Museum Programs and Events

Outreach and Programs

Museum staff offer customizable programs for community outreach groups! We can bring the museum to you through presentations, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions. Please reach out to the Museum to learn more.

Cost:

Community Groups (per person, minimum 10 in a group): $6.00 (incl. HST)

Digital outreach (per session): $174.00 (HST exempt for schools)

Group tours* (per person, minimum 4 people): $6.00
*group tours are only available April to November on-site and must be pre-booked

Education Programs

We are pleased to offer a variety of curriculum based programs for all grade levels at the Museum Village. All programs can be tailored to the unique needs of your class. Full and half day programs are available. Outreach programs to bring history directly to your classroom are also available. View descriptions, costs and how to book an education program in the Program Guide. 

We offer customizable group tours for Scouts and Guides, Day Camps, Seniors Groups, International Studies Groups, and more!

To submit a request fill out this Program Registration Form.

Birthday Parties

Parties at the Museum Village are available from May to September, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Cost (10 children): $189.50 (incl. HST)

Additional 10 children: $52.25 (incl. HST)

Party in the Past

Step back in time with old-fashioned games and toys, try a heritage craft, and explore the Museum Village with a seek and find! Party can be adjusted for different age groups. Includes 1.5 hours of programming and 1.5 hours of indoor or outdoor party space with a fridge and freezer available.

Suitable for ages 5+

Ask us about our party favour packages that include a heritage candy and toy!

Contact us to book!

The Scugog Shores Museum Village and Archives is pleased to be the summer home of Theatre on the Ridge! Museum visitors will receive a voucher for a $5 discount on Theatre on the Ridge tickets.

Take in a show under the beautiful show tent on the Museum grounds. Explore the museum with a guided tour during open hours or an audio tour past close.

2025 Season Shows

Information on the 2025 Season is available at www.theatreontheridge.ca.

This season, Theatre on the Ridge and Scugog Shores Museum are partnering to deliver talks relating to the themes of the summer line-up. Tickets can be purchased through Theatre on the Ridge's website. Please note: you don't need a show ticket to attend these talks - all are welcome!

Nuclear Clock Talk

Nuclear Clock Talk – a look at the chronology and history of the nuclear age.

June 12 & 27 @ 2 – 4 pm
Meeting Point:  the School House (main museum building)

For the greater good or devastation and disaster? The discovery of nuclear power and its rapid evolution have irrevocably changed the trajectory of the world for nearly a century. Learn about the timeline of the atomic age and all it has made possible in the science of energy, warfare and medicine. A subject that’s both fascinating and unsettling.

History of Nursing

A historical lecture from the time of Florence Nightingale to present day.

Thursday, July 10 @ 2 – 4 pm.
Meeting Point: School House (main museum building)

Learn about the role of nursing as it evolved from the mid 19th century, thanks to the dedication and passion of pioneers such as Florence Nightingale, advocating for higher hygiene standards to significantly reduce death and amputation due to infection.

Such initiatives dramatically improved chances of survival and quality of life for soldiers and civilians, and helped raise the profile of nursing from low class menial work to a respected profession.

Medicine in the Field

A lecture and hands-on demonstration of early field medicine.

Saturday, July 19 @ 2 – 4 pm.
Meeting Point: School House (main museum building)

The realities of trauma care and surgery on the battlefield of WWI granted no mercies to the faint of heart.

Before experiencing Bluebirds, a touching and compelling chronicle of the lives and service of Canadian nurses working in England during the Great War, learn about the medical practices and procedures conducted on and near the front. After this informative presentation, you’re sure to have a greater appreciation and respect for what soldiers and health care providers alike endured on the front lines.

A new passport experience is inviting visitors to discover Scugog Island, meet the Islanders behind its local businesses and experience the Island’s culture, history, natural beauty and hospitality.

Located just minutes from downtown Port Perry, Scugog Island is reached by a short drive across a stunning causeway with no ferry required. The Scugog Island Experience brings together nine tourism businesses offering live theatre, heritage, boating, specialty food, shopping and unique places to stay.

“Scugog Island has its own stories, character and strong sense of community,” said Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism. “This experience gives visitors a fun reason to meet the Islanders, explore businesses they may not have known about and discover what makes the Island such a special destination.”

Visit Three Stops for a Chance to Win

Visitors can pick up The Scugog Island Experience passport at any participating location.

To enter the draw for a chance to win:

1. Visit any three participating locations and collect a stamp at each stop.
2. Scan the QR code on the passport,
3. Complete the online entry form.
4. Upload a photo of the passport showing stamps from three different locations. 

Prizes include an overnight getaway, a day boating on Lake Scugog, theatre tickets and gift certificates for unique local finds. No purchase is necessary. The contest is open to Ontario residents aged 19 and older. Full contest details, rules and regulations are available through The Scugog Island Experience website.

Featured Island Stops

• Theatre on the Ridge - Professional live theatre featuring Canadian and Ontario playwrights and artists under its signature tent.
• Scugog Shores Museum Village and Archives - Eleven heritage buildings from the 1800s and Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands share the Island’s history and stories.
• Scugog Island Marina - Boat rentals and services for fishing, relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends on Lake Scugog.
• Marcelle’s Kitchen - A local bakery specializing in delicious gluten-free products.
• Redman’s Antique Barn - A wide selection of antiques, with each piece offering a connection to the past.
• Adawegamig - A carefully curated collection of vintage clothing, antiques and one-of-a-kind finds.
• Minisi Convenience & Gift - A welcoming destination offering authentic Indigenous art, jewellery, gifts and everyday essentials.
• Birchwood Luxury Camping - Luxury geodesic domes nestled in the forest for a peaceful Island getaway.
• Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel - Hotel accommodations, dining and entertainment, providing a convenient base for exploring the Island. 

Growing Tourism Through Collaboration

The Scugog Island Experience was created through a collaboration among nine Island tourism businesses, the Township of Scugog and Durham Region Tourism. Each partner invested in the initiative, and Central Counties Tourism matched their combined contribution through its Partnership Program — an annual matching-funds initiative designed to strengthen tourism capacity and grow the visitor economy across York, Durham and Headwaters.

By presenting Scugog Island as one connected destination, the partnership aims to build awareness, encourage visitors to explore multiple locations, extend their stays and increase tourism’s economic impact across the Island.

To plan a visit, discover more about the Island or enter the contest, visit TheScugogIslandExperience.ca 

-30-

About the Central Counties Tourism Partnership Program

The Partnership Program is an annual matching-funds program that provides financial support to tourism businesses, organizations, and event organizers in York, Durham, and Headwaters to strengthen the regional visitor economy and increase economic impact from visitors traveling 40+ kilometres to the region.

About Central Counties Tourism

Central Counties Tourism (CCT) was established as a regional tourism organization in 2010 under the framework developed by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mandate is to help stakeholders build their capacity which, in turn, grows visitation and vibrant communities throughout the York, Durham, and Headwaters regions. CCT is funded by the Ontario Government and managed as a not-for-profit organization by a voluntary tourism industry board. CCT’s mission is to develop, support and promote tourism within the region.

Media Contact
Chuck Thibeault
Executive Director
Central Counties Tourism
cthibeault@centralcounties.ca/media@centralcounties.ca