The Museum preserves the art, natural, and human history of Northeastern Ontario, with a focus on the Kirkland Lake area. These collections include objects, photographs, archival records, and research materials.
Our collection is vast - celebrating local businesses, our storied mining history and the individuals and organizations that built the Mile of Gold.
Our Collection
Permanent Collection
This collection features items reflecting the history of our region, such as mining heritage, the Eddie Duke photograph collection (documenting Kirkland Lake from the 1930s onward), and artifacts from local social and cultural groups. Several pieces of interest include belongings of the Oakes family, such as Nancy Oakes’ original bedroom set.
Education Collection
A hands-on collection used by staff and visitors to support interactive programming for all ages. Physical connection to an item helps to engage everyone with history!
Research Collection
A reference library of books, articles, and other documents support the research and interpretation of the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. Materials are available for on-site use by both staff and members of the public but are not loaned off site.
If you have research material you wish to access, please complete our contact form here!
Artifact Spotlight
Artifact Spotight
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Artifact Spotight -
September 2026
This month’s Artifact Spotlight is this bronze bust of Sir Harry Oakes.
It sits atop the fireplace at the Museum’s entrance, welcoming you to Sir Harry’s former home.
This bust was created in 1943, the year that Harry died. Another bust can be found in the Oakes Mausoleum in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.
The artist, Alice Littig Siems, was a renowned American sculptor known for creating busts of prominent citizens.
The bust has been in the Museum’s Collection since 1971.