Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Museums of Brantford

Museums of Brantford
Copyright © 2008 Wes Fernley

Brant County Museum

The Brant County Museum showcases the history both of Brantford and of all of Brant County. People, places and events which have shaped the area are showcased in its exhibits. It is run by the Brant Historical Society, which in 2008 celebrated its 100th anniversary. There are two locations for the Brant County Museum in Brantford: one on Charlotte Street and the other on the square. Admission to the Museum in the Square is always free.

Personal Computer Museum

Founded by local computer whiz Syd Bolton, the Personal Computer Museum is dedicated to the history of computers. The museum houses over 300 machines, with over 45 interactive displays where you can actually get hands on experience with computers from days past. Some of the machines included in interactive displays are IBM, Commodore, Apple, Atari and more. The museum is only open for special events or by private appointment. To set up a personal appointment or book a group tour, call (519) 753-8825 or check out their web site at www.pcmuseum.ca

Canadian Military Heritage Museum

Over the years many persons from Brant County and the surrounding area have contributed to Canada's military heritage. The Canadian Military Heritage Museum was founded to honour these brave men and women. The museum houses over 10,000 artifacts spanning a history from the Loyalist Era all the way up to modern times. Some of its artifacts include weapons, uniforms, ceremonial objects, manuscripts and more.

Bell Homestead National Historic Site

The family home of Alexander Graham Bell in Brantford has been restored to appear as it did in the 1870's. It was in this home in 1874 in which Bell first came up with the idea for the telephone. After that he spent several summers working on the telephone project in his laboratory right here on the homestead. Staff where authentic 19th century period costumes for tours, providing a realistic experience not only of what it was like for Alexander Graham Bell as he was inventing the telephone, but of life in general during the 1870's.

Woodland Cultural Centre

The Woodland Cultural Centre, located on the Six Nations Reserve at Brantford, Ontario, is dedicated to teaching the history and culture of First Nations. Its member nations include the Wahta Mohawks, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. It houses over 35,000 artifacts spanning a timeline from the prehistory of the Iroquoian and Algonkian people to the modern day.

Myrtleville House

Originally built in 1831 by Allen and Eliza Good of Ireland, the Myrtleville House in Brantford reflects the life of early 19th century Canada, along with even older artifacts from their Irish home. Over the years the Goods came to be a prominent family in Brantford life, with over 600 acres of land and doing much to benefit the community. Their family home now stands as a monument to this important era of Canadian and Brantford history.

The Brantford Source is a free online information resource for Brantford Ontario Canada. We offer the latest news, events and attractions. You can also find information on the Brantford community and learn about the businesses and residents of the telephone city. More information can be viewed at www.brantfordsource.com.

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