NOTL Museum

My husband and I are both amateur history buffs and while I have been to the Niagara Historical Society Museum a few times in my life, my husband had never been so when the Groupon appeared earlier this year I jumped at the chance to buy it. Then we left the Groupon until a few days before it expired. Last weekend was very cold and rainy. I was suffering from cabin fever from being cooped up sick all week. It seems to me that the best ways to spend cold rainy days are either: curled up next to a roaring fire, a movie marathon or cuddling under a blanket with a great book and mug of hot chocolate. To leave the house on a rainy day should be to go to two places: the library or a museum. There is something so cozy about spelunking around in old treasures, whether they be historical artifacts or books, so off we went to discover/rediscover the treasures hidden in the Niagara Historical Society Museum!



The Niagara Historical Society Museumis located in the beautiful and historic downtown of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  (NOTL) The building was the original high school for local students and it’s just full of old charm. We were greeted by cheerful staff who gave us a brief description of the main exhibitions and then let us investigate on our own. We selected a great time to go as it wasn’t too busy and they are running a feature display for the Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812. The whole first floor is dedicated to the War of 1812 and life in the town around that period.

Display depicting the life of local women in the 1800's

 

We were able to view a display of Sir Isaac Brock's garments including his hat. I found the ornaments on the side of the hat fascinating and I imagine they all have military significance. They had a special display on loan for General Sheaffe who replaced Brock when Brock was killed at the Battle of Queenston Heights.

 

 

General Sheaffe's sword

 

The upstairs of the museum is dedicated to the rest of the town’s history. I am a local, so the upstairs is just as fascinating to me as the downstairs War of 1812 display.

 

 

 

The future King George the 5th and Queen Mary at the Queen's Hotel formerly located where the Gazebo currently resides.

 

If you have any interest in history and have never been to the Niagara Historical Society Museum, or if you haven’t been in a few decades I strongly urge you to go check out the new displays. Since I was last there the whole museum has been renovated and it’s a nice mix of modern meets history.  A great way to spend a rainy afternoon!