Halton Region Museum turns 50!

The Halton Region Museum is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exciting roster of events and activities for the balance of the year, including jazz concerts and a fun-filled Alexander Family Farm Day on Sunday, September 18, 2011.

“The Halton Region Museum is not only one of Halton’s greatest artifacts, it is a great place to take the family,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “And, the Museum’s fall line up offers wonderful event opportunities for everyone.”

In the 1950s, Halton’s “museum” consisted of a few antiques in a display case in the Halton County Administration Building. As the number of items grew, so too did the possibility of creating a county museum. The Halton County Museum Association was formed and on August 22, 1961, Halton County Council passed a by-law establishing the Halton County Museum within Kelso Conservation Area.

“The Halton Region Museum is the original home of the Alexander family, Scottish immigrants who purchased the land in 1836,” explained Nancy Field, Manager, Heritage Services. “This enterprising and innovative family farmed the land for four generations. They were one of the first farms in the country to generate their own electricity and we like to think that we are continuing the Alexander tradition by generating a little electricity of our own with our exciting fall events.”

In addition to Alexander Family Farm Day, here’s a sneak peek at other activities the Museum has planned:

• Three fun filled weeks of Back to the Land Day Camp – a joint venture with Planet Kids day camps offering themed activities, games and excursions with a historical twist
• Jazz at the Museum – a series of three Sunday afternoons featuring a stellar line up of performers for the Fall, topped off with the return of “Hearthside” – a Saturday night jazz extravaganza and reception on November 26th
• An official book launch exploring the life and times of William Halton on October 20, in partnership with author and historian John McDonald
• Escarpment Discoveries, an interactive, virtual hike of the Escarpment in Halton to be launched in the Fall

You’ll be able to check out the Museum on Facebook starting in August for more event information.

Today, one of the Museum’s focal points is the Alexander Barn. The upper two floors of the historic building feature exhibits and artifacts that reflect Halton’s natural and cultural heritage. Two unique meeting and reception rooms located in the Barn are available for corporate or social events, group presentations and educational programs. Learn more about the Museum or by calling 905-875-2200, ext. 27 or dialing 311, toll free 1-866-442-5866, or TTY 905-827-9833.

Support Our Sponsors