Perth Museum Celebrates 100 Years of History, Heritage, and Heart

Step back in time and celebrate a century of storytelling as the award-winning Perth Museum marks its 100th anniversary. On Saturday, August 23 from 12 to 5 p.m., the community is invited to join in a special celebration of the Museum’s centennial. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, heritage demonstrations, crafts, food, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.

Located in the heart of downtown at 11 Gore Street East, Perth Museum is housed in the elegant Matheson House, a National Historic Site built in 1840 for the Honourable Roderick Matheson, a prominent merchant and senator in Canada’s first parliament.

“Perth Museum has been part of the fabric of our community for 100 years,” says Kathryn Jamieson, Manager of Tourism and Culture. “It’s more than a building; it’s where we keep our shared history alive. We’re excited to honour that legacy with a celebration that brings people together.”

The festivities begin with opening remarks in the Museum courtyard, followed by performances from local musicians Bridget O’Flaherty and Kristina Skeries. Guests can watch the outdoor bake oven in action, try their hand at various crafts, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives and collection storage areas, and explore the restored period rooms, including the parlour, dining room, and kitchen.

With so much happening throughout the day, here’s a snapshot of what visitors can look forward to:

• Opening remarks and centennial welcome
• Live music
• Hands-on craft stations, demonstrations and family activities
• Bake oven demos with fresh pizza and tea biscuits
• A Museum history presentation
• Behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum and Archives
• Interactive displays, games, and refreshments

The centennial celebrations won’t end there. New experiential programs will be unveiled in the coming months, offering even more opportunities to engage with the people, places, and stories that have shaped Perth over the past century.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or discovering the Museum for the first time, this is the perfect moment to connect with Perth’s past and help shape its future.

To learn more, visit Perth.ca/Museum or follow @PerthMuseum on social media.