“The Leacock Museum continues to offer new reasons for people to visit and learn,” says Mayor Don McIsaac. “This exhibit brings familiar stories that have been shared for generations to life, offering visitors a fresh perspective and another reason to explore one of Orillia’s most unique attractions.”

Launch events

To help welcome the new exhibit, two special events will be held at the museum in August. Adults can attend a “Book Brick Paint and Sip” at 6 p.m. on Aug. 15. Guests can explore the exhibit and begin to create their own garden library with friends as they sip a complimentary glass of wine.

The museum is also offering an opening event for children. On Aug. 22, “Crowns and Princess Hats Craft Day” will be offered to help children feel their most magical while visiting the historic site! Tickets for both opening events are available at LeacockMuseum.ca.

Museum tours

To experience the exhibit, guests are invited to drop in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (museum closes daily at 4 p.m.) for a self-guided tour of the museum. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Guided tours are also available during the summer hours at both 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at LeacockMuseum.ca.

Artifacts provided by the Orillia Museum of Art and History and the Simcoe County Museum will be on display. Guests will also experience fairytales from the Leacock collection, as well as an interactive fairytale castle village display.

“We invite guests of all ages to experience the stories they might have enjoyed in childhood once again,” said Amanda Marino, Experience Development Officer. “Many well-known stories from the Three Little Pigs to Rapunzel have changed greatly through the years and are great case studies for how history has impacted literature.”

For more information on the museum experience, visit LeacockMuseum.ca or the museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages @leacockmuseum.

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The exhibit explores prohibition in one of the longest dry towns in the province, Orillia, while marking the reopening of the wine cellar and billiards room. Museum guests are invited to discover the role that Stephen Leacock played in the repeal of prohibition in Ontario, establishment of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), and his own family’s history in the alcohol industry. As part of the exhibit, guests will see the home’s original billiards accessories, learn about the Leacock family fortune in the Madeira wine business, and view an unpublished chapter of “Canada: The Foundations of its Future” from Seagrams (whisky) Company written by Leacock!

“Stephen Leacock was important to Orillia, but he was not just a hometown celebrity,” stated Mayor Don McIsaac. “He was important to Canada as a whole – a Canadian icon for more than just humorous short stories.”

To celebrate this special opening, the Leacock Museum will host a one night only exhibit event which will see the famous home open its own pop-up “Speakeasy.” Timothy Wilford will be singing tunes of the 1920s and 1930s and Le Petit Chapeau will be present with a display of 1920s apparel. In partnership with Couchiching Brewery, guests will receive a drink ticket for a special “Leacock Lager” (non-alcoholic and wine options are also available). A limited number of tickets are available for $45 plus HST at LeacockMuseum.ca.

“Between our ‘For the Love of Liquor’ exhibit, the ‘100 Years of the Great Gatsby’ exhibit, and the upcoming “Speakeasy” pop-up, the museum is embracing the 1920s,” explained Amanda Marino, Experience Development Officer. “And it doesn’t get any more 1920s than prohibition!”

Come on down(stairs) and explore Leacock’s favourite part of his home! The exhibit will be available to view with regular museum admission starting July 13. The Leacock Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and self-guided tours run throughout the day. Guided tours are offered at both 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, visit LeacockMuseum.ca or visit its Facebook and Instagram pages @LeacockMuseum.

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“Arts and culture are integral to Orillia’s identity,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “For 10 years, we have been proud to host the K. Valerie Connor Poetry Competition fostering creativity and celebrating local talent. We’re honoured to continue this tradition and encourage writers from all backgrounds and all experience levels to share their work.”

Entrants are invited to submit up to three poems in their applicable age-based category: Adult (18+), Intermediate (13 to 17), and Elementary (12 and under). An entry fee of $10 per poem is required for the Adult category, and $5 per poem for the Intermediate category. Submissions to the Elementary category are free. A total of $2,350 in cash prizes will be awarded this year, with a top prize of $1,000. This competition is made possible due to the generous support of the Connor family.

Poems must be original and unpublished and can be about any topic or theme. Entries must be between two and 250 words and submitted by May 28, 2025. Visit orillia.ca/PoetryContest to complete the submission form and to see full rules and regulations.

“The beauty of this competition is the community it has created,” said Jen Martynyshyn, Administrative Coordinator. “People from across the province have participated and we have had the honour of hosting them along with many talented judges and professional writers at the end of each contest. It is inspiring to have the writing community come together to celebrate our winners. Even if you don’t consider yourself a ‘poet’ we encourage you to try something new and submit an entry.”

The contest winners will be announced on June 22, 2025, with this year’s celebration taking place at the Leacock Museum in August. For more information visit orillia.ca/PoetryContest or follow the Leacock Museum on social media @LeacockMuseum.

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The new “Monster, She Wrote” exhibit is based on the novel Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction, written by Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson. To celebrate the opening, the Leacock Museum will be hosting a special ghost walk at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2024. Tickets are $20 plus HST and available to purchase in advance at LeacockMuseum.ca.

“The Leacock Museum’s event lineup this fall offers a great blend of education and entertainment,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Visitors will not only immerse themselves in the rich world of literature, but also enjoy a season full of fun. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the spooky spirit while learning something new.”

The “Monster, She Wrote” exhibit was curated in collaboration with authors Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson, with the participation of the Georgian College Design and Visual Arts program and other local Orillia artists. This exhibit aims to provide an understanding of the world of literature through the perspective of women writers. Though some stories have all but disappeared from the public awareness, some have survived generations, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The exhibit runs until March 2025 and can be viewed as part of the self-guided tours available at the museum, Thursdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 plus HST.

“The ‘Monster, She Wrote’ exhibit shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the horror genre, and it’s the perfect complement to our ghost walks,” said Amanda Marino, Experience Development Officer. “With the Leacock Museum’s history of unexplained paranormal activity, these events offer visitors a unique blend of literary exploration and eerie experiences. Our ghost walks have sold out for the past two years, so be sure to book early for a hauntingly unforgettable evening.”

The annual ghost walks on the Leacock Museum grounds take place at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. Tickets are $15 plus HST per person and are available to purchase in advance at LeacockMuseum.ca.

The museum is also offering family-friendly drop-in Halloween activities on Oct. 20 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., including pumpkin carving, making monster bookmarks, and a special storytelling and balloon creature show with Jeremy John, author of The Strange Grave of Mikey Dunbar: and Other Stories to Make You Poop Your Pants. Tickets are $10 plus HST per child (includes an adult entry to the museum as well) and are available to purchase in advance at LeacockMuseum.ca.

For more information on the Leacock Museum experience, visit LeacockMuseum.ca or follow @LeacockMuseum on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Leacock Museum is reopening its doors with a new exhibit, From War to Wonders: Mapping Escapism in a Time of Turmoil, beginning on March 2, 2024.

The exhibit, which will run until October 2024, explores the influential world events of the First World War and the Second World War and how they might have impacted popular fantasy and escapist literature.

“The First World War and Second World War are extremely important parts of Canada’s history, when Canada cemented itself as an independent country,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “This exhibit combines that history with popular works written at the time, truly showcasing the inspiration that often comes from the darkest times.”

Artifacts provided by local military collectors will be on display along with a myriad of first-edition books and items. Several of the items on display were gifted to Stephen Leacock, Canada’s noted humourist, who spent a great deal of time helping raise money towards the Belgian Relief Fund during the First World War.

“Many well-known stories from Winnie the Pooh to Peter Pan were influenced in some way by their authors’ time as soldiers or participants in the World Wars,” said Amanda Marino, Experience Development Officer. “As part of the From War to Wonders exhibit, we invite guests to ponder the real-life inspiration behind their favourite fantasy novels and beyond.”

The Museum is offering self-guided tours Thursdays to Saturdays weekly until May 2024. Guests are invited to drop in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (museum closes at 4 p.m.) to explore. Admission is $5 per person. For questions, please call the Museum directly at 705-329-1908.

For more information on the Leacock Museum experience, visit leacockmuseum.ca or follow @leacockmuseum on Facebook and Instagram.

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“Stephen Leacock and his family and friends would spend the holiday season in Orillia celebrating at Old Brewery Bay,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “As the holiday season approaches, it’s only fitting that the tradition continues at the historic Leacock Museum.”

Nutcracker Tea – Nov. 23, 24 and 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Surrounded by holiday magic in the living and dining room of the historical Leacock Home, guests will enjoy the flavours of the season, along with bottomless tea and a self-guided tour of the home decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $45 plus HST per person. Guests will receive an exclusive opportunity to receive up to 25 per cent off on all giftware in the gift shop.

Leacock Museum Christmas Tour and Story – Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2023 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Based on a compilation of Stephen Leacock’s short Christmas stories, visitors will get the opportunity to hear about Christmas at Old Brewery Bay, walk the lighted path to the boathouse, and end the event by warming up by the Christmas tree while listening to one of Leacock’s stories and enjoying seasonal refreshments. Tickets are $20 plus HST for adults and $10 plus HST for children and youth.

Holiday Centrepiece Workshop – Roses and Rosé – Dec. 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

Guests will create their own holiday centrepiece with Florillia, tour the decorated historic Leacock Home, and enjoy a festive cocktail at FARE Restaurant.

“The enchantment of the holiday season truly comes to life at the Leacock Museum,” said Jen Martynyshyn, Museum Coordinator. “The decorated home transports you to a bygone era in Leacock’s world. We invite visitors to step into that enchanting narrative and embrace the magic of the holiday season through the words and home of Stephen Leacock.”

Reservations are required for all three events as space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit leacockmuseum.ca.

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“The Leacock Museum is steeped in history, from the exhibits inside the museum to the grounds themselves,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “This fall season, the community can engage with our city’s past in a unique way – whether it be taking in a ghost walk on the museum grounds, enjoying high tea, visiting an exhibit and beyond. There is something for everyone, even if you’ve outgrown trick or treating.”

After a sold-out season last year, Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum grounds return on Oct. 21, 22, 27, and 28 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Join a spooky storyteller for an evening stroll to discover the thrilling tales that haunt the property’s past. New additions have been added to this year’s tours that will chill you to the core. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $15 per person.

The popular Fall High Tea events will be held at the Museum from Oct. 19 to 21 and Oct. 26 to 28. For a limited time, guests can enjoy a three-tiered seasonal dining experience on the porch or in the living room of Stephen Leacock’s summer home. Teas will be hosted at 2 p.m. in collaboration with FARE Restaurant. Tickets are $39.95 plus HST per person and must be purchased in advance. Guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis.

For those looking to freshen up their bouquets, the Museum is also bringing back a Roses and Rosé event with an autumn twist. Fall Roses and Rosé takes place Oct. 11, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Guests will learn how to create their very own takeaway bouquet, courtesy of Florillia Floral Design, in addition to taking a tour of the latest exhibit, Decoding Anne Lister: History’s First Modern Lesbian, and enjoying a fall cocktail at FARE Restaurant.

“We are excited to bring back a full line-up of in-demand fall fun,” said Museum Coordinator Jen Martynyshyn. “Stephen Leacock loved storytelling and these events are a great way to create new stories while taking advantage of the colourful foliage and getting into the Halloween spirit. We hope to see you there.”

Reservations are required for all three events as space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit leacockmuseum.ca.

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The Leacock Museum is proud to present its latest exhibit, “Decoding Anne Lister: History’s First Modern Lesbian,” opening on Sept. 9, 2023.

The exhibit explores the life of one of the most famous code-writers and diarists, Anne Lister, who hid her private life inside a series of journals containing five million words and her own complex system of code.

“This is the first Anne Lister exhibit in North America, introducing her to an entirely new audience and providing a unique opportunity for Orillia,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “As stewards of the Leacock Museum, our growing city is honoured to be able to present diverse figures in literary history that so often go overlooked in a museum setting.”

The focus of a popular TV show, “Gentleman Jack,” Anne Lister meticulously captured the details of her life including love affairs, business deals, and politics in a partially encoded diary that scholars have worked for decades to transcribe. The exhibit focuses on the life of this revolutionary British lesbian while exploring themes of Canadian Queer history, the art of code breaking, and the world in which Anne Lister existed.

On Sept. 9, the Leacock Museum is hosting an artist-led painting workshop and an exclusive look at the new exhibit with a guest speaker appearance discussing topics in Queer literature and art. Stay tuned to the Museum’s social media as the identity of the painting instructor and guest speakers are revealed in the coming weeks. Two sessions are available to attend: noon to 2:15 p.m. and 1:45 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 plus HST per person and available for purchase at leacockmuseum.ca.

“History is filled with individuals getting creative to hide their personal letters and journals for various reasons. For Stephen Leacock that meant a hidden compartment in his closet. For Anne Lister, the famous diarist, that meant a complex and personal code,” said Amanda Marino, Leacock Museum Experience Development Officer. “This exhibit is a year and a half in the making and we are so excited to share Anne Lister’s story with Orillia.”

The Leacock Museum has collaborated with Calderdale Museums in the United Kingdom; the makers of the “Gentleman Jack” TV series; Lake Country Pride; ArQuives; and the Mariposa Arts Theatre to bring the story of Anne Lister to North America. The exhibit can be viewed during self-guided tours Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.). The exhibit is expected to run until January 2024.

For more information visit leacockmuseum.ca or the Museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages @LeacockMuseum.

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Join the Leacock Museum on June 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. and spend an afternoon in the sun playing lawn games, listening to live music, and adding your bid to one of the many silent auction items. Bring your own picnic lunch – incorporating the foods of the 1920s is encouraged.

“The Gatsby Garden Party is a great opportunity to celebrate the return of summer to the Sunshine City while enjoying the beautiful Leacock Museum grounds,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “The museum has been undergoing an exciting revitalization, and residents and visitors are invited to dress in their ‘Roaring Twenties’ best while we bring literature to life.”

Celebrating The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Gatsby Garden Party is the perfect opportunity to engage in the fashion and decadence of the 1920s so break out your 1920s tea dresses, feathers, and walking sticks.

“Those familiar with the Museum will recall many past events where guests had the opportunity to be immersed in the world of literature,” said Jenny Martynyshyn, Museum Coordinator. “Though not required, we encourage everyone to get creative and fully embrace the Gatsby and 1920s theme. There will be first and second place prizes for those in best costume.”

The Garden Party will be held the same day as the K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration, hosted in the Museum’s rose garden. Attendees of the Garden Party are also invited to attend the poetry celebration event at 2 p.m.

General admission to the Gatsby Garden Party is $25 for adults; $10 for youth (ages 4 to 17); and free for children aged 3 and under. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets visit  leacockmuseum.com.

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The exhibit, which will run until Aug. 31, 2023, explores the relationship between Stephen Leacock and his wife, Beatrix Hamilton Leacock, and the summer home in Orillia that Stephen built for Beatrix.

“Through this new exhibit, we are pleased to share an aspect of Stephen Leacock’s life that has not been told at the Museum before, and was in fact hidden away by Leacock during his life,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “I encourage everyone to visit the Museum this Valentine’s week and beyond to experience this unique story.”

The Museum is offering self-guided and audio tours Wednesdays to Fridays weekly until May 2023. Guests are invited to book a time for their tour between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.) to explore the Museum. To book your timeslot, please call the Museum directly at 705-325-2196.

“Stephen Leacock’s house in Orillia was a labour of love that he built at the request of his wife, Beatrix. Unfortunately, Beatrix did not live to see it completed,” said Amanda Marino, Experience Development Officer. “This very touching and emotional story of Beatrix’s final days is told through the letters Stephen Leacock had hidden inside a secret compartment in his bedroom closet.”

The love letters will be on display, along with other elements of this romantic story, throughout the exhibit.

For more information on the Museum experience, visit leacockmuseum.com or visit its Facebook and Instagram pages.

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