Campbell House Museum

Campbell House was built in 1822 for Judge William Campbell, the Sixth Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and his wife Lady Hannah. Moved to its current site in 1972, Campbell House is a fine example of Georgian architecture and is the only existing brick residence from the Town of York. It has been restored to its 1820s elegance and exclusively interprets the social and cultural life of Old York. An excellent model of the Town of York in 1825 is on view in the upper hallway and a period herb garden complements the site.

About the Collections

Home of a former Chief Justice of Upper Canada built in 1822 and the period rooms (kitchen, dining room, drawing room and bedroom) are furnished with artifacts from the Georgian era

Approximate number of objects in the collections: 

Decorative Arts

All decorative arts artifacts appropriate to furnishing the house during the 1830s.

Ceramics, Porcelain or Pottery • Furniture or Furnishings • Glass • Metalwork, Silverwork or Goldwork • Textiles or Tapestries

Fine Arts

Prints, paintings and drawings on subjects appropriate to an upper class household in Upper Canada during the 1830s

Culture:
Canadian • European

Period:
Historical

Media:
Painting • Prints and Drawings

Miscellaneous:
War Art

Human History

Costumes and Accessories • Furniture or Furnishings • Household Objects or Domestic Technology • Local History • Imaging • Transportation

Natural Sciences

Plants and Animals (Biological Collections)
Scientific Specimens • Aquatic Organisms • Botany • Zoology

Services & Activities

Guided tours with knowledgeable staff. Special events, school and seasonal programming. Period herb garden in season.

Educational Programs

Historic Baking
Help our cook bake traditional scones, then enjoy eating them with a
traditional drink

Dancing
Learn a simple early 19th century Scottish country dance.

Herb
Learn about the herbs used by the early settlers for medicines, foods, dyes, and even bug repellants!

The Types Trial
Students re-enact this famous trial. Extensive pre-visit materials help prepare students for role-playing. Especially suited for Grade 7 and High School Law.

Classes or Workshops • Demonstrations • Family Programs • Lectures • School Programs : Age 0-4 (Pre-School) : Age 5-11 (k-6) : Age 12-17 (7-13)(Quebec: Secondary 1-CEGEP) : Age 18 and up (Post-Secondary) • Other: ESL programs for adults

Visitor Services

Guided tours with knowledgeable and costumed staff make this accessible downtown site a treat to experience.

Bilingual Services • Guided Tours : English : French • Accessible by Public Transportation • Meeting Room Rental • Gift shop • Washrooms • Audio Guides • Children's Activities or Services • Parking Facilities • Special Needs Facilities
Other: New art shows are held almost every month in the Campbells' former library/ballroom. Exhibits for 2010 include Stephanie Ford Forrester, Joan Goldfarb, Yousha Liu, Sherrill Girard, Laurel Campbell, Floyd Elzinga, and Debra Tate-Sears.

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services Available • Volunteer Training Offered

Number of Volunteers: 20

Activities: Fundraising, gardening, maintenance, special events

Member Privileges

Reciprocal privileges with other institutions

Food Services

House and grounds may be rented for parties, receptions, and meetings.

Catering provided by in-house caterer, Hearth & Garden at Campbell House. http://www.davidvallee.ca/

Catering Services

Publications and Products

Postcards, small souvenirs, books appropriate to the history of the house and Town of York

Books • Brochures • Postcards • Commemorative Souvenirs

Map