Scugog Shores Museum

By Shannon Kelly

The Scugog Shores Museum is located on Scugog Island, overlooking the town of Port Perry.  The mission of the museum is to preserve, research, interpret and exhibit artefacts that illustrate the cultural and natural history of the area.

The historic village of the Museum features eleven restored buildings including a school, church, blacksmith, print shop, woodwright and harness shop.  Each building has been restored to its 19th century appearance.  Thousands of original arifacts are on display.

The Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands exhibit resulted from a partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations.  A traditionally constructed wigwam, birch bark canoe and other First Nations artefacts are on display. Our collection of indigenous trees and plants forms a representative slice of the species that flourished throughout the area prior to European settlement.

The Museum Village and Ojibway Lands are open for guided tours, 10 am – 4 pm daily throughout June, July and August.  Admission to both is by donation.  The Museum also presents a variety of interesting exhibits and exciting events throughout the season.

June 1 – 30 – Oshawa Camera Club Photography Exhibit
The Oshawa Camera Club is now in its 71st year of continuous operation. It serves the photographic community of Durham Region and the surrounding area.

Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 pm – Greenbank: The Heart of Reach Township, Exhibit Opening
The official opening of the new exhibit in the Hamlet History Room of the Lee House.

Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 – 41st Annual Canoe the Nonquon
Enter Canoe the Nonquon, the longest running canoe race in Ontario.  Canoeists and kayakers may enter recreational or competitive classes.  Registration takes place at the Latcham Centre (Port Perry waterfront) on Friday, June 5th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and Saturday, June 6th from 7:00 – 9:00 am.  First boats enter the water at 7:00 am on Saturday.

Saturday, June 27 – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm – “Chrome by the Lake”, the annual Scugog Shores Classic Car Show & Shine sponsored by the Scugog Standard
The familiar sights and sounds of an annual summer tradition in Scugog will have a new home this year.  The Scugog Standard presents “Chrome by the Lake” – the annual Scugog Shores Classic Car Show and Shine, at its new location on Water St. in Port Perry.

Saturday and Sunday, July 18 – 19, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm  – Dog Days of Scugog
All dogs and their owners will not want to miss the 7th annual Dog Days of Scugog.  Sponsored by the Port Perry Star, Dog Days celebrates the unique bond that exists between dogs and their people.  It has grown to be the largest dog day in Durham Region.  Featuring Ontario Dock Dogs, Skyhoundz Disc Dog, Daytripper Agility, Canadian Association of Rally Obedience, Canine Good Neighbour Test, Jack Russell racing, contests, fashion shows and more.

Thursday, August 20, 7:00 pm – Historic Walking Tour of Greenbank
Led by Paul Arculus, President of the Lake Scugog Historical Society, guests will explore the colourful history of the village that used to be known as Smiths Corners and Gimlet Town.

Friday, Sept. 11, 7:00 – 10:00 pm – Murder Mystery Evening
Explore the Museum village and help the detectives solve a mysterious murder.  All assistant detectives will have the opportunity to interview the villagers and search for clues, in order to solve the mystery.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Pioneer Fall Fair
The museum village will be bustling with activity all day long.  Craftspeople will be demonstrating everything from woodworking to rug hooking.  Check out the power of the old-fashioned steam engines, taste homemade soup and observe the meticulous work of a typesetter getting his newspaper ready for print.  The Military Reenactment Society of Canada will be performing three shows.

About the Author:  Shannon Kelly is the Curator of the Scugog Shores Museum. Their website can be visited at  www.scugogshoresmuseum.com Email: skelly@scugog.ca