The Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol will soon celebrate 50 years as a designated national historic site.
The old former prison officially closed in 1972, and was given national historic status in 1973. But it wasn't until 1975 that the official plaque was put in place, designating the old prison as the only nationally recognized historic site in Huron County.
Sinead Cox, Curator of Engagement and Dialogue at the museum, says the building remains an important piece of the area's history.
"The building itself, the architecture and everything is very unique, but it is a sort of vault of an endless number of amazing stories about our community. Good and bad, and I think it's important when we look back at the past, to look at both," Cox shared.
Cox says many people don't realize the prison was in use for so long.
"It was an operational gaol from 1841 until 1972. So pretty recently that it was still being used and initially, when it was built, it covered not just Huron County, but also Bruce, Perth and part of what is now Lambton and Middlesex," she pointed out.
Originally, the building was going to be demolished when the prison was closed in the 70's. But instead, it was spared.
"It was actually a group of grassroots citizens that got together and saved the gaol from being torn down, and made sure that it received that historic site designation, which protected it from future demolition," said Cox.
Cox encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the gaol to come and discover the many interesting stories the building is home to. That of course includes the many famous crimes that landed people in the walls and the famous prisoners housed there.
"Which includes James Donnelly of the Black Donnelly's who was there for murder. In 1959, 14-year-old Steven Truscott was sentenced to hang there for a crime he would later be acquitted of," noted Cox.
As a celebration of the 50 years since the official national historic site plaque installation, the museum will be hosting a full day of activities, including live music, hands-on activities, and a reunion of past museum staff on July 5, 2025.
Event Highlights include:
Free Admission, Activities and Refreshments: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Formal Remarks & Welcome: 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Past Staff Reunion: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Drop by to reminisce with former colleagues, view historical photos and uniforms, and receive a special souvenir. Past staff are also welcome to share memories and photos ahead of time by contacting museum@huroncounty.ca.
"This milestone offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the community spirit that saved the Huron Historic Gaol and transformed it into a vibrant museum dedicated to preserving this unique local history," said Senior Curator Elizabeth French-Gibson.
Find out more here: https://www.huroncounty.ca/news/huron-historic-gaol-celebrates-50-years-as-a-national-historic-site/