Uxbridge Historical Centre

Exhibitions

Exhibitions

The Uxbridge Historical Centre's exhibitions highlight the local history of Uxbridge and celebrate the lives of its citizens. Feature exhibitions change annually with period displays in our historical buildings updated on an ongoing basis.

While not able to showcase all 6,000 artifacts on a daily basis, the Museum collection database is available online. The images and records are updated on an ongoing basis.

Follow this link to visit our Virtual collection.

Special Exhibitions - Vimy to Juno and the Legacy of Lt. Col. Samuel Sharpe

**Limited Engagement** Saturday, May 26th through Wednesday, June 6th, 2018, 9:00am-5:00pm.

Extended hours will run on Tuesday, May 29th from 9:00am-7:00pm

As part of the events to honour Lt. Col. Samuel S. Sharpe and publicly acknowledge his commitment, service and sacrifice to his community and his country, the Uxbridge Historical Centre is hosting joint exhibitions in partnership with the Juno Beach Centre, Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society and Uxbridge Secondary School. Special rates available for students and seniors.

Feature Exhibition

"Their Votes Counted" - June 2 to August 26, 2018

Opening Reception will take place Saturday, June 2 from 1:00pm-3:00pm

Their Votes Counted commemorates a significant milestone in Canadian history - the 100th anniversary of women voting for the first time in a Canadian federal election.

Background

In 1917 the Union government, under Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, passed a temporary wartime measure which extended the vote to all those serving overseas with the Canadian military - including female Nursing Sisters. Over the course of the First World War, some 2,504 women volunteered to serve overseas with the Canadian Army Medical Corps as Nursing Sisters. Not only were the Canadian Nursing Sisters the only nurses of the Allied forces to hold the rank of officers, but because of the difference in time zones they were also the first women in Canadian history to vote in a federal election.

The First World War was a significant catalyst for not only the professionalization of nursing but also for the advancement of female participation within the political sphere. Canadian women returned from war expecting the same rights in peacetime as they had been granted in wartime. In 1919, the right to vote was extended to all eligible Canadian women 21 years of age or older.

This bilingual exhibition was developed by the Victoria County Historical Society in partnership with the Canadian Nurses Association and made possible through funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Upcoming Feature Exhibition

Bootlegging and Temperance - Opening September 2018

This exhibition will feature the history and stories of bootlegging and temperance and is being developed in partnership with each of the three regions of Central Counties Tourism - Durham, York and the Hills of Headwaters.

Past Exhibitions

Uxbridge 150 Exhibit - July 1 to September 30, 2017

What was Uxbridge like 150 years ago? This Sesquicentennial exhibition showcased what Uxbridge Township was like 150 years ago and how it has changed over the years.

Stone Carvings Project at Uxbridge Historical Centre

In 2017 artist Fly Freeman undertook the "Uxbridge Story in Stone" project, creating a massive stone carving that tells the story of the history of the town and the establishment of our trails. Selected by the Arts and Visual Enhancement Committee (AVEC), Fly Freeman shaped the 800-lb blocks of Indiana Limestone using same type of hand-held tools that have been used by stone masons for generations. The four completed limestone panels are installed in front of the Uxbridge municipal offices.