The Campbell House Museum is a historical building located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The building, which dates back to 1822, was home to William Campbell, the Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and his family. Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing the life and times of the Campbell family, as well as the history of Toronto in the 19th century.
History
William Campbell was born in Ireland in 1758 and studied law at the Middle Temple in London. He arrived in Canada in 1790 and quickly established himself as a leading lawyer in Upper Canada. He was appointed to the position of Chief Justice of Upper Canada in 1825, a position he held until his death in 1834.
In 1822, Campbell purchased a large parcel of land in what is now downtown Toronto, and commissioned the construction of a grand Georgian-style mansion. The building was completed in 1824, and was home to the Campbell family until 1829, when they moved to a larger home in the city. The house was then rented out to various tenants, and fell into disrepair over the years.
In 1972, the building was slated for demolition to make way for a new office building. A group of concerned citizens banded together to save the building, and formed the Campbell House Historical Society. With the support of the city and various community organizations, the building was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1973.
Exhibits
The Campbell House Museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that showcase the life and times of the Campbell family, as well as the history of Toronto in the 19th century. The museum’s exhibits include:
The Campbell Family
The museum’s main exhibit focuses on the Campbell family and their life in early 19th century Toronto. The exhibit includes displays of period furniture, artwork, and personal items belonging to the Campbell family. Visitors can also explore the various rooms of the house, including the parlour, dining room, and bedrooms.
Toronto in the 19th Century
The museum’s second exhibit focuses on the history of Toronto in the 19th century. The exhibit includes displays on the city’s early industries, such as brewing and printing, as well as information on the city’s growth and development during this period.
Campbell House Ghost Tours
The Campbell House Museum is reputed to be haunted, and offers ghost tours on select evenings throughout the year. Visitors can explore the building by candlelight, and hear stories of the various ghosts that are said to haunt the house.
Special Events
The Campbell House Museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and performances. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for school groups, as well as birthday parties and other private events.
Architecture
The Campbell House Museum is a fine example of Georgian-style architecture, which was popular in North America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The building features a symmetrical façade, with a central entrance and a pair of evenly spaced windows on either side. The building’s exterior is clad in brick, and features decorative elements such as quoins and a dentil cornice.
The interior of the house is equally impressive, with high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and elegant mouldings. The house features a grand central staircase, which leads to the second floor bedrooms. The various rooms of the house are decorated with period furnishings, including a collection of original Campbell family pieces.
Visiting the Museum
The Campbell House Museum is located at 160 Queen St. West in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The museum is open to the public year-round, with tours available on Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission to the museum is by donation, with a suggested donation of $10
In addition to the regular tours, the museum offers a variety of special programs and events throughout the year. These include workshops on historic crafts such as candle making and paper quilling, lectures on Toronto’s history, and performances by local musicians and actors. The museum also hosts a popular Christmas market each year, featuring local artisans and vendors selling handmade gifts and crafts.
One of the most popular events at the Campbell House Museum is the annual Jane’s Walk, a weekend-long celebration of the life and work of urbanist Jane Jacobs. The event features guided tours of Toronto neighbourhoods, led by local experts and enthusiasts, and is a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
Overall, the Campbell House Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of Toronto and Canada in the 19th century. The museum’s exhibits and programs offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the city’s early settlers and prominent figures, and provide a window into the city’s past. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Toronto, the Campbell House Museum is definitely worth a visit.
