This story is made possible through the support of Cameco as part of ElliotLakeToday's Not-for-Profit Program
Timber Village Museum in Blind River is a museum in a small town that packs a big punch.
Founded in 1967 as a project to celebrate Canada’s Centennial, the museum was originally sited on the Blind River in the town park, and consisted of several buildings, including a main building, blacksmith shop, and a log cabin which included a canteen kitchen to use during events.
There was also a unique circular building which contained several aquariums holding native fish species, which was managed by the Aquarium Society in Blind River.
At that point, the Timber Village Museum was the only logging centred museum of its kind, in Canada.
In the 1970s, the museum was moved (literally, two of the buildings were picked up and moved by transport truck) to a site on Highway 17 East. This was where the eye-catching large statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox stood, in the 1970’s and ‘80’s.
Eventually, in the late 2010’s, after a series of additions and renovations, it was accepted that the museum’s aging structures were no longer able to be adapted to future needs and the decision was made to re-house the museum at the beautiful Blind River Marine Park, in 2019.
“The museum is part of a hub-strategy that promotes recreation, tourism, and history,” explained Ashley Young, Museum Manager and Curator. She added, “This hub provides a welcoming space to boaters, campers, locals, and schools. By combining services, we ensure that we can offer year-round access while reducing the burden on our local ratepayers. This model is in the midst of being featured as a best-practice model for rural municipalities.”
The museum hosts special exhibits all year round, as well as facilitating history and other themed walks throughout Blind River. It curates, houses and preserves local historical artifacts, and offers programming to local school children. Volunteers are appreciated and accepted, and can inquire through the museum’s contact page, here.
The museum’s Teddy Bear Picnic event, which began in the 1980’s and features the museum’s unofficial mascot, Tim-Bear, is the longest-running public program delivered by the museum.
Currently, the museum is hosting Landscapes of Algoma: Art by Amy Williams, until November 1, and Out of the Smoke: Remembering the Mississagi Forest Fire of 1948, ending December 21.
Blind River Remembers: Celebrating the Royal Canadian Air Force will run at the museum from November 7 to 23. Young commented, “2024 marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a distinct military element. This exhibit will recognize the contributions of the RCAF and highlight local connections and the history of the Blind River Air Cadets.”
For Hallowe’en, the museum hosts a Twilight Trail Walk on October 26, where costumes and friends are welcome, and a flashlight is mandatory. “There will be contests, candy, and spooky but kid-friendly surprises,” said Young. “We have also been promised a visit by some friendly witches!” The event is free but donations to the museum are gratefully accepted.
Young finished, “Timber Village Museum is a space where local art and history is celebrated through events, programs, and exhibitions. Tourists from across the globe are forever in awe of the view from our Art Gallery, and the unique offerings in our gift shop. We are an example of adapting, reducing overhead, improving experiences, and meeting the needs of a wide audience. We look forward to future growth and partnerships!”
