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Come and explore the history of the Town of Renfrew and surrounding area! The McDougall Mill Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that depict Renfrew's early days, and is a true family-friendly museum. Our most cherished artifact is the Museum itself. This beautiful stone mill was built in 1855 by fur trader and Hudson’s Bay Company agent, John Lorn McDougall. Used originally as a grist mill, the building was renovated and reopened as a museum in 1969. Situated in picturesque O’Brien Park, the mill cradles the second chute of the Bonnechere River and overlooks the town’s historic Swinging Bridge.
The museum has a variety of displays, dispersed throughout three floors. The main floor is home to music-related artifacts, Renfrew souvenirs, Renfrew Electric items, a reading corner for avid learners, photography equipment from The Handford Photography Studio, and more.
Upstairs features fashion through the ages, for all ages. There are also various textiles on display, as well as a military showcase. You can have a vintage photo taken in suitable attire for $10.
The basement floor is home to multiple different farming tools and farming equipment, industrial ware like the original ice boxes from Barnet Refrigeration Co., and more.
Everything in the museum has been donated from people of Renfrew and surrounding area. Come and see our amazing collection!
The museum is run by a volunteer board of directors. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer or member of the board, send us an e mail through the link below.
2020 Board of Directors
President: To be elected
Treasurer/ Administrator: Dan Stewart
Secretary: To be elected
Brent Belanger
Mike Boire
Margaret Dubeau
Janice Fricker
Peggy Roy
Ron Sinclair
2020
The museum will remain closed for our 2020 summer season in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please check back with us for updates.
We have lots of things to do, why not have an old fashioned photo done wearing vintage clothes?
Check out the events page for details on our upcoming events.
Our newest exhibits include John Moran's Milk Sleigh and our Cold War Air Raid Siren.
Please support our operations by buying a limited edition commemorative 50th Anniversary Coin. They are $15.
We accept all cash donations big or small, old money or new money. Cheques can be made out to;
Renfrew & District Museum and Historical Society Inc. or E-Transfer to administrator@renfrewmuseum.ca
Learn More!
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Do you have a question? Send us an email
Member of the Renfrew County Museum Network