What's on ?
The Durham Gallery - Rotating Exhibit Space
This gallery is named for Thompson Edwin Durham, 1st curator of the museum. The gallery features a rotation of short term exhibits – some form the museum’s collection while others are travelling exhibits from other museums.
Currently on Display:
Currently on Display:
Our Guides are Really Going Places
The Sault Ste. Museum is pleased to announce the opening of the Lake Nipissing Beading Project and the Our Guides are Really Going Places exhibitions on Thursday November 10th. The exhibits were developed through a partnership between Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation, the North Bay Museum, Nipissing University, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Pittsburgh).
Funding for the development of the exhibit was provided by the Government of Canada through the Museum Assistance Program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
The exhibit launch will be held at 690 Queen Street East at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum in the Durham Gallery. Doors open at 6:00pm and the event will run until 8:30pm. Admission is by donation. Refreshments will be provided. Additional parking is located in the back parking lot of the museum.
Two of the exhibit curators, Dr. Kirsten Greer (Nipissing University) and Joan McLeod Shabogesic (Nipissing First Nation) will attend the opening along with representatives from Randy Restoule and other representatives from Dokis and Nipissing First Nation.
Exhibition Details:
“Our Guides are Really Going Places: Nbisiing Guides and the Legacy of Paul Commanda” Exhibit
Between 1901 and 1958, guides from the Nbisiing (Nipissing), Omuskego, and Eeyou (James Bay Cree in present-day Ontario and Quebec) Nations led naturalists from the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh on 25 expeditions through northern Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador.
This exhibit was developed by the North Bay Museum in partnership with Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation and Nipissing University.
The exhibit features stories and photographs of the Indigenous guides (including Paul Commanda) who led the Carnegie Museum expeditions, honouring their work and their contributions to science. Carnegie Museum collections are shared through a large-scale print of a Snow Goose diorama and a display of specimens collected on the expeditions featured.
The exhibit also includes beaded artwork inspired by the Carnegie Expeditions by artist Carrie Allison.
Quote from Joan McLeod Shabogesic, NFN
Our relationship between Nipissing Nation, Dokis First Nation, Nipissing University and the North Bay Museum collaborated and knitted a relationship with Nation Members and Elders providing a platform for our Nation families to showcase their ancestors’ contribution to scientific research and their Nation’s heritage.
Paul Commanda and the guides in these expeditions were the astronauts, cosmonauts of their day. They piloted their small crafts to carry the expedition scientists into the far north to complete research projects. Braving arduous months of canoeing, portaging, maneuvering through river rapids, these guides had the care of not only the scientists but the specimen collections that furthered science and our understanding of the environs of this land. This was a noble cause.
The Lake Nipissing Beading Project
The Lake Nipissing Beading Project, is a 5-metre beaded reimagining of Lake Nipissing and its waterways using 444 individually beaded pieces to show respect and acknowledge the importance of this waterway to those across this continent. The beadwork installation will travel to museums across Northern Ontario from 2022-2023.
During this community-collaborative project, participants from Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation, and other communities across Turtle Island beaded 444 individual pieces of the lake and its waterways. They have also shared stories about the portion of the waterways they beaded, the design they chose, and their personal connection to the lake and the creative practice involved in beading.
This project was created by and is being led by beading artist Carrie Allison (Nêhiyaw/Cree, Métis Treaty 8, MFA, NSCAD 2018) and Dr. Kirsten Greer (Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Histories and Geographies, NU) in partnership with Dokis First Nation and Nipissing First Nation.
For more information on the projects and the team involved, please visit the exhibit websites at www.nipissingguides.com and www.lakenipissingbeadingproject.com.
Quote from Kirsten Greer, Nipissing University
The Lake Nipissing Beading Project emerged in 2020 in response to the challenges of the ongoing global pandemic. It reflects the gesture of care and concern for one another as a group and to the wider community.
This community arts-based project reflects the Anishinaabe principles that were built into the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and that continue to guide our partnership: respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and renewal.
Quote from lead artist Carrie Allison
Water connects us all. It connects us from territory to territory, from community to community. It is an element that connects us to the past and to the future. This project honours the water in all it has given us, and all it continues to give us. This project honours and gives thanks to the original caretakers of the land and waters.
Quote from Randy Restoule, Dokis First Nation
“The LNBP will prove to be a useful tool in preserving some of the traditional knowledge of the waters and lands. Participants have incorporated features of the area into their beadwork that was of importance to them. The pictographs at Cradle Rapids for example or legends of the horned serpent in Lake Nipissing. Almost every participant has a story or connection to their beaded area.”
Funding for the development of the exhibit was provided by the Government of Canada through the Museum Assistance Program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
The exhibit launch will be held at 690 Queen Street East at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum in the Durham Gallery. Doors open at 6:00pm and the event will run until 8:30pm. Admission is by donation. Refreshments will be provided. Additional parking is located in the back parking lot of the museum.
Two of the exhibit curators, Dr. Kirsten Greer (Nipissing University) and Joan McLeod Shabogesic (Nipissing First Nation) will attend the opening along with representatives from Randy Restoule and other representatives from Dokis and Nipissing First Nation.
Exhibition Details:
“Our Guides are Really Going Places: Nbisiing Guides and the Legacy of Paul Commanda” Exhibit
Between 1901 and 1958, guides from the Nbisiing (Nipissing), Omuskego, and Eeyou (James Bay Cree in present-day Ontario and Quebec) Nations led naturalists from the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh on 25 expeditions through northern Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador.
This exhibit was developed by the North Bay Museum in partnership with Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation and Nipissing University.
The exhibit features stories and photographs of the Indigenous guides (including Paul Commanda) who led the Carnegie Museum expeditions, honouring their work and their contributions to science. Carnegie Museum collections are shared through a large-scale print of a Snow Goose diorama and a display of specimens collected on the expeditions featured.
The exhibit also includes beaded artwork inspired by the Carnegie Expeditions by artist Carrie Allison.
Quote from Joan McLeod Shabogesic, NFN
Our relationship between Nipissing Nation, Dokis First Nation, Nipissing University and the North Bay Museum collaborated and knitted a relationship with Nation Members and Elders providing a platform for our Nation families to showcase their ancestors’ contribution to scientific research and their Nation’s heritage.
Paul Commanda and the guides in these expeditions were the astronauts, cosmonauts of their day. They piloted their small crafts to carry the expedition scientists into the far north to complete research projects. Braving arduous months of canoeing, portaging, maneuvering through river rapids, these guides had the care of not only the scientists but the specimen collections that furthered science and our understanding of the environs of this land. This was a noble cause.
The Lake Nipissing Beading Project
The Lake Nipissing Beading Project, is a 5-metre beaded reimagining of Lake Nipissing and its waterways using 444 individually beaded pieces to show respect and acknowledge the importance of this waterway to those across this continent. The beadwork installation will travel to museums across Northern Ontario from 2022-2023.
During this community-collaborative project, participants from Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation, and other communities across Turtle Island beaded 444 individual pieces of the lake and its waterways. They have also shared stories about the portion of the waterways they beaded, the design they chose, and their personal connection to the lake and the creative practice involved in beading.
This project was created by and is being led by beading artist Carrie Allison (Nêhiyaw/Cree, Métis Treaty 8, MFA, NSCAD 2018) and Dr. Kirsten Greer (Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Histories and Geographies, NU) in partnership with Dokis First Nation and Nipissing First Nation.
For more information on the projects and the team involved, please visit the exhibit websites at www.nipissingguides.com and www.lakenipissingbeadingproject.com.
Quote from Kirsten Greer, Nipissing University
The Lake Nipissing Beading Project emerged in 2020 in response to the challenges of the ongoing global pandemic. It reflects the gesture of care and concern for one another as a group and to the wider community.
This community arts-based project reflects the Anishinaabe principles that were built into the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and that continue to guide our partnership: respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and renewal.
Quote from lead artist Carrie Allison
Water connects us all. It connects us from territory to territory, from community to community. It is an element that connects us to the past and to the future. This project honours the water in all it has given us, and all it continues to give us. This project honours and gives thanks to the original caretakers of the land and waters.
Quote from Randy Restoule, Dokis First Nation
“The LNBP will prove to be a useful tool in preserving some of the traditional knowledge of the waters and lands. Participants have incorporated features of the area into their beadwork that was of importance to them. The pictographs at Cradle Rapids for example or legends of the horned serpent in Lake Nipissing. Almost every participant has a story or connection to their beaded area.”
Monthly themed display case:
Edmond Fitzgerald
Upcoming Ontario Traveling Exhibition
October 1st – December 31, 2022
Updated and revamped Walter Wallace Military Gallery
Stay tuned for when we open the doors to the updated gallery.
We can't wait for you to see what we've been working on!
We can't wait for you to see what we've been working on!
2016
2017
Celebrating 150 years of Sault Ste. Marie History
Sept - Dec 2017
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A Ontario150 funded exhibition featuring 150 years of life and development in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The exhibition features various artefacts, as well as historic photographs depicting the different features, areas, and aspects of life in Sault Ste. Marie.
The exhibition was opened for the Heritage Block Party event held as a Ontario150 celebration in SSM. |
Vimy: a Sault Perspective & Vimy - Battle. Memorial. Icon. a travelling exhibition produced by the Canadian War Museum | Apr. 8, 2017- Aug. 10, 2017
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A two part exhibition featuring panels on loan from the Canadian War Museum, as well as an in-house curated exhibition exploring the links of the community of Sault Ste. Marie and the Battle of Vimy Ridge, c. 1917.
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Historic Stitches | Nov 2016 - Jan 2017
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Description
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2018
Rotary 100 Exhibition
July 12, 2018 to October 2018
2018 marks the Downtown Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club's 100th anniversary. Explore 100 years of history from the founding of the Club to their main contributions to the community of Sault Ste. Marie.
The first two weeks of the exhibition featured an Iron Lung, temporarily on loan to the SSM Museum as it makes its way around North America.
July 12, 2018 to October 2018
2018 marks the Downtown Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club's 100th anniversary. Explore 100 years of history from the founding of the Club to their main contributions to the community of Sault Ste. Marie.
The first two weeks of the exhibition featured an Iron Lung, temporarily on loan to the SSM Museum as it makes its way around North America.
Celebrating the Legion-Branch 25 & the 2310 Army Cadets
Feb. 9, 2018 to June 2018
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This exhibition celebrated the longstanding history of the Legion-Branch 25 (celebrating their 90th anniversary) & the 2310 Army Cadets (celebrating their 70th anniversary).
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The Algoma Art Society's 70th Anniversary Exhibition
March 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018
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In celebration of the Algoma Art Society's 70th Anniversary, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum will host an exhibition featuring the work of 33 Algoma Art Society members (both past and present).
The exhibition was on display in the Discovery Gallery. |
2020
Through The Lens
February 2020 to November 2020
Our Through The Lens Exhibit detailed the Film, Music, Radio and Broadcasting history of Sault Ste. Marie.
2021
BON SOO: A RETROSPECTIVE
Visit our Bon Soo Exhibit! Opened February 2021
Visit our Bon Soo Exhibit! Opened February 2021
ART & ARTIFACT: INTERSECTIONS VIRTUAL TOUR
Exploring the supposed boundaries between art object, medium, and context, this exhibition draws on the Sault Ste. Marie Museum's Fine Art Collection paired with carefully selected artefacts. Viewers are enticed to examine the rich cultural fabric, community history, industrial development, and heritage while drawing relations between both Art and Artifact. Opened July 2021.
Remembrance Day: Ken Hanson Art Display
Ken Hansen is a 98-year-old veteran who served in WWII under the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Ken’s amazing collection consists of an abundance of original watercolour pieces, and sketches that he created throughout his time spent during WWII. His artwork brings to life the soldiers, the aircraft, the places and significant events during WWII.
The artwork created by Ken that is on display in the military gallery has greatly contributed to the sharing of that history to the local community, surrounding region and greatly promotes our proud Canadian military heritage.
The artwork created by Ken that is on display in the military gallery has greatly contributed to the sharing of that history to the local community, surrounding region and greatly promotes our proud Canadian military heritage.
#hopeandhealingcanada by Tracey Mae Chambers
Tracey is a Métis installation artist and a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Her family is from and some still reside in the traditional Métis community in Sault Ste Marie and Penetanguishene, Ontario. She is traveling Canada and the USA creating site specific art installations at residential school historical sites, cultural centres, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. The goal of these works are to broach the subject of decolonization with viewers and staff. The installations are created with large premade crochet, and knit pieces made with red yarn.
2022
PERPLEXITY
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International Museum Day ExhibitThe Sault Ste. Marie Museum and Entomica have partnered together to help celebrate the importance of Natural History. A pop-up exhibit has been installed in our Durham Gallery and will feature various specimen displays from Entomica and related artifacts from our collections here at the museum.
We will also have a special guest from the Horticulture Society to assist with a hands on plant and seed activity from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The Sault Ste. Marie Museum and Entomica would like to thank the Horticulture Society for kindly sponsoring the materials for our interactive planting activity. |
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Our permanent galleries house a collection of artifacts donated to the Museum by community members and organizations.
First floor
The Walter Wallace Military Gallery
This gallery is dedicated to Lt. Col. Walter Wallace, past commanding officer of the 49th Field Regiment RCA, past president of Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 25 and past president of the Sault Ste. Marie & 49th Field Regiment RCA Historical Society
Second floor
The Skylight Gallery
The Skylight Gallery tells the story of Sault Ste. Marie from its early beginnings. This story is told through a series of exhibit vignettes using artifacts, photos, maps and text.
The Discovery Gallery
The Discovery Gallery is a children’s area which contains artifacts and features nature species, photographs and a dress-up area
Third floor
The Russell H. Ramsay Sports Hall of Fame
Dedicated for Russell H. Ramsay, local sportscaster, president & general manager of Hyland Radio & TV. He served as an Alderman on city council and served as the MPP for Sault Ste. Marie 1978-1985. The gallery depicts local athleticism from the 1800s forward. The gallery features artifacts and photos showcasing the wide variety of sports that represent our city. A video presentation highlights various sports and the people involved.
The Marine Gallery
This exhibit area offers a pictorial display of early Great Lakes cruise ships, a brief history of the Locks, a scale model of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Chicora. A replica scale model of the lighthouse “Sisters Light” is also showcased in the exhibit.
The Music Gallery
This exhibit showcases Sault Ste. Marie and area musicians through the ages.
