What's On
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Feature Exhibitions
Untold Oshawa highlights stories that have not been included in previous published history books and works. The aim is to expand the commonly accepted narrative of Oshawa’s history, to develop a local history that includes different points of view, and to examine different aspects of our community’s past.
This exhibit is a starting point of a more inclusive story. Here, you will find stories of some of Oshawa’s early Black settlers, a look into the impact of labour unions in Oshawa, and a focus on the experiences of women and children.
Exhibit closes: May 10, 2026
Buy your copy of Untold Oshawa: An Expanded History, available at the Oshawa Museum Shop! Shop in person at Guy House or online: 
https://bit.ly/UntoldOshawa
A Carrying Place is on display in Robinson House. This immersive exhibit connects our community with their past, embraces the present Indigenous community, and builds towards a spirit of reconciliation and partnership.
A Carrying Place showcases objects recovered from the Grandview and MacLeod archeological sites and interprets the culture of the ancestral Wendat that lived in this area from 1380–1450 CE, and it examines the arrival and impact of European immigrants. This exhibition looks at the Indigenous community today, featuring displays from partner organizations, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations, the Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council, and the Durham District School Board.
Exhibit closes: July 19, 2026
The Oshawa Museum welcomes you to the new Welcome Gallery, on display at the Verna Conant Gallery, Guy House. The exhibit explores the history of Oshawa through three themes: Movement, Transportation and Growth. Within the themes, stories of businesses, events, and people who left their mark on Oshawa are further explores and celebrated.
The Welcome Gallery is a fun and exciting entry into Oshawa’s rich and diverse history. Admission to Guy House and the Welcome Gallery is free.
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Feature Events 2026
Enter the Gilded Age in style! Join the Oshawa Museum and The Costume People for a two-day Gilded Age Hat Workshop.
Led by Patty Davis, fashion historian and arts educator, students will construct their own fabulous fascinator, perfect for any and all special occasions. All materials are sourced from quality millinery suppliers and provided to make the hat, but participants must bring their own sewing kits (including needles, thread, pins, scissors and a 6-inch ruler). The hat is elegant, surprisingly easy to make, and the perfect way to spend a weekend full of creativity and laughter.
When: Saturday, May 9 AND Sunday, May 10
Time: 10 AM–3:30 PM each day
Cost: $120 per person, plus applicable fees
Registration is limited to 12 people; 5 people are required to run the workshop. Must be 18+ and proficient with hand sewing.
Tickets: simpletix.com/e/gilded-age-hat-workshop-tickets-267097
April 21—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, McLaughlin Library Auditorium
Ed Conroy presents: ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV
Registration required: oshlib.bibliocommons.com/events/697a53dcb0595799c0991f79
April 26—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
May 2—Doors Open Oshawa
10 AM–4 PM, Henry House & Guy House, Oshawa Museum
- Tour through Henry House, and inside Guy House, check out the Welcome Gallery, gift shop, and learn about Oshawa's newspaper history!
May 9–10—Gilded Age Hat Workshop, in partnership with The Costume People
9 AM–3 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum
Enter the Gilded Age in style! Join the Oshawa Museum and The Costume People for a two-day Gilded Age Hat Workshop. All materials are sourced from quality millinery suppliers and provided to make the hat, but participants must bring their own sewing kits (including needles, thread, pins, scissors and a 6-inch ruler). The hat is elegant, surprisingly easy to make, and the perfect way to spend a weekend full of creativity and laughter.
Register:
simpletix.com/e/gilded-age-hat-workshop-tickets-267097
May 17—Grandpa Henry's Picnic
12:30–3:30 PM, Henry House, Oshawa Museum - Admission by donation
- We're celebrating all things Henry with tours, activities, and games!
May 19—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
Annual Meeting, Oshawa Historical Society
6 PM, McLaughlin Library Auditorium
Nicole Patterson, Local History Librarian, OPL, presents: Oshawa at Play: A look back at the Community Recreation Association
For up-to-date information about the Annual Meeting, please visit the OHS Website: https://oshawahistoricalsociety.org/
May 24—Union Cemetery Tour
2 PM, Meet at King Street Gates, 760 King St. W., Oshawa - $5/person or FREE for OHS, Parkwood or Legion Members
- Take a tour through Oshawa’s largest cemetery, Union Cemetery, where Oshawa Museum staff will share stories of notable people from Oshawa who are laid to rest here.
- Theme: Oshawa and the World Wars, in partnership with Parkwood NHS and the Royal Canadian Legion
May 31—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
Friday mornings—Yoga in the Garden
Drop in 9–10 AM, Henry House Gardens, Oshawa Museum - Free, with donations gratefully accepted
- Starting May 8, start your weekend with a yoga practice at the lake! There is a different instructor every week!
May 8: Monica Mansfield
May 15: Ashley Maguire
May 22: Robyn Snow
May 29: Angie Sitram
June 14—Tea & Talk: A Walk in the Park: Parks in Oshawa
1 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - $15/person ($10/OHS Member)
- June is Parks and Recreation Month! To celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit, this Tea & Talk explores the history of parks in Oshawa, looks at summers spent at the pool and winters on the skating rink! Hear memories of time enjoyed in Oshawa's parks, and share your own stories. Finish the afternoon with a tour of the newest exhibit, A Walk in the Park, in Robinson House.
June 21—Indigenous Peoples Day
12–4 PM, Robinson House, Oshawa Museum - Free, with donations gratefully accepted
- In honour of Indigenous Peoples Day, the exhibit, A Carrying Place, is open for free tours through the afternoon.
June 28—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
Friday mornings—Yoga in the Garden
Drop in 9–10 AM, Henry House Gardens, Oshawa Museum - Free, with donations gratefully accepted
- Start your weekend with a yoga practice at the lake! There is a different instructor every week!
TBD
July 1—Canada Day at the Lake
2–6 PM, Henry House, Oshawa Museum
- Look for the Oshawa Museum's booth with community organizations, and don't miss out on visiting Henry House, which is open for FREE from 2–6 PM!
July Date TBD—Music in the Gardens with the Oshawa Civic Band
1 PM, Henry House Gardens (date and time subject to change)
- Grab a lawn chair and join The Oshawa Civic Band at the Oshawa Museum for an afternoon of brass band music.
July 26—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
Friday mornings—Yoga in the Garden
Drop in 9–10 AM, Henry House Gardens, Oshawa Museum - Free, with donations kindly accepted
- Start your weekend with a yoga practice at the lake! There is a different instructor every week!
Instructors:
TBD
August 2—Drive Shed Tours and a look at the Carriage Collection
12–4 PM, Henry House, Oshawa Museum
- To celebrate the McLaughlin Day weekend, take a look at our carriage collection, then take a tour of Henry House.
August 30—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
Friday mornings—Yoga in the Garden
Drop in 9–10 AM, Henry House Gardens, Oshawa Museum - Free, with donations kindly accepted
- Start your weekend with a yoga practice at the lake! There is a different instructor every week!
Instructors:
TBD
September 15—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, McLaughlin Library Auditorium
Sonya Jones, Curator of Collections, RMG, presents: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery: Bringing the Art Collection to Life
For more info, please visit oshawahistoricalsociety.org
September 26–27—Scenes from the Cemetery
2–4 PM, Union Cemetery; tour times: 2 PM, 2:20 PM, 2:40 PM, 3 PM
- Discover the stories of Oshawa's Union Cemetery like never before. Actors bring history to life in Scenes from the Cemetery, a dramatic tour through Union Cemetery.
Ticket link: Check Back Soon
September 27—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
September 30—Truth & Reconciliation Day
A Carrying Place and Miijim: Traditional Foods of the Lake of the Woods Anishinaabe travelling exhibit open for free admission
12–4 PM, Robinson House
Friday mornings—Yoga in the Garden
Drop in 9 AM–10 AM, Henry House Gardens, Oshawa Museum - Free, with donations kindly accepted
- Start your weekend with a yoga practice at the lake! There is a different instructor every week!
- Last date: September 25
Instructors:
TBD
October 4—Tea & Talk: Topic TBD
1 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - $15/person ($10/OHS Member)
- Check back soon for the topic for this month's Tea & Talk!
October 20—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, McLaughlin Library Auditorium
TBD, presents: TBD
For more info, please visit oshawahistoricalsociety.org
October 24—Halloween at the Harbour
6–8 PM, Oshawa Museum - $7.50/person, $5/child under 5, or FREE for OHS Members and children under 2.
- Check back for more info
Ticket link: Check back soon
October 25—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
November 17—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, McLaughlin Library Auditorium
- TBD: TBD
November 29—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
December 5—An Evening of Lamplight
6–8 PM; $7.50/person (free for OHS members)
- Make spirits bright and merry at An Evening of Lamplight, where the Oshawa Museum opens the doors to our historic homes to celebrate the holiday season. Check back for more details
RSVP: Check back for link
December 13—Tea & Talk: Topic TBD
1 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - $15/person ($10/OHS Member)
- Check back soon for the topic for this month's Tea & Talk!
December 20—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
January 20—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, John Aker Northview Branch (250 Beatrice St. E.) *subject to change
Sarah Ferencz, Whitby Public Library, and Jennifer Weymark, Oshawa Museum, present: Women of Whitby Township
Registration required: https://oshlib.bibliocommons.com/events/68ee64c33c268b4ada93269e
January 25—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
January 27—A Walk in the Park: A Reminiscence Workshop
6 PM, John Aker Northview Branch (250 Beatrice St. E.)
Take a trip down memory lane with the Oshawa Museum, remembering the histories of parks in Oshawa. In this workshop, the Oshawa Museum will be sharing stories and photos of parks in Oshawa, and we ask you to reflect on your own experiences in Oshawa’s parks.
February 8—Letters to the Front Postcard Workshop
1:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - free to attend
- The Postcards to the Front (Canada / Канада) organization facilitates Canadians sending postcards with messages of support and encouragement to Defenders of Ukraine. This workshop is 90 minutes long and provides all materials needed for participants.
February 15—Family Day at the Oshawa Museum: Parks in Oshawa
Drop-in, 12–4 PM (last tour at 3 PM) - Admission by donation
Join us Family Day Weekend on Sunday, February 15, for a fun, hands-on afternoon at the Oshawa Museum. Share your stories and memories of Oshawa’s parks and green spaces, while kids get creative by designing their dream park on paper and building park equipment with Lego.
February 17—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, John Aker Northview Branch (250 Beatrice St. E.) *subject to change
Dumaresq de Pencier, Canadian Automotive Museum, presents: Exit the Horse
Registration required: https://oshlib.bibliocommons.com/events/68ee64c33c268b4ada93269f
February 22—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
March 8—Tea & Talk: Women of Oshawa
1 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum - $15/person ($10/OHS Member)simpletix.com/e/tea-talk-women-of-oshawa-tickets-256334
- In honour of International Women's Day, this month's Tea & Talk celebrates remarkable women from Oshawa's past!
simpletix.com/e/tea-talk-women-of-oshawa-tickets-256334March 16–20—Make-It March Break at the Oshawa Museum
9 AM–4 PM, Oshawa Museum—Admission by donation
“Make It” a March Break to remember at the Oshawa Museum! Join us for activities and tours all through the week, designed to spark creativity, encourage exploration, and get your hands on history!
March 17—Speaker Series, in partnership with Oshawa Libraries
6 PM, McLaughlin Library Auditorium
Melissa J. Nelson, in conversation: Black memory work is "Love."
Registration required: oshlib.bibliocommons.com/events/697a53dcb0595799c0991f78
March 29—Craft Circle
12:30–3:30 PM, Guy House, Oshawa Museum—Drop-in, free to attend
- Grab your needles and hooks, and join other crafty people at Guy House for an afternoon of knitting, crochet, and other creative activities in a welcoming environment. All are welcome!
March 14/15, 21/22, 28/29—Oshawa Museum at Purple Woods
Look for Oshawa Museum staff at the annual Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival, hosted by Central Lake Ontario Conservation Area.
For more info: cloca.com/maple-syrup-festival
Stay up to date with the latest happenings at the Oshawa Museum
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Plan Your Visit
The Oshawa Museum is open year round for tours - learn more about how you can experience the Home to Oshawa's History!
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Programming at the OM
Featured Education Programs
The Oshawa Museum is proud to offer educators a number of programs and workshops, available for elementary and secondary levels, and we can work with teachers in offering these programs to best meet your needs.
Students gain insight into the various roles that contribute to a museum’s functioning and the special rules we use. The museum tour includes exploring the different homes and engaging in a fun craft activity inspired by the Victorian era.
Teachers can enhance their learning experience by scheduling the Visitor Experience Coordinator to visit their classroom with 3 to 4 Education Kits to create different stations.
You can choose from various Education Kits, including ‘School Days,’ ‘Around the House,’ ‘Bonnets and Breeches,’ and ‘Toys and Games.’ Obtain a complete list by contacting the Visitor Experience Coordinator.
Compare the roles and challenges of being a Victorian Child to those of a modern day child through a number of hands-on activities, which include candle or butter-making, planting, and washing laundry (Spring/Summer). Classes tour through Henry House and learn about the Henry family and how the Henry children would have spent their time over 150 years ago!
Later, the students will use educational items from the museum’s School Days kit to gain a unique perspective on schooling in Oshawa during the 1900s. Finally, teachers can choose between demonstrations on candle-making or butter-making to complete the program.
In this workshop, students learn the different between primary and secondary sources, they learn to think critically about what can be learned from these sources, and they learn about difficulties they can present to researchers. Students are given examples of primary sources from the archival collection of the Oshawa Museum and they go through a worksheet, helping them use the skills they learned about.
Using a collection of letters written by a young man from Oshawa, we will learn about the experiences of those on the front lines during WWI from 4 very different sources. The talk will follow along with William Garrow Jr., the author of the letters, Albert Pankhurst, a young Black soldier, Victoria Donevan, a Nursing Sister and George Finigan, a young man conscripted to fight. After hearing about these experiences and how the fit into the larger picture of the First World War, the students will be tasked with writing their own letter home from the front.
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Groups and the Oshawa Museum
Special group tours (special interest groups, retirement residences, Guides/Scouts, etc.) must be booked in advance so we can best meet the needs of your group and offer you the best experience possible. We cannot accommodate drop-in tours for special groups and/or groups of 10 or more.
To book, contact Jill Passmore: 905-436-7624 x 106 or email programming@oshawamuseum.org.
programming@oshawamuseum.org.
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Teachers
We offer a number of workshops suitable for elementary and secondary classes, and they can be offered virutally or in-person. These include Critical Thinking Using Objects, Working with Primary Sources and a World War I Timeline.
Curriculum based local history programs are also available, and most are adaptable to any grade level, from JK to Grade 12.
Email to learn more about how you can incorporate local history into your classroom.
Leaders
The Oshawa Museum offers badge based experiences for all levels of Guiding and Scouting. We do the work for you, the kids do the learning for themselves.
We have different program options available - to learn more, view our Guiding and Scouting Brochure:
Lectures
The Oshawa Museum has developed over fifty lectures that pertain to various aspects of Oshawa's immense cultural history. Lectures are $75 each, plus mileage if your facility is located outside of Oshawa. Lectures are approximately one hour long and are often accompanied by associated artefacts. An experienced staff member of the Oshawa Museum delivers each lecture.