During your visit to this Ontario attraction, explore permanent and temporary exhibits that interpret the history of Woodstock from the 1790s to the present day. In the Woodstock Museum Gift Shoppe you can shop for city of Woodstock merchandise.
Permanent Exhibits
Mapping the Way
Learn about the United Empire Loyalists and British Half-Pay Officers who settled in Woodstock during the 19th century in Mapping the Way. In this exhibit you can take a look at an early settler’s home, try out a water pump similar to one an early settler would have used, or test your skills in the exhibit’s artifact guessing game.
Building a City Gallery
Discover what it takes to build a city. The story of how Woodstock transformed from a small agrarian village to a boom town, because of its railroads and the establishment of an industrial city of the 21st century, is explored in the Building a City Gallery.
Oxford Rifles Gallery
The Oxford Rifles Gallery chronicles the history of the Oxford Rifles. Established in 1798 as the Oxford Militia, the Oxford Rifles became a regiment in 1863. Over the years, the Oxford rifles were a part of military actions that took place in Canada including the War of 1812, the Fenian Raids and later international conflicts such as the Boer War, World War I and World War II.
Mayors 1851 to 1900
In the original council chamber, learn about the men and women who have held the position of Woodstock mayor from 1851 through to today. Photographs and information on Woodstock’s reeves and mayors can be found throughout the Mayors 1851 to 1900 exhibit and highlight their achievements and involvement with the history of the city of Woodstock.
Council Chambers
Before moving locations, Woodstock’s city hall was located in the present day site of the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site. City council met on the first floor of the building in the council chambers during the time. To this day you can visit the council chambers, refurbished to reflect its original state.
Barber Shop
Learn about Les McKerral, owner of prominent barber shops in Woodstock throughout his career. The last barber shop owned by McKerral was recognized as one of the finest barber shops in Western Ontario. Highlighted in Barber Shop is one of the chairs from the barber shop complete with tools, awards and accessories that belonged to KcKerral.
Shifting Landmarks
Celebrate organizations, businesses, events, places and buildings unique to Woodstock. Shifting Landmarks documents the changes of the city through photographs taken by Woodstock Museum National Historic Site and from the historical photographic collection of the history museum.
Joe Boyle
The Woodstock Museum’s Joe Boyle exhibit pays tribute to Canadian adventurer, Joseph Whiteside Boyle. Born the year Canada became a country, Boyle packed several lifetimes of adventure into his short 56 years of life: on four continents, at sea and in world capitals.
Stop by the Woodstock Museum Gift Shoppe. T-shirts, coffee mugs, pins, key chains, postcards and other items unique to the city of Woodstock are available to purchase.
Travel Tip
- While the Woodstock Museum does not have lunch facilities on site, food services are available at several nearby restaurants. Ask museum staff for recommendations.