The Thunder Bay Museum is working to establish a small Four Medicine Garden on its grounds — a space dedicated to the traditional Anishinaabe medicines: tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar. This initiative is being guided by our Indigenous Advisory Group and is part of our broader commitment to truth and reconciliation, cultural inclusion, and land-based … Read more
Art brings history to life — sparking emotion, interpretation, and connection. At the Thunder Bay Museum, we are eager to collaborate with local artists, cultural practitioners, and community groups to bring more creative expression into our galleries, outdoor spaces, and public programming. We are especially interested in projects that: Examples of potential projects: How you … Read more
We are stewards of several unique and historically significant objects that speak to Thunder Bay’s working-class roots, industrial innovation, and everyday life. Some of these items — once proudly used by workers, firefighters, farmers, and aviators — are now in urgent need of restoration to prevent further deterioration and to bring them back to life … Read more
We’re developing a series of short-format documentary videos to share the diverse and compelling histories of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. These videos will be used in exhibits, classrooms, and online platforms — expanding access to local stories across communities. 🔹 Featured Project: Thunder Bay History Overview We’re producing a 10-minute orientation video for the … Read more
Help us preserve a local landmark! The historic carronade displayed in front of the Thunder Bay Museum has long served as a striking and symbolic feature of our site. However, decades of exposure to the elements have taken their toll — especially on the wooden carriage, which is now visibly deteriorating and in urgent need … Read more
Terms of Reference – Established in 2021, the Indigenous Advisory Group, meeting at least twice annually, shall act as an operational-level committee. It shall provide guidance to the Thunder Bay Museum management and staff on Indigenous knowledge, history, traditions, and cultural protocols to ensure that the organization is acting in good faith concerning consultation, inclusivity, … Read more
1863 – 1928 James Murphy was born and raised in West Liberty, Iowa, before, at the age of 21, moving to Thunder Bay to work in the coal industry. In his early years at the Lakehead he gained valuable experience as a contractor, primarily for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and in a number of other … Read more
Every year the Thunder Bay Museum holds a special A Taste of History dinner. This history-themed event takes place around a particular event, person, or period in the past, and the evening is complete with a menu prepared from the time-period and a speaker related to the theme. Past themes have included: 75th anniversary of the Fort William … Read more
Summer:
June 15 - Labour Day
Open Daily 11am - 5pm
Winter:
September 5 to June 14 (excluding Holidays)
Tues - Sun 1pm - 5pm
The Thunder Bay Museum acknowledges the original custodians of this land and pay our respect to the elders – past, present, and future – for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture, and the hopes of Indigenous Peoples. We would also like to recognize that the Thunder Bay Museum is on the traditional land of the Fort William First Nation signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850, and to acknowledge the role of the Métis Settlement in the development of our community.
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