Perth Museum

Yes. 

ANISHINABE AKING ATE AWASO KIKINA WADJICHIGAN

We hereby acknowledge that Lanark County is situated on unceded traditional Omàmìwininì (Algonquin) territory and with this acknowledgement comes respect for the land, people and the unique history of the territory.

Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation

You can also learn the area's shared history by visiting the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nation, and the Algonquins of Ontario websites.

Want a full history lesson on the Perth Military Settlement? Then check out the Perth and District Historical Society's website. You can also learn the area's shared history by visiting the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nation, and the Algonquins of Ontario websites.

Better yet, get an in-person experience by visiting Perth Museum at 11 Gore St! 

Archibald Campbell was a local geologist and mineral collector who believed Perth deserved a museum. Beginning with his own collection of minerals and rocks, he opened what became Perth Museum in 1925.

Originally located on the top floor of the Carnegie Library (now known as the McMillan Building at 77 Gore ST E), the Museum is now located in the Matheson House.

Matheson House was slated for demolition when the Town of Perth purchased the home and moved the Museum here as a Centennial project in 1967.

The Inderwick Wing (now the Visitor Information Centre), was added to the back of the building in 1985-86, and shortly afterward, the Museum was renovated to restore or replicate heritage features from the 1840-1890 time period.

The Matheson House was home to Roderick Matheson and his family, including his first wife, Mary Fraser Robertson (who died shortly after giving birth to twin sons in the previous house at this location) and his second wife, Annabella Russell, with whom he had 4 sons and 7 daughters.  

Roderick was born in Scotland in 1793. He immigrated here in 1806 and served with the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles during the War of 1812-1814. After the War he received several Crown Land Grants, including here in the new military settlement of Perth

Roderick was involved in many business ventures, including distilleries, banks, mining operations, land speculation, retail, and the construction of the Tay Canal. He was a Justice of the Peace, a member of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada, and a Senator in Canada’s first Parliament under Sir John A. MacDonald.

Perth Museum is located in the historic Matheson House, a split-level heritage building. While some areas are not accessible due to the building's historic layout, many exhibits and visitor amenities can be enjoyed without using stairs.

Visitors can access the museum through the white Visitor Information Centre entrance using the exterior ramp. Inside, an accessible ramp provides access to the 1840s Kitchen, 1840s Dining Room, and 1890s Parlour, as well as the Visitor Information Centre and accessible washroom.

On the accessible level, visitors can also explore the 100-year history of Perth Museum, the ever-changing temporary display, and two of the museum's signature displays:

• The Mammoth Cheese display from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
• The Last Fatal Duel exhibit, featuring the original dueling pistols used in the 1833 duel.

For added accessibility, automatic door operators are available at the Visitor Information Centre entrance and the accessible washroom. We are also updating all exhibit labels to use a minimum 18-point font to improve readability.

Please note that the Drawing Room (second floor) and the third-floor gallery are not accessible to visitors with mobility limitations.

If you are unable to visit all areas of the museum, many objects from the collection can be explored online at PERTH.ca/MuseumCollection. Our online collections database is regularly updated, allowing visitors to discover more of Perth Museum's fascinating artefacts from anywhere.

If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your visit, please contact us at 613-267-1947. We're happy to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

No appointment is required to visit Perth Museum. You're welcome to drop in during our regular operating hours and enjoy the museum at your own pace with a self-guided visit.

If you're planning to visit with a group of 10 or more people, we recommend contacting us in advance so we can ensure we can accommodate your group and provide the best possible experience.

Looking for a guided tour or educational program? Visit our Group Tours and Programs section below for booking information.

Admission to Perth Museum is by donation, so there is no set admission fee. We appreciate any contribution, and every donation helps support the museum's collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and the ongoing care of the historic Matheson House.

We accept cash, debit, and credit, making it easy to contribute in the way that works best for you.

Please note that group tours, school programs, and special programs may have a fee. Contact us for current rates and booking information.

Yes! Perth Museum welcomes visitors of all ages and offers several activities designed especially for children and families.

Young visitors can enjoy a self-guided children's tour, a museum scavenger hunt, and our Heritage Maker Space and small play area on the third floor. As a historic house museum, some artefacts and furnishings are within reach of children, so we ask that children be supervised by an adult during their visit.

Families are welcome to bring strollers into the museum via the accessible courtyard ramp. Strollers can be used in the Visitor Information Centre, the 1840s Kitchen, the 1840s Dining Room, and the 1890s Parlour. If you wish to explore the upper floors, you're welcome to leave your stroller at the back of the Visitor Information Centre.

An accessible washroom with a change table is also available for visitors.

Perth Museum is located in the historic Matheson House National Historic Site at 11 Gore Street East, Perth, Ontario, beside Shaw's of Perth.

Please enter through the white door, located in the courtyard between the museum and Shaw's. The courtyard is accessed through the gate beside the flagpole. This entrance provides the easiest access to both the museum and the Visitor Information Centre.

The original front entrance to Matheson House is no longer used for regular visitor access. As part of this historic building, the original door and hardware have been preserved, and to help protect these heritage features, visitors are asked to use the accessible courtyard entrance instead.

Yes! Perth Museum offers engaging educational programs for schools, retirement homes, seniors' groups, and other community organizations. We can welcome your group to the museum or bring a program to your location.

Choose from a variety of topics, including the Matheson family, the settlement of Perth, Perth Museum's history, local heritage buildings, and other aspects of Perth's rich history. Programs can often be tailored to suit your group's interests, age, and learning goals.

To learn more or book a program, please contact us. We'd be happy to help you plan your visit or arrange an outreach program.

We'd love to welcome your group to Perth Museum! We offer a variety of group tours and programs for schools, seniors' groups, clubs, tour operators, and other organizations.

Tour and program fees are set annually by Perth Town Council and vary depending on the type of activity and the size of your group. Contact us with your preferred date, group size, and interests, and we'll help you choose the best option and provide current pricing.

Planning a day trip to Perth? We're happy to help you create a memorable itinerary by recommending local restaurants, attractions, shopping, and other activities. We can also assist with arranging a guided walking or driving tour of Perth or a special welcome from the Perth Town Crier.

Yes! Perth Museum is available for small weddings, baby showers, staff gatherings, receptions, meetings, and other special events. Both the historic museum and the beautiful museum gardens provide a unique setting for memorable occasions.

Rental fees are set annually by Perth Town Council and vary depending on your event, the spaces required, and the size of your group. We'd be happy to discuss your plans, check availability, and help you find the best option for your event.

Please contact us to learn more about hosting your event at Perth Museum.

Yes! Perth Museum has a gift shop that is open during regular museum operating hours. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or a locally made gift, you'll find something for every age and interest.

Our selection includes:

• Books by local authors and on Perth's history
• Perth clothing and branded merchandise
• Vintage maps and postcards
• Candles, magnets, mugs, water bottles, and other souvenirs
• Maple syrup and specialty gifts
• Toys, teddy bears, and children's activities
• Handmade and consignment items from local artists, artisans, and businesses

Every purchase helps support Perth Museum while celebrating the history, creativity, and community of Perth, Ontario. Stop by during your visit and see what's new!

Convenient public parking is available in the municipal parking lot behind Perth Museum. The lot is accessed from Herriott Street, between Gore Street East and Drummond Street East, directly across from the Perth Library parking lot.

Parking in the lot is $1 per hour on weekdays, making it a convenient option if you're planning to spend a few hours exploring the museum and downtown Perth.

You'll also find free two-hour street parking throughout downtown. If you're planning to shop, dine, or explore the area before or after your museum visit, we recommend using the municipal parking lot so you can enjoy your day without watching the clock.

For more information about parking options in Perth, please visit our Parking page.

Perth Museum offers a variety of services and amenities to help make your visit comfortable, informative, and enjoyable.

Our onsite amenities include:

• Visitor Information Centre with maps, brochures, magazines, hiking guides, and local business information
• Heritage Maker Space for hands-on creativity and family-friendly activities
• Public washroom (accessible, gender-neutral, single-stall, with a change table)
• Water fountain with a bottle refill station
• Bicycle repair station with basic tools
• Outdoor seating and picnic area
• Historic stone bake oven
• Self-guided and guided tours of the museum (guided tours by arrangement)
• Research archives (available by appointment so staff can prepare materials in advance)

Whether you're exploring Perth's history, planning your stay, or simply looking for local recommendations, our staff are happy to help you make the most of your visit.

Thank you for considering a donation to Perth Museum. Donations help us preserve the history of Perth and the surrounding area for future generations.

If you have an object you would like to donate, please begin by emailing us:

• A photograph of the object
• A brief history of the item, including who owned it, where it came from, what it was used for, and any other information you know about its history or significance

Our staff will carefully review the proposed donation to determine:

• Whether it fits Perth Museum's collecting mandate
• Whether it aligns with the Museum's Collections Policy
• Whether it duplicates an item already in the collection
• Whether we have appropriate storage space and conservation resources
• Whether it supports future exhibitions, research, or educational programs
• Whether we can properly care for it over the long term

If the donation is accepted, we'll arrange for you to complete a Deed of Gift, which legally transfers ownership of the object to Perth Museum. Please note that we do not accept long-term loans, and once an object has been formally donated, it cannot be returned.

After the donation is complete, the object is accessioned, catalogued, photographed, and entered into the museum's collections database. While not every artefact is placed on public display, every item becomes part of the permanent collection and is cared for according to professional museum standards, ensuring it is preserved for future generations to research, enjoy, and learn from.

Thank you for supporting Perth Museum. Financial contributions help us care for the collection, preserve the historic Matheson House, create new exhibitions, and deliver educational programs for the community.

There are several ways to make a donation:

• In person: Visit Perth Museum during regular operating hours to donate by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card.
• Online: Make a secure donation through our online donation page.
• By phone: Call Perth Town Hall at 613-267-3311 to make a credit card donation over the phone.
• By mail: Send a cheque, payable to The Corporation of the Town of Perth, to:

Perth Museum
11 Gore Street East
Perth, ON K7H 1H4

If you would like a charitable tax receipt, please let a staff member know when making your donation so we can collect the required information.

Every donation, large or small, helps preserve Perth's history and share it with future generations. Thank you for your support!

Yes. Perth Museum is operated by The Corporation of the Town of Perth, a qualified donee under the Income Tax Act. Upon request, the Town of Perth can issue charitable tax receipts for eligible donations of $25 or more. Tax receipts are processed by Town Hall and are typically sent by email. If you would like a tax receipt, please let a staff member know when making your donation so we can collect the required information.

Perth Museum periodically hires seasonal staff through programs such as Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs. These positions are typically posted for approximately two weeks between late January and mid-March, although exact dates vary from year to year.

From time to time, other employment opportunities may also become available.

To view current job openings, please visit the Town of Perth Employment Opportunities page. If there are no current postings, we encourage you to check back regularly for future opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Perth Museum! Volunteers play an important role in helping us preserve and share Perth's history while creating welcoming experiences for visitors.

Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with special events, group tours, collections projects, and other museum activities, depending on current needs and your interests.

If you'd like to get involved, please contact us to let us know a little about yourself, your interests, and your availability. We'll let you know about current volunteer opportunities and the application process.

Whether you can help occasionally or on a regular basis, we'd love to hear from you.

Perth Museum does not have birth, marriage and death information accessible to the public. Please contact the Office of the Registrar General.

Office of Registrar General – application forms certificates or

Type in search engine, office of registrar general

189 Red River Road, P.O. Box 4600, Stn. P, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 9Z9

1-800-461-2156

These are no longer held locally, but you can search properties and their history online. 

Algonquin College Perth Campus – Learning Resource Center 

7 Craig Street, Perth, Ontario

613-267-2859 ext. 5607

Archives Lanark 

1920 Concession 7 Rd., Drummond Centre, Perth, ON

613-267-2232

Lanark County Genealogical Society 

Perth Historical Society 

Paper of Record

Do you have a Perth & District Union Library card? Contact the library for free login information. The Library also provides a small Local History section that contains published works about the area's history.

RootsWeb

Our Ontario

Family Search

Elmwood Cemetery, (1872- present) is the only operating public cemetery within the Town of Perth. Located at 165 Dufferin Road, Perth, Ontario, it operates on a not-for-profit basis

• Operated by Perth Cemetery Company: (613) 267-7450

The Old Burying Ground (a.k.a. Last Duel Cemetery) (1821-1972) is no longer in operation.  Located at the Craig Street entrance to Cole Road off the Last Duel Park beside the Tay River

The Old Methodist Cemetery is located at the end of Robinson St. near Last Duel Park. No longer in operation.

For historical researchers, there are also several cemeteries in neighbouring municipalities:

• St. John's Catholic Cemetery - The cemetery is located on the outskirts of the Town of Perth, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada, at Lot 4, Concession 1 of Drummond Township. For more info: (613) 264-2929
• Upper Scotch Line Cemetery - (613) 264-2697 or (613) 812-3051
• St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery - Stanleyville (613) 267-1662
• St. Stephen's - Brooke (Maberly, ON) - (613) 267-7615

Located on the second floor of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244, Perth-Upon-Tay is a unique museum containing thousands of military artifacts from the Boar War, World Wars, Korea and Afghanistan. The museum's signature displays are three large stained-glass windows depicting the branches of the Armed services and an excellent collection of Canadian Victoria Cross winners and bios. The Hall also has a collection of items representing foreign Military services and Canadian Peacekeeping, the library has a large collection of reading material and a resource centre.

Admission is free and access is by stairs and chair lift. Tours can be arranged by calling (613) 267-4400 or their website.

Did you know Perth Museum holds a large geology collection? Geology is big in this area. Here's why:

Lanark County straddles two distinct geological environments:

1. To the west and north, the edge of the Canadian Shield (marble, granite and gneiss predominantly);
2. To the south and east, sedimentary outliers of the Saint-Lawrence Lowlands (sandstone, limestone, and shale).  On top of this lies a thin veneer of glacial debris and unconsolidated post-glacial sediments.

• While every geological setting is unique, the portion of the Shield that is represented in Lanark County is part of what is known as the Central Metasedimentary Belt of Grenville Geological Province - one of the most unusual, diverse and highly studied formations in the world (although perhaps one of the least understood). 
• These rocks were formed roughly one billion years ago when two continents collided to form a vast mountain range that would have rivalled today's Himalayas.
• Over the next 800 million years, the Grenville Mountains were levelled by erosion, inundated by tropical seas, scraped bare by glaciers, and flooded by the icy waters of the Atlantic. 
• Download your own copy of the Perth GeoHistory Booklet for free.

To learn more, visit the dedicated Geology page!