Wallaceburg and District Museum
Encyclopedia
The Wallaceburg & District Museum is located in Southern Ontario
in the town of Wallaceburg
. Located a half-block from the banks of the Sydenham River, The Wallaceburg & District Museum occupies the former Wallaceburg Hydro Office at 505 King Street. The museum opened on June 29, 1984. The Wallaceburg and District Historical Society were the founders led by the father son pair of Frank and Alan Mann. The two men are known around the Wallaceburg area for their hardwork and dedication to local history. A number of other original founders are still involved on the museum's governing board.
. The only stipulation Mcgregor gave upon the donation of the land was that it only be used for municipal purposes. For that reason it has served Wallaceburg as a Town Hall, Hydro Building, Theatre and Museum.
Arguably the most internationally significant artifact on display is the Lee Rifle Prototype, the pre-cursor to the Lee Enfield Rifle.
The rifle dates back to 1878 and was invented/perfected in Wallaceburg by James Paris and John Lee. The first shots of the rifle were believed to be taken at the Lee Foundry on the banks of the Sydenham River.
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
in the town of Wallaceburg
Wallaceburg, Ontario
Wallaceburg is an unincorporated community and town located in the municipality of Chatham-Kent in Southern Ontario, Canada. Originally a small settlement, it was recognized for its significant contribution to the lumber and boat building industries and strategic location along the banks of the...
. Located a half-block from the banks of the Sydenham River, The Wallaceburg & District Museum occupies the former Wallaceburg Hydro Office at 505 King Street. The museum opened on June 29, 1984. The Wallaceburg and District Historical Society were the founders led by the father son pair of Frank and Alan Mann. The two men are known around the Wallaceburg area for their hardwork and dedication to local history. A number of other original founders are still involved on the museum's governing board.
Museum Site History
The location is historic not just for the artifacts it houses but because it has a history of its own. The land is the site of the first Wallaceburg Town Hall. John Mcgregor, a war veteran, donated the land after he was given 600 acres (2.4 km²) in the surrounding area for his services to the crown in the War of 1812War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
. The only stipulation Mcgregor gave upon the donation of the land was that it only be used for municipal purposes. For that reason it has served Wallaceburg as a Town Hall, Hydro Building, Theatre and Museum.
Museum Exhibits
The Museum documents the history of Wallaceburg starting with the area's first nations groups dating back thousands of years. It then moves to the first European settlement started by Lord Selkirk's Baldoon settlers, in 1804. However, the current major focus of the museum is on the communities rich industrial heritage. Some of the major industries highlighted include the glass, brass, and sugar industries. The museum is also home to the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame and a number of other temporary and rotating exhibits.Arguably the most internationally significant artifact on display is the Lee Rifle Prototype, the pre-cursor to the Lee Enfield Rifle.