin.ca/ernies-gold

Or read up on the book from it's 2011 release in Northern Ontario Business Magazine.
https://www.northernontariobusiness.com/industry-news/mining/prospectors-tale-mines-history-of-gold-in-north-368113

This is a free event, though donations are appreciated!

Adventurer. Womanizer. Prospector. Ernie Martin was perceived as many things during his lifetime, but his most remarkable achievement is one that's not known well at all.