NOW OPEN!
THE MUSKOKA STORY
starring
MISKO-AKI: CONFLUENCE OF CULTURES
–
EVOLVING MUSKOKA: LIFE ON THE EDGE OF THE SHIELD
–
WANDA III: STEAM TO GREEN
Three amazing and insightful world class exhibits about the Muskoka we all love and cherish. Starting with the Indigenous presence in Muskoka for more than 10,000 years, then focusing on the last 250 years of development and finishing with an electrified Wanda III as a symbol of our need for sustainability in all parts of our life.
Interior spaces are nearly complete and ready for exhibits to be installed.
We are building one of the most important additions Muskoka’s cultural fabric has ever seen…
… opening in summer 2023
We’ve achieved great things already
The investment required is $9.0 Million
$1.8M needed to Finish
HELP US FINISH
Grand Opening of Three Permanent Exhibits in Summer 2023
$1.8M needed to Finish
1. Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures
More than 10,000 years of Indigenous history
A presentation about the Indigenous presence in Muskoka for more than 10,000 years, this unique exhibit is being created by a curatorial circle of Indigenous elders, scholars and linguists representing the four cultural groups including Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Metis and Haudenosaunee that are part of that history.
An authentic trip through history
The visitor will be taken on a seven-stop metaphoric canoe journey through the region. The trip will cover the arrival of Indigenous hunters at the end of the last ice age, the adaption by hunter gatherers to the changing environment, farming, colonial engagement, and contemporary times. The content that has been developed over two years could not be more authentic and rich.
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Indigenous artists created works such as the One Dish, One Spoon display, which will help tell our story
2. Evolving Muskoka: Life on the edge of the shield
Dramatic change in 250 years
The last two hundred and fifty years have been explosive and transformative relative to the thousands of years before. The Muskoka area changed rapidly from a serene landscape to a collection of towns and thousands of permanent and vacation homes.
Impact of Steam, electricity & Telephone
This exhibit will provide insight into the various stages it went through and the impact that different technologies had at different times.
The importance of sustaining Muskoka
The speed of change at times threatened the essence of Muskoka, but she survived and has become one of the favourite destinations in the world. This presentation will provide insight into the character of the region and inspire current and future generations to preserve its beauty.
Wanda III before revitalization at the Muskoka Wharf surrounded by nature
3. Wanda III: Steam to Green
Sustainable Heritage
Wanda III is a sterling example of the bygone steam era and one of the few surviving steam yachts. However, with the transition to electric power she has also now become a symbol of sustainability and our need to make our world a more environmentally friendly place. Sustainability and climate change is a core theme of the Muskoka Discovery Centre and we are very proud of this ambitious initiative.
An electrified Wanda lll is a symbol of sustainability
Opportunity to relive bygone era
Having Wanda III return to sailing all three Muskoka Lakes after a 20-year absence is very exciting, especially now that she will have a permanent home with a lift that will allow her to live on indefinitely as an outstanding working artifact.
Wanda III’s lift to ensure indefinite life
We already tell amazing stories
We have North America’s finest in-water collection of classic boats
The Murray Walker Grace and Speed Boathouse houses North America’s largest collection of in-water classic antique wooden boats. The collection is always changing. All the boats are privately owned and are on display due to the generosity of their owners.
An entire gallery dedicated to exploring the importance of our water
And world-class education and outreach
Help Us Finish
We are nearing completion of a significant expansion. A project that will be unlike anything Muskoka has ever seen. We have assembled a world-class team of creators and curators, and raised $7.8 million of the $9.0 million investment. Your donation will push us toward the goal.
We have come so far in a short time
With your help, we can tell Muskoka’s stories in ways that have never been done before.
The total investment of this project is $9.0 million, including the Water Gallery that has already been built. To date $7.8 million has been raised from Governments , Foundations and Individuals. Obviously, that leaves $1.6 million to be found.
This project is about building a strong and relevant Cultural Learning Centre that enriches the Muskoka community with dynamic programming. Every community should celebrate their history and culture and appreciate the different perspectives. We will build a dedicated and inspiring physical space where residents and visitors of all ages can be educated and inspired. By looking back at our community’s history, we can use that knowledge and understanding to chart a better course forward. The content of such a centre has to be updated on a regular basis to stay relevant.
Design renders by Haley Sharpe Design Inc. 
The Muskoka Discovery Centre has recently launched a robust digital program with the objective of sharing program content well beyond its physical walls across Canada. The Centre produced 17 webinars in the last 12 months, some in partnership with community organizations. As part of the Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures initiative, the Centre has commissioned a $250,000 website to make the content available to the world. This expense is being funded by Scotiabank and Heritage Canada. With your help, the organization will continue to aggressively pursue digital programming to keep expanding its reach and leverage its content development expense.
The Indigenous presence and culture is a large and untold part of Muskoka history that must be shared if we as a community want to improve the relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By sharing our histories, members of both groups can come to a greater understanding. We can also learn from each others’ teachings about the environment, drawing wisdom from western science and Indigenous knowledge.
Photography by Mark Zelinski
Artifact information: The Great Dish is a metaphor for the nutritional and medicinal bounty supplied by nature, free for all to benefit from, provided proper respect is shown and nothing is wasted.
For more information please visit us this late summer!
The Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre, the parent of the Muskoka Discovery Centre strongly believes that the presentation of the content described above will encourage and increase the understanding and respects amongst all peoples.
Join us as we celebrate our past and our future
Thank you
Your support can make a difference
Every donation counts
HELP US FINISH
