Museums and art galleries

Are you a museum goer?

Did you visit a school museum?

Would you like to visit a Marine museum?

Canada boasts of many museums an art galleries. Every year millions of visitors come to admire vast collections of artifacts and specimens. Royal Ontario Museum /ROM/ in gives the opportunity to explore, in one place, the history of our world, the collections of life sciences and Canadian portraits. There are educational class-rooms in the Discovery Gallery. Scholars from all over the world come to study its treasures, and students from kindergarten to university take part in its teaching program.

National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is the home of many splendid collections. Some of them are notable for their breadth and unique quality. Among them are 17 major canvases of James Morris, Can­ada's most important artist.

Canadian Museum of Civilization in the History Hall traces the discovery and settlement of Canada, under a 17 meter high ceiling. The Grand Hall showcases the rich cultural heritage and monumental art of native cultures. Entry to the museum is free on Thursdays.

Kingston as former capital of Canada with over 300 years of tradition boasts of many museums and places of interest. There are many attractions in Kingston and area. These include:

Fort Henry is the jewel on the crown overlooking the city. Originally occupied by British and Canadian troops, the Fort is now " garrisoned" by Fort Henry Guard, a group of Canadian students specially trained in the infantry drill, artillery exercises and drum music of the British Army in 1867. The Guard puts on daily exhibitions of the drill used at the fort in 1867, whether permitting. Visitors, wearing the museum's Army uniform may join the drill. Fort Henry's museum contains one of the finest collections of 19^th century British and Canadian military uniforms, arms, and medals in North America.

The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston where sail and steam began on the Great Lakes is in the historical center of the city. The displays trace the development of shipping on the Lakes. The museum buildings were once part of a shipyard, now a National Historic Site. The 3000 ton museum ship Alexander Henry is open for your inspection from late spring to early fall. The museum; library and Archives contain thousands of books, photographs used by ship enthusiasts and professional historians. The Marine Museum offers always something new for. the return visitor.

Agnes Etherington Art Center exposes Canadian and international collections. It boasts the third largest collection in Ontario. It is known as one of Canada's most attractive art galleries. Seven view­ing galleries provide a feast for the eye and mind on every visit.

Bellevue House was home of Canada's first Prime Minister Sir John Macdonald. It is a place of national historic significance. Come to Bellevue House and journey back to 1848 when John Macdonald brought his family to live in this striking Italian villa on the outskirts of the city. The house was built in 1840. Macdonald rented the house in, August 1848, motivated by the chronic ill-health of his wife, Isabella. He, hoped that it would bring improvement. But their stay was brief. In September 1849, financial worries made the couple move again to smaller quarters in downtown Kingston. Bellevue was restored and open to public in 1967 during Canada's centennial. In the visitor center an audio-visual presentation introduces the history of the site. A visitor's brochure will guide you through the house. Bellevue's staff will be happy to respond to your questions. There is no admission charge.

Murney Tower Museum is a fortified tower on the waterfront. The tower stands as one of the finest martello towers in North America. Its three floors house a collection of military and social artifacts of 19^th century Kingston.

Miller museum of Geology is displaying the oldest collection in Kingston. It is located at Queen's University. On display there are mineral specimens and dinosaur bones.

School museum brings you to the good old days of three " R's" -Reading, Writing and 'Rith-metics. This popular museum attracts people of all ages

International Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum is a Canadian Institution. It has a fascinating collection of pictures, equipment and mementos which reflects the history of hockey from its organized beginnings in Kingston in 1886 to the present day.

Communications Museum exposes outstanding military collections. It is one of Canada's largest military museums. The history of Canadian military communications is traced from 1903.

MacLachian Woodworking Museum shows wood in service of man. It is housed in a cedar log house. A large collection of woodworking tools is highlighted in exhibits and programs of farming life in pioneer Ontario.

Royal Military College Museum has rare collections in a magnificent setting. Housed in the Fort Frederic Tower, this museum records the story of Canada's military education, the exploits of its gradu­ates. There is also the internationally renowned Douglas Arm Collection.

Kingston harbor is a convenient place to start your boat tour of the 1000 islands.