| Wallaceburg and District Museum | |
|---|---|
| Established | June 29, 1984 |
| Location | 505 King Street, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada |
| Visitor figures | 1,000,000+ |
| Director | Adam Cooke |
| Website | [1] |
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.
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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 1812. 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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[2]