Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre offers an unforgettable experience in a journey through thousands of years of natural and human history, state of the art interactive exhibits, Bruce County artifacts, a multitude of compelling stories and a beautiful gift shop. These are but a few of the reasons why the new Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre will engage and entertain visitors throughout the year.

Exhibits Currently on Display

Sea Monsters "Predators of the Ancient Seas"

From the depths of the ancient seas come Sea Monsters from the past….They are surfacing near you….

Over 144 million years ago Bruce County was the site of a tropical sea - it’s true!
This summer Museum visitors can dive into the ancient history of six giant marine predators that ruled the earth’s seas and live to tell the tale - or is that “tail”?

Following on the tails of last summer’s blockbuster “Dinosaurs invade Bruce County”, “Sea Monsters” will offer the public a chance to view authentic robotic sea monsters in a habitat much like they lived in long ago.

Do you have trouble pronouncing the names of dinosaurs? Wait till you try to pronounce the names of these sea creatures. A Thalassomedon (thal-us-AH-muh-dun) resembles a dinosaur with flippers and weighed up to 5 tons. A Tylosaurus (TIE-lo-sawr-us) crawls on his belly and looks much like a giant alligator. He has flippers that help him steer and brake. Good idea to steer clear of this 50 ft charmer! The Dunkleosteus (dunk-el-OS-Teeus) is actually a prehistoric fish that has bony armor around his head. He doesn’t have teeth but watch out for those jaws, they can crush you! Many of us are familiar with the Orcinus orca (oar-SEEN-us OAR-kah) or better known as the killer whale. This big fella is basically a large species of dolphin. Male killer whales can weigh up to 8 tons and are aggressive predators. They have been known to run aground to snap up seals, sea lions, penguins and other whales and dolphins. So watch where you walk! A giant marine reptile, the Kronosaurus (CRO-no-sawr-us) weighed up to 12 tons and had jaws 9 feet long. This is larger than a Tyrannosaurus. Last but not least is the Architeuthis (ARK-e-tooth-ys) or better known as the giant squid. Ancient squid had eight thick arms and tentacles that had suction disks to capture prey. Their huge eyes didn’t miss a trick.

A multitude of new interactive activities, which should enhance everyone’s visit to the Museum. There are 2 Wii stations with the games Freddi Fish Kelp Seed Mystery and Endless Oceans being set up as well as Costumes and Carnival Mirror for children to dress up in. There is a “Build a Sea Monster”, Fish Craft Tables, Sea Monster Floor Puzzles and a Fantasy Fish Magnetic Board. There is also a new visitor this summer by the name of Marina the Mermaid. Word is that she is beautiful as well as kindly toward children.

The summer excitement continues with the Museum’s children’s programs, which will feature sea monster themed events as well as “Kidzone Discovery Day Camp” and “Queen of Fairy Lake Tours.” “Wizardry & Wonders” Summer Fun Days are back after an overwhelming successful run last summer. Add in all the exhibits related to nature, science and the arts and the whole family could make a complete day of it.

Ghostly Guardians of the Bruce Coast- Lighthouse Exhibit
The exhibit includes not only rare artifacts, but offers the visitor the stories behind the legends and lore of these lighthouses and heritage sites.  One of the highlights of the new exhibit is the Fresnel Lense from the Cape Croker Lighthouse, which is on temporary loan from The Canadian Coast Guard, in agreement with the Chippewas of Nawash-Unceded First Nation.  As well as 10 handcrafted models of Bruce County Lighthouses- Past and Present.

This exhibit showcases not only marine heritage and its impact on migration and settlement patterns of Bruce County, but gives visitors insight into the people who lived and worked at these important life saving structures.  Featured prominently in the exhibit is the explanation of the variety of architecture of the many lighthouses built along the Bruce Coast.  Featured as well is an explanation of the variety of architecture of the many lighthouses built along the Bruce Coast.  Featured as well is an explanation of the science and technology that made these lighthouses shine in some cases, 15 miles out into the lake.

As marine travelers know so well, beautiful Lake Huron and Georgian Bay can be deceiving; their idyllic images mask their reputation of being one of the most treacherous of all freshwater lakes.  Beacause of the dangerous waters, throughout this dramatic exhibit, also highlighted in this exhibit are various beacons, foghorns, storm signal baskets and buoys, and how they were used for navigating these treacherous waters.  Offered as well is the rationale for the geographics locations of the lighthouses and range lights, based on shoals and currents.  This part of the exhibit is sure to be of great interest to boaters and those who love marine history.

This exhibit also includes:

• Day to day life of a light-keeper and his family. Some see a lighthouse as an object of curiosity, a relic of a bygone era.  But for a small group of coastside families, it was home.
• The by-gone life of "keeping good light" is revealed and focuses on the pride, loneliness, heroic medal winning rescues, and the hard work associated with tending a lighthouse and station buildings
• An interactive lighthouse themed activity for the children has also been created, so kids can get involved and interact with the exhibit.

“Wood - Rings of Growth” Contemporary Craft Exhibit
This special exhibit will offer viewers insight into the functional and aesthetic use of wood. Using many different disciplines, with the majority of the woods from species in this region, local artists will be offering demonstrations and workshops promoting the exhibit as well as their skills.

·        “Raw and the Sensual, Retrieved, Recycled and Revealed” opens  May 13 - June 21, 2010 showcases direct carving that is playful, emotional and expressive. Light refreshments are available

·       “Bowls, Boxes and Bottles” will be in the museum lobby

Guest Curator, Stephen Hogbin, is recognized internationally by collectors, educators and professional organizations for his influence in studio wood turning and furniture making.