The volunteers at Christ Church Community Museum (CCCM) are excited to announce that the museum at 62 Queen Street, Lakefield will be open for the summer to welcome visitors again this year commencing on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Open hours are daily, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM until Monday, September 7, 2026.
This summer season, we are pleased to present some new exhibits and some that were very popular the past year:
Sons and Daughters: The Second Generation Moodie family (NEW)
Susanna Moodie, one of Canada’s best known 19th century authors and an early settler in the Lakefield area, is prominently featured in our museum. She penned “Roughing It In The Bush” and “Life in the Clearings,” probably two of the most descriptive narratives on early Canadian pioneer life ever written. Susanna Moodie was also a wife and mother, who with her husband, John Dunbar Moodie, bore seven children, five of whom survived to adulthood. The lives of these “second generation” Moodies are generally not well known. Through photos, pictures and brief biographies, we will introduce you to them.
Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill: A Study in Contrasts (NEW)
While Susanna and Catharine were both authors and early Canadian pioneers struggling to adapt to a new and harsh land, they were quite different in personalities and perspectives on life. Both women were determined, courageous and persistent in the face of numerous challenges, made even more difficult due to the relative unsuitability of their husbands for the pioneering lives they had taken on. While Susanna was hot-tempered, passionate and depressive, Catharine tended to have a more positive, cheerful and optimistic outlook, taking life’s pitfalls in stride. Our exhibits will feature much more on the lives of these two remarkable women.
Sons and Daughters: The Second Generation Strickland family (2024)Samuel Strickland, generally known as the “father of Lakefield” is a man of whom most of us have some knowledge. However, his twelve children who lived to adulthood will be featured once again this year. Many of these second generation Strickland men and women were instrumental in the commercial growth of Lakefield. Since this has proven to be one of our most popular exhibits, we are pleased to bring their stories to you again this summer.
Stories in the Stone: A Self-Guided Tour of Christ Church Cemetery
The early pioneer cemetery at Christ Church is a prime attraction for visitors. The peaceful setting, overlooking the Otonabee River, is incentive enough to linger. To help you get to know our well-maintained little cemetery better, once again this year you will be invited to borrow a small guide booklet and take a self-guided tour. The booklet will offer brief vignettes on the lives of some of the early settlers in Lakefield from 1855 to 1886.
As an added feature this summer, we will be offering free, guided presentations featuring some of the exhibits as follows:
Thurs, July 9 – An Introduction to the Moodie family – Joe Latour
Thurs, July 23 – - Susanna Moodie and Spiritualism - Barry Mutter
Thurs, Aug 6 – Christ Church Cemetery Tour – Joe Latour
Wed, Aug 19 – John Dunbar Moodie and Spiritualism - Barry Mutter
Wed, Sept 2 - Christ Church Cemetery Tour – Joe Latour
The talks will all commence at 2:00 pm.
We are pleased that Reverend John Runza will continue the tradition of supporting three services at Christ Church on Sundays of the summer long weekends – July 5, August 2 and September 6, each commencing at 8:30 AM. We would be delighted to have you attend.
Please accept our warmest invitation to visit Christ Church Community Museum this summer. CCCM is also available for weddings, baptisms and life celebrations or other special events. Please contact Patti McAllister (pattimcallister4@yahoo.ca) for information.
Please note that Christ Church Community Museum is a non-profit registered charitable organization, funded almost entirely by donations. Admission to the museum is free, but contributions to help with the maintenance and operation are gratefully appreciated.
YOU CAN DONATE as follows:
1. Cash in our donation box at the front entrance desk.
2. E-transfer to CCCMlakefield@yahoo.com (please put your name and address on the subject line).
3. Cheque payable to Christ Church Community Museum.
Please mail cheques to: CCCM, Box 1542, Lakefield, ON, K0L 2H0We look forward to seeing you this summer.Your Christ Church Community Museum Committee
