Perth Museum

06/23/2026

Sunshine, scenic strolls, and a little Perth pride. 🧢☀️

Our new hats have arrived at the Perth Museum Gift Shop and they're ready for all your summer adventures. Whether you're exploring downtown, enjoying the Tay River, or visiting your favourite local spots, we've got a style for you.

Stop in and check them out!

06/19/2026

📚🏡 SHOP SPOTLIGHT

At Home in Tay Valley celebrates the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community for over 200 years.

Edited by Kay Rogers and created as part of Tay Valley's 200th Anniversary celebrations, this special collection brings together memories, photographs, and local history that capture the spirit of the township and the generations who called it home.

Whether you're a lifelong resident, a local history enthusiast, or simply curious about the communities that helped shape our region, this book offers a fascinating look into Tay Valley's past.

📖 A celebration of local heritage
❤️ Stories that connect us to our roots
🎁 A thoughtful gift for history lovers

📍 Available now at the Perth Museum & Visitor Centre

What is your favourite Tay Valley memory or landmark? Share it below! 👇

06/18/2026

👞 Trivia Tuesday at Perth Museum answer: if you guessed a shoe last, you're right!

A shoe last is a foot-shaped form used by shoemakers to design, build, repair, and size shoes. Before modern manufacturing, cobblers relied on shoe lasts to create footwear that fit just right. Some were made for specific customers, while others were used for standard shoe sizes.

This particular shoe last has a local connection—it comes from the Old Perth Shoe Factory, offering a glimpse into the town’s manufacturing history and the skilled tradespeople who helped keep Perth moving one step at a time.

Did you know Perth once had a shoe factory? Let us know in the comments! 👇

06/16/2026

🤔 Trivia Tuesday at Perth Museum!

Take a look at this unusual wooden artifact. At first glance, it might look like a miniature submarine, a strange boat, or perhaps something from a long-forgotten invention. But what is it really?

This week's mystery object has us wondering what creative guesses you can come up with! Was it used for work? Play? Travel? Something completely unexpected?

Drop your best guess in the comments and see if you can solve the mystery before we reveal the answer. Bonus points for the most imaginative explanation! 👀

What do you think this curious wooden object was used for? Let us know below!

06/12/2026

🕯️✨ SHOP SPOTLIGHT

Locally made. Beautifully scented.

We're delighted to carry candles from Kelly's Home Collection, a collection of hand-poured soy candles inspired by the comforts of home and the beauty of the places around us.

From the warm notes of Pumpkin Spice Latte, to the sweet maple scent of Sweet & Sticky, and the fresh countryside blend of Tayside Vibes, there's a fragrance for every season and every space.

Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or a little something for yourself, these locally crafted candles bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of home to any room.

🕯️ Hand-poured in small batches
🌿 100% natural soy wax
🎁 Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home

📍 Available now at the Perth Museum & Visitor Centre

Which scent would you choose first?

06/10/2026

Drop in! We love supporting the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA and its members with this initiative.

Looking for a gift that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit?

Give the gift of choice with a Downtown Perth BIA Gift Certificate! Whether your recipient loves shopping, dining out, pampering themselves, or discovering something new, they can spend it at participating downtown businesses and choose exactly what they’ll enjoy most.

It’s a thoughtful gift that supports local businesses and keeps dollars right here in our community.

Gift certificates are available in any denomination and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre inside the Perth Museum (11 Gore St. E.), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop local. Give local. Love local. ❤️

06/05/2026

📖🥾 SHOP SPOTLIGHT – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Ready to explore more of Southeastern Ontario? 🌲

The Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory is the region’s most comprehensive hiking guide—featuring over 500 trails, scenic lookouts, waterfalls, accessible routes, beaches, towers, and more.

Whether you’re planning your next weekend adventure or discovering hidden gems close to home, this guide is packed with inspiration for every outdoor enthusiast.

🥾 Perfect for hikers and explorers
🗺️ Great for road trips and day adventures
🎁 A thoughtful gift for nature lovers

📍 Available now at the Perth Museum & Visitor Centre

05/30/2026

As May is Museum Month comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible team behind Perth Museum and Visitor Information Centre.

This month, Debbie celebrated an incredible 40 years at Perth Museum. Four decades of knowledge, dedication, and service is a remarkable achievement, and our Museum is stronger because of it. She works tirelessly with our artifacts and archival materials, among many other things.

Devon developed and launched our new Childhood at Play exhibition, coordinated with several community groups, planned programs and school trips, and helped bring our new Heritage Maker Space to life.

Karen is already planning events well into next year, including preparations for what is shaping up to be the busiest event season Perth has ever seen.

Lily has successfully implemented new gift shop software, introduced new products, and continues to provide outstanding customer service to our visitors.

Rachel is wrapping up the first phase of a reconciliation project funded in part through the Government of Canada. Drop in to see two new exhibit panels highlighting her work, installed just in time for Indigenous History Month.

We're thrilled to welcome Ysabella and William to our seasonal team. Their hard work and enthusiasm have been invaluable as we launch Childhood at Play and prepare for a busy summer season.

Robert is supporting events at Crystal Palace and other Town facilities, helping ensure everything runs smoothly for residents and visitors alike.

A special thank you to Janet and Susan, who are always willing to step in and lend a hand whenever and wherever it's needed, and to the greater Community Services team for their ongoing support.

Our to our wonderful volunteers, including Tricia, Sawyer, and the Perth & District Horticultural Society: thank you for all you do.

I'll have to take a new team photo soon, but in the meantime, here are a few photos taken yesterday as we reopened the space with new exhibitions and activities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the exhibition, and to everyone who dropped by to see it.

Happy Museum Month, and here's to a busy and exciting summer ahead!

-Kathryn

05/29/2026

📚✨ SHOP SPOTLIGHT – LOCAL STORIES

Step back into early Perth through the pages of “A Matter of Honour” by Susan Code 💛

Filled with captivating stories and reflections on life in early Perth, this collection brings the people, places, and community spirit of the town’s past to life.

From memorable characters to everyday moments, these tales offer a fascinating glimpse into the roots of the community we know today.

📚 Perfect for local history lovers
🎁 A thoughtful and unique gift
🏛️ And a meaningful addition to any Perth collection

📍 Available now at the Perth Museum & Visitor Centre