Museums aren't just for preserving the past; they're for educating, celebrating local history, conserving and protecting important artifacts, and inspiring future generations.

Here in Kitchener, we have the largest community museum in Ontario. This museum, just ten minutes from our Kingsway Drive apartments, features two indoor galleries plus the Doon Heritage Village, an outdoor living history exhibit. With all its features, The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum offers an in-depth view of the rich Waterloo Region history. 

Your admission to the museum includes both the indoor galleries and the Doon Heritage Village. This 60 acre outdoor village features 18 buildings, a park, and farm animals. Seasonally from May to December, visitors can experience Waterloo during 1914 while they interact with knowledgeable and authentically dressed interpreters.

Take a step into the main floor gallery to see the story of the Waterloo Region unfold in the feature What Makes Us Who We Are? This gallery explores a 12,000 year human history of the region though nine exhibits, including the First Nations, European settlement, manufacturing prime of 1900s, and the high tech boom of the modern years. Further exhibits from this gallery are distributed throughout the museum.

Tour the Mezzanine gallery to see the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame, where over 400 inductees who have made a difference throughout our great region are honoured. Among the 2019 inductees is Martin Buhr, co-founder of the Waterloo Region Food Bank and the affordable housing company MennoHomes Inc. The Mezzanine gallery is also home to the War Memorial, which honours Waterloo Region soldiers.

Currently, there are two featured exhibits being showcased in the rear gallery. The first, Going Places: Past Present Future, is on display until January 5th and explores historic changes in travel within the region. The second exhibit, Birds of Prey, provides a detailed look at the most feared and admired birds of prey throughout the world. 

Aside from exhibits, there are daily activities for children, behind the scenes tours, family events, and adult workshops. Coming up, families can celebrate Thanksgiving at the Autumn Splendor or have a blast at the Halloween Spooktacular Bash.

If you haven't been to the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, it's time to visit and get inspired!