Plain Living in Osgoode Township

The Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum traces its founding back to 1972, when a group of dedicated residents gathered to research, create interest in, collect data about, preserve, and publish the history of Osgoode Township. The founding group developed rapidly and with foresight, being incorporated under the Province of Ontario Statute by Letters Patent, issued in the name of the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum on the 25th day of November, 1975.

The initial objective was to prepare a story for the Osgoode Township’s 150th anniversary, which was coming in 1977. The group held its first meeting in the Museum/Archives building on August 23, 1973. The official opening of the Museum was held on September 21, 1973, with many interesting articles of bygone days on display for the first Visitors Day. The Agriculture Museum building was officially opened on August 12, 1989.

The purpose and objectives of the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum are:

– to encourage research into the history of the Township of Osgoode;

– to secure and preserve an accurate account of the progress and development of the Township of Osgoode;

– to promote public interest in the history of the area;

– to maintain a museum and the property as a repository for Native and pioneer relics, artefacts, historical documents, and other articles of historical significance;

– to promote the study, practice and knowledge of all phases of historical and archaeological research within the Township of Osgoode.

In the exhibit, we explore several aspects of life in the Township of Osgoode over the years, from its first permanent settlers in 1827 to today. The exhibit takes the visitor through the history of the Township, selected elements of the Society’s extensive collection of artefacts, and then on into interesting and unusual aspects of life and living, from trading post operation, apiary, foundry, dousing, trapping, midwifery, telecommunications, woodworking crafts, sport, and remembering those who served.

For more information, send an email to oths@magma.ca, or visit www.magma.ca/~oths.

It is hoped that, for the visitor, the exhibit will bring history to life.