By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
It all began in the early 1970s, when Georgina resident Nena Marsden, a passionate advocate for local history, made it her mission to save the town’s historic buildings before they disappeared for good.
Karen Wolfe, former president of the Georgina Historical Society (GHS), who shares Marsden’s passion, recalls, “Nena identified the buildings, raised funds to move them, and enlisted volunteers to make it happen. Thanks to her perseverance, we now have this incredible place, a true jewel in Georgina’s crown.”
Paul Brady, president of the GHS, explains, “When in the 1970s the Town acquired 10 acres of land, Nena saw an opportunity to establish a historic village here. Now we have 16 buildings and thousands of artifacts, each one telling a story.”
Brady, whose family settled in Jackson’s Point in the 1850s, is proud to see the site thriving. “It’s wonderful to see the village expanding and attracting new visitors,” he says. His proudest achievement was saving and restoring a historic caboose. “It’s a symbol of the ongoing effort to preserve the past for new generations” he adds.
Gail Moore, a GHS board member whose family also has deep roots in the area, feels emotional seeing the community’s history so carefully preserved. “The fact that this place is thriving shows that our community supports our efforts. What began as a volunteer-driven project is now under the care of the Town. We will continue fulfilling our commitment to preserving local history.”
Town Councillor Dale Genge says, “It’s important to support this fantastic facility, and to recognize the ongoing work the GHS does to keep our heritage alive.”
The June 1st Open House was also the opportunity to unveil a new name.
“When the site opened in 1975, it was known as the Georgina Village Museum,” says Melissa Matt, Heritage Coordinator. “It was renamed Georgina Pioneer Village in 2000, but we’ve now returned to the original name. The change better reflects the broader range of stories and histories the museum shares. The ‘early settlement period’ in Ontario is from the 1780s to the 1830s. However, we don’t have many objects prior to the 1860s. Also, we collect artifacts right up to the present day. By returning to the term ‘museum,’ the site embraces a more inclusive and wide-reaching approach to telling Georgina’s evolving story.”
The Open House also saw the launch of a new exhibition at Noble House, a collaboration between the Town and Vicky Wolske, Cultural Coordinator for the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. The display shares stories and traditions from the Chippewas of Georgina Island and is expected to grow over time.
“Vicky and her team provide the artifacts and stories,” Matt explains. “We offer the space and technical support, but the content and vision are theirs.”
York-Durham MP Jacob Mantle, who visited the village for the first time, said, “I love learning about our community’s history. At this particular time, it’s important to take pride in our heritage. It’s great that this museum offers visitors a chance to do just that.”
- A Fresh Start: Bud’s Sushi is Open for Business in Pefferlaw - June 8, 2025
- Wrestling for Gold: Keswick Brothers Chase Olympic Dream - June 8, 2025
- Celebrating 50 Years of Georgina’s Living History - June 8, 2025
