olde gaol museum

I have watched from year to year as Lindsay, Ontario's 19th century county jail transitioned from a dusty, neglected building into an attractive museum. John and Darleen Macklem spent untold hours over several years sorting documents and artifacts, and keeping in touch with donors who had not been happy with the previous regime. Archaeologist Tom Mohr was a respected and loyal volunteer, and Ian McKechnie, a young university grad, added his expertise as a researcher, writer and historian. Today Dave Wesley is in charge of the museum and archives, and he brings a high degree of professionalism to the immense and ongoing task. Recent openings were impressive, one commemorating Lindsay's own Sir Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia during most of The Great War; and a second, a display of maquettes or models showing in great detail the age of railways in Lindsay and nearby Fenelon Falls, courtesy railway historians and model railway buffs including the enthusiastic Charles Cooper. The Olde Gaol has just become the home of the Young Museum that recently closed its doors in Omemee, midway between Lindsay and Peterborough. The Young, of course, is Neil Young, one of Canada's many musical gifts to the world. Upcoming is an exhibition of an esteemed early-20th century artist from Lindsay. When next in Lindsay, head for the Olde Gaol Museum, on Victoria Ave N, next to City Hall, but first check its webpage for times of operation.

Very interesting overview of Lindsay, someone guided us through all the exhibits and told us all kinds of interesting facts and allowed us to field whatever questions we had. Definitely a worthwhile attraction!

We recently visited the Olde Gaol Museum and were not disappointed! The tour guide was extremely informative and answered our countless questions with great detail. The town and the jail have a lot of history and it was very interesting to learn about!

Drop by for a tour and you will be amazed! This is actually our previous municipal jail! Now converted to a museum and what an amazing collection of artifacts! You will not be disappointed.