The Dorset Heritage Museum
Dorset Ontario
Many of our resort guests consider Dorset as a one stop spot for all their needs which is only 20 minutes away from us. They have restaurants, gas stations, clothing stores but most noted is the Old Fashion Robinson’s General Store, a must see. To help you find your way around town their is the Dorset Museum which also is the tourist outlet to help you find your way.
The Dorset Heritage Museum officially opened its doors on July 1st, 2001, located in Dorset Ontario at the crossroads of Muskoka and Haliburton, featuring museum exhibits and shows of our early pioneer life, history of local settlers, traditional logging methods and historical information pertaining to pioneer settlement of the Dorset and surrounding area.
Favourable response led to the museum committee to plan the concept of the ‘living museum’ that is reflected in their goal to CARE about pioneer life in the Dorset community. The goal was to show the Dorset residents and traveling visitors to the area that the Dorset Museum cared about the past, present and future.
Their goal was to:
Celebrate and communicate our historical significance
Recognize and appreciate the contributions of our ancestors
Revitalize the community
Educate the children and visitors through exciting activities
If you don’t see video above go here
The Museum gives talks and participates in local neighborhood events year round and will open upon request in the off-season.
The Dorset Heritage Museum show cases the history of Dorset and the surrounding area from the time of the first nations to the present day.
A scale model of the historic Gilmoure Tramway, just to express one of their exhibits.
The museum is also part of the Huntsville Outdoor Art Gallery with a couple of outdoor murals on display.
The Museum displays the history of the Dorset area beginning with the First Nations through to today, with artifacts, photographs and stories.
The D,H.M.is a volunteer organization along with a committee of council of the Township of Algonquin Highlands in Haliburton County. It is operated by a committee of ten members and a group of 24 Friends of the D.H.M.
They additionally act as a Tourist Information Center for the area where the population of the Dorset area will grow by about 400% in the summer months with a addition of tourist also traveling through.
Why Visit the Dorset Heritage Museum
Showcasing the Dorset area’s past with shows and displays, photographs, stories and fascinating artifacts.
Heritage Post Cards and Heritage Calendars are on sale at the Museum, which are real collectors items!
OPEN: May 24th to July 1st – Saturdays and Sundays – Only 10am to 4pm
OPEN: July 1st to Thanksgiving Weekend – Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Admission by Donation
The Museum is in the hamlet of Dorset, the heart of Haliburton and Muskoka, knowned as cottage country.
Located at Highway  #117 and #35
Just Follow the Museum signs, you’ll get there
Physical Address:
1040 Main Street, Dorset Ontario, Canada
Mailing Address:
Address: P.O. Box 111, Dorset, Ontario, Canada, P0A 1E0
Phone Number: 705 766 0323
GPS Co ordinance N45 degrees 14.995 and W079 degrees 53.587
Just park at the Museum
Explore the fascinating historical and cultural exhibits
Visit the Tourist Information Centre
Hike to the Scenic Lookout Tower
Shop and dine in the quaint village of Dorset
Picnic or Swim at the parkette
Guided Tours Welcome, Off Season Tours and Visits Too! All by appointment only.
Phone 705 766 0323 or email them at dhm@muskoka.com
Visit website for Dorset Museum
Go to their Facebook Page
See Google Maps for a map location
Other Museums in the area to enjoy and collect a little history
Stanhope Heritage Discovery Museum
Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost Museum
Tags: Activities, Dorset, History, Museums
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