Explore our shared history this Museum Month

This Museum Month, discover Mississauga’s history and the important role museums play in preserving our shared heritage. Museums help us understand where we’ve come from, connect that history to our lives today and carry stories forward for future generations. In Mississauga, they offer more than exhibits and artifacts; they are welcoming spaces for learning, connection and community engagement.

This May, come explore the Museums of Mississauga at Adamson Estate, Benares Historic House, Bradley Museum and Leslie Log House. Each site tells a different part of our city’s story, offering thoughtful perspectives on Mississauga’s past, present and future, and inviting visitors to explore, learn and connect.

Adamson Estate

Located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario in the Lakeview neighbourhood, Adamson Estate sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, part of Treaty 14 lands. It was originally part of a Crown grant given to Joseph Cawthra in the early 1800s. In 1870, Joseph’s grandson, John Cawthra II, built a summer home on the land which came to be known as Grove Farm. In 1899, John’s daughter, Mabel Cawthra, received the estate as a wedding gift when she married Agar Adamson. The couple replaced Grove Farm with the current Adamson House, constructed in 1919. Together, they transformed the estate into a landmark that reflected their heritage and shared vision. 2025 marked the first time the Adamson Estate became continuously open to the public in 40 years.

What’s currently on:

• A League of Our Own – running from April 23 to September 6, this exhibit is in partnership with the University of Toronto and celebrates team sports, sharing the stories of local athletes and coaches. Visitors can experience a variety of artifacts tied to Mississauga’s sporting history. Learn more

Benares Historic House

Stands as a testament to Mississauga’s storied past, showcasing over 165 years of history within its elegant Georgian-style estate. From captivating exhibits to original family possessions spanning four generations, this museum features a gallery and rotating exhibitions providing an enriching exploration of bygone eras.

What’s currently on:

• Guided tours: choose from a selection of guided themed tours led by an experienced museum interpreter to learn more about Mississauga’s rich history. Go deep into the lives of the Harris-Sayers family at Benares Historic House during World War I or brush up on your knowledge of Black settlers living in Mississauga in the 19^th century. Learn more
• Exhibitions: explore artifacts featured in Heritage Mississauga’s latest comic book, Legend of the Museum, along with recent donations to the Museums of Mississauga collection. Pick up your copy at any museum location during operating hours: Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. Learn more
• Family fun: drop by the Visitor Centre every Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. for a relaxed afternoon of fun crafts and games that are suitable for all ages – a great way to spend the day together. Learn more

The fun doesn’t stop there! Coming this June 13 and 14, the annual Blooms and Berries Craft Market will take place at Benares Historic House. Learn more

Bradley Museum

Nestled within a serene 70-year-old maple grove along Lake Ontario, Bradley Museum offers a tranquil setting for delving into the intersections of nature and culture. Showcasing four heritage buildings, this site explores what life was like for early settlers in Mississauga almost 200 years ago. While the main building (Bradley House) undergoes heritage restoration work, take a trip inside with a virtual tour. Please note: indoor access to the Anchorage remains open, along with the outdoor access to the barn and log cabin.

What’s currently on:

• Exhibitions: view a Regency-era parlour and artifacts from an early settler bedroom and kitchen and learn about what domestic life was like for British Loyalists in the 1830s. Learn more
• Family fun: join us in the Anchorage every Saturday for a relaxed afternoon of crafts and games that are perfect for kids and parents alike. It’s all about fun, creativity and connection—no lessons, no stress, just a great way to spend the day together. Learn more

Exhibit hours run from Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.

Leslie Log House

Get to know the rich history of Streetsville at the Leslie Log House, a cherished relic of Ontario’s past. Built in 1826, Leslie Log House is one of Ontario’s oldest remaining log homes. Operated by the Streetsville Historical Society, this historic gem offers a window into the town’s origins and features archives documenting Streetsville’s evolution. For more information on visiting, please visit the webpage.

Mississauga’s history is our history. By safeguarding these treasures, our City’s museums ensure that future generations can connect with their heritage and gather valuable insights from the past. Gather your loved ones and embark on a historical journey of discovery this Museum Month.

Support your local museums, take part in upcoming activities and view exhibits, close to home. Visit the City’s website for more information.

Tags

• Heritage and History
• Things to Do