- 5181 Kelso Road, Inside Kelso Conservation Area, Milton, ON, L9E 0C5
- Tel: 905-825-6000 ext: 7935
- Website | Email | Directions | Map
Overview
The Halton County Museum was founded in 1961. In 1974 it became the responsibility of the Region when the new Regional Municipality of Halton was formed. In 2014, Regional Council adopted a new Master Plan for the Museum under which it is being transformed into Heritage Services, which supports regional heritage organizations and institutions and cares for Regionally-owned heritage assets.
Halton Region Heritage Services is located on the site of the formerly known Halton Region Museum, situated on the five acre historic site of the former Alexander Homestead in the heart of Kelso Conservation Area, Milton. Based at Kelso Conservation Area.
Preservation Services
Heritage Services preserves the material and cultural heritage of Halton Region and acquires and shares knowledge of the Region’s historical and natural world. Heritage Services accepts donations from the public that speak to the history and culture of Halton on a case-by-case basis. The archives and reference library are available for researchers by appointment only.
Programming and Exhibits
Heritage Services creates memorable, engaging and accessible exhibits and public programs to encourage discovery, appreciation and understanding of Halton's heritage. It supports the preservation and appreciation of the heritage of Halton Region through partnerships with museums, archives, historical societies, cultural organizations and attractions. Most programs are created to be delivered on site at partner locations as outreach initiatives.
Website: www.halton.ca/heritageservices
Type: Heritage Service Organization | Archives
Hours & Fees
- Office/Administration: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm, weekdays No onsite access due to COVID-19 public health measures Donations and Research requests: To make appointments and inquiries contact 905-825-6000 ext: 3441
- Based inside Kelso Conservation Area in Milton, Ontario, Heritage Services is not open to the public. If you have an appointment or are expected by Heritage Services, the Conservation Halton/Park gate staff is generally on duty from May long weekend to Labour Day. On entering the park advise them you are visiting Halton Heritage Services and gate fees will be waived.
Insider's Look
Judicial Chair
The Chair of Today by Julia ZungriThis judicial chair (1962.12.1) was used in the Halton County Court House in Milton, Ontario from 1855 until circa 1974. The chair is 92 cm high and 64 cm wide and made of varnished hardwood, likely walnut. The seat has red leather upholstery, which has been reupholstered with a leather-like red canvas. Carvings decorate the arms and legs of the chair. Notably, there is a carving of a crown at the top of the artifact, which resembles St. Edward’s Crown. The image of this crown is often used in heraldry throughout the Commonwealth to signify the monarch’s authority: permission from the British monarch is necessary in order to use this image.[1] A similar crown is depicted on the Lieutenant Governor flags throughout the provinces to symbolize the Sovereign’s provincial representatives.[2] The historical significance behind the object captured the attention of Curatorial Assistant, Julia Zungri. At first glance, the grander size of the chair compared to the rest of the collection at Halton Heritage Services, as well as the visually appealing aesthetics of the sophisticated carvings are most noticeable. However, knowing it was a judicial chair and being aware of our legal system, a much more nuanced story could be told. Upon further examination, the designs on the chair represent the history of Canada, particularly the evolution and implementation of common law. Using a Canadian object from a local heritage collection to connect with contemporary Canadian society was the deciding factor in choosing this object to celebrate Canada 150.As the districts in southern Ontario were abolished in 1849, local county governments were established and charged with administering the law.[3] The Halton County Court House, where this chair was used, was constructed in 1854 and opened in 1855. To accommodate all of the trials in Halton County, a wing in the ‘high Victorian” style was added in 1877 together with a jail and prison yard.[4] Not only was the courthouse built in Anglo-Norman style, but the building also reinforced the values of the British judicial system.[5] Today, the Canadian legal framework still operates on the foundations of the British common law system. Upon celebrating Canada 150, it is striking to consider the impact that common law has had on Canadian culture and society.The artifact is important to a contemporary audience as it embodies the Canadian judicial system that has remained throughout the evolution of Upper Canada to Canada West and to the ultimate inclusion of Ontario as a province in Confederation. Canada remains linked with an international community that shares a similar legal system. The country’s common law framework has thus become part of its national identity that inspires Canadians to act fairly and justly. [1] “Royal Crown and Cypher.” Source: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1445001063723[2] “Symbols of Canada,” Heritage Canada, 2010. Source: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/pc-ch/CH4-130-2010-eng.pdf[3] http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/maps/ontario-districts.aspx.[4] http://www.miltonhistoricalsociety.ca/historic-buildings/court-house/.[5] http://www.miltonhistoricalsociety.ca/historic-buildings/court-house/.
Ontario Human Rights Code
The Rights Step Forward by Mackenzie B. Gillies On October 19, 1977, Halton Region Heritage Services received a copy of the Ontario Human Rights Code, 1962 as a gift from Magistrate K.M. Langdon of Georgetown, Ontario. The artifact is secured in a black frame measuring 49cm in length and 33cm in width. A cream-coloured piece of cardboard with black, blue, and red text is contained within the pane of glass. Premier John P. Robart’s signature is present on the bottom right corner of the Code; the document is dated June 15, 1962. My name is Mackenzie B. Gillies, and I am beginning my History M.A. at McMaster University in September 2017. I believe that the Code reflects one of the many contributions that the Ontario government made to the betterment of Canadian society during the mid-20th century. Between 1961 and 1971, Premier Robart’s administration established the GO Transit railways, community college system, Niagara Escarpment Commission, Ontario Science Centre, Ontario Place, and the Confederation of Tomorrow conference.[1] For his dedication to the public welfare, Robarts can be rightly considered a Canadian nation-builder. Ontario’s Human Rights Code contributed to the “beginning of Canada’s rights revolution.”[2] The document “prohibited discrimination on the basis of religion, race, and ethnicity in accommodation, employment, and services”[3] throughout the province. Premier Robart’s administration made an important contribution to the development of a more respectful and understanding civil society. The Code predates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by almost twenty years, reinforcing the provincial government’s vision of a more socially-cohesive country. Significantly, the legislation came into effect on the 747th anniversary of the granting of Magna Carta in 1215. The medieval document became the legal basis for freedom, democracy, and rule of law in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth of Nations.[4] Ontario’s Human Rights Code, 1962 is a part of a much larger legal tradition that spans centuries and unites people from across the world. As such, Canada remains connected to a rich history of societal dedication to human welfare. The modern liberties and rights that Canadians enjoy are due to the work of members of the community who serve the public. Legal culture and tradition must be nurtured and respected by citizens. As Premier Robarts stated on the document: The aim of the Ontario Human Rights Code is to create a climate of understanding and mutual respect among our people, so that all will be afforded the unhampered opportunity to contribute their maximum to the development and enrichment of our province. [1] Steve Paikin, “Twenty-five years ago, the end of a double life,” The Globe and Mail, accessed June 21, 2017, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/twenty-five-years-ago-the-end-of-a-double life/article725827/.[2] Dominique Clément, Will Silver and Daniel Trottier, “The Evolution of Human Rights in Canada,” Canadian Human Rights Commission, accessed June 21, 2017, http://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/default/files/ehrc_edpc-eng.pdf.[3] Ibid.[4] “The Magna Carta in Canada for its 800th Anniversary,” Government of Canada, last modified February 17, 2015, https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2015/02/magna-carta-canada-800th-anniversary.html?=undefined&wbdisable=false&_ga=2.220708760.1238387780.1497973417-2063431908.1496162299.