Museum Collections

Description

The St. Catharines Museum posesses a major collection of artifacts, archival and art material related to the history of St. Catharines and the Welland Canal.

It includes shipping and marine artifacts, industrial and agricultural collections, military, sports and  fire fighting paraphernalia and household furnishings.

The archives incorporate collections of library holdings, photographs, maps, plans, municipal, corporate, and personal collections, and individual collections such as: Girl Guides, Fred Pattison Aviation Collection (BCAPT), St. Lawrence Seaway, family papers, marine photographs, Ferranti-Packard, and the DeCew Falls Waterworks Collection.

Other large collections focus on sports, particularly rowing, ships and shipping, the Welland Canals, the grape and wine industry, education, costumes and textiles, fine art, community organizations, newspapers, and land records.

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Purpose

Our purpose is to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret artifacts and archival records, along with their associated information relative to the history of St. Catharines and the Welland Canals for the education and enjoyment of the public.

Acquire

The addition of objects and archival items to the permanent collection. The St. Catharines Museum acquires items and collections of historical value through gift, loan and purchase.

Preserve

The St. Catharines Museum strives to prevent damage or deterioration to cultural property through conservation treatment, a controlled environment, and proper handling, exhibit, and storage techniques.

Research

To study and document museum-related collections, community history, and program-related subjects for the advancement of knowledge.

Exhibit

To display objects, permanent displays or feature exhibition, accompanied by interpretive information.

Interpret

To foster an understanding of the past through explanation and presentation.