The Willoughby Historical Museum was created as an expression of pride felt by the community during the festivities of Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967. The Willoughby Historical Society requested a grant from Willoughby Township Council to open a museum. Frank Leslie and Zettie May Miller, the first Honourary Presidents of the Willoughby Historical Society, contributed greatly to the establishment of the Museum and through the kind donation of artifacts from many of the original families in the community, the Society was able to create displays and open a gallery n 1968.

The Willoughby Historical Museum was established in the Former S.S. #2 schoolhouse (1916-1957)where it remains to this day at 9935 Niagara Parkway, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, at the intersection of the Niagara Parkway and Weaver Road - 4 kilometres south of the Village of Chippawa.

Come inside the Museum and step back in time.

Hours of Operation and Admissions
Hours of Operation are 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., weekends from Victoria Day to June 30th; Daily during July and August; Weekends from Labour Day to Canadian Thanksgiving.

The Museum is available for tours or research all year round by calling 1-905-295-4036.

Facilities
The Museum has a small gift shop offering a range of local history publications as well as some souvenirs. Also available on site are public washrooms, a picnic area with a beautiful river view, picnic tables, a bicycle rack and direct access to the Niagara River Recreation Trail as well as free parking.

Collection
In 1970 the Township of Willoughby was largely amalgamated along with the Village of Chippawa into the City of Niagara Falls. Today the Willoughby Historical Museum collects, preserves, researches, interprets and exhibits objects relating to the former Township of Willoughby, Village of Chippawa and surrounding area from settlement in the 1780's and throughout the years. The collection represents daily lives and the development of this agricultural community.

Artifacts related to the history of the City of Niagara Falls and surrounding communities are accepted in the City of Niagara Falls Museums' collections. Potential donations are processed through the City of Niagara Falls Board of Museums Accessions Committees.

Exhibitions
Exhibits include authentic household and school artifacts, antique tools, pioneer farm implements, handcrafts, children's games and toys, furniture, a display to commemorate the Battle of Chippawa and temporary seasonal displays. Interactive displays for both children and adults explore wool processing and weaving, lighting and telephones and a functioning magneto switchboard and telephone.

Events
The Willoughby Historical Museum provides opportunities for community involvement and encourages cooperative programmes with other groups in the community. The Museum hosts several events on the grounds. Past events have included demonstrations by local historic trades people, and the Annual Gas-Up, where steam and gas engines are used to power a variety of objects.

Community Services
A reference collection is available for assisted research. Information requests are accomodated as staffa availability allows. Researchers are encouraged to call the museum to make an appointment to take a look at the Museum's archive. For more information please call the Museum at 905-295-4036 or send us an e-mail.

Navy Island
The Museum is located near Navy Island - a world nature preserve located in the Upper Niagara River.

Copyright 2004 - City of Niagara Falls Museums. Used with permission.

TOP

From Fort Erie/ Buffalo:
Follow QEW Niagara/Toronto to Netherby Road.
Exit the ramp to the Right.
Follow Netherby Road until you reach the end at the Niagara River.
Turn Left on to the Niagara Parkway.
The Museum is located at 9935 Niagara Parkway at the intersection of Weaver Road.

From Toronto:
Follow QEW Niagara to Lyons Creek Road Exit.
Turn Left at the top of the exit
Follow Lyons Creek Road into the Village of Chippawa. (across the Welland River)
In the Village of Chippawa, Lyons Creek Road becomes Main Street.
Follow Main Street until you reach the Niagara Parkway (at the river)
Follow the Niagara Parkway to the Right.
The Museum is located at 9935 Niagara Parkway at the intersection of Weaver Road.

TOP

Hours of Operation are 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., weekends from Victoria Day to June 30th; Daily during July and August; Weekends from Labour Day to Canadian Thanksgiving.

Admission to the Museum is by donation.

TOP

,CASH

TOP

KID FRIENDLY, PARKING AVAILABLE,

This Page Has Been Viewed 367 Times