Preserving the history of the Little Claybelt Region 1890s to 1950s
Welcome to the
Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum
Season Opening June 27th, 2026. Open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm until late August.
The Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of South Temiskaming through the collection of artifacts and documentation that focuses on the settlement history of the Little Claybelt region.
Current Exhibits
One-Room Schoolhouse Interior
Step back in time with a recreated example of what a traditional one-room school may have looked like, complete with period furnishings and materials.
In the early 1900s, very sparse one-room schools were common in rural areas. These schools often had only one teacher instructing children of all ages and grade levels. The buildings were simple, usually heated by a wood stove and furnished with basic desks and chalkboards. Resources were limited, so students often shared textbooks and relied on memorization and recitation. Our display gives an idea of how the one room school looked in the early years.
Vintage Hat Collection
Explore a diverse selection of men’s and women’s hats from bygone eras, showcasing fashion trends and craftsmanship. Hats have served both functional and fashionable purposes throughout history. In ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, head coverings indicated social status or were used for protection. During the Middle Ages elaborate hats became symbols of wealth and rank for both men and women. The 18th and 19th centuries saw top hats for men to bonnets and wide-brimmed hats for women. By the 20th century, hats became mainstream fashion accessories, peaking in popularity in the early 1900s before gradually declining in daily wear. Our display features a variety of men and women’s hats from the 1950s and 1960s.
Local Artists Exhibit
Step into our newest art exhibit and discover a remarkable collection of works by both celebrated and local artists. Featuring pieces by Muriel Newton-White, Ernest Sawford-Dye, and A. Y. Jackson, alongside creations generously donated by talented local artists over the years, this exhibit celebrates the rich artistic heritage and creative spirit of our community. From renowned masterpieces to treasured local contributions, there is something to inspire every visitor.
Temiskaming and Northern Ontario/Ontario Northland Railway Collection
Explore our growing railway exhibit featuring an expanded collection of photographs showcasing train stations north of North Bay. The Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway was constructed in the early 1900s to open up northern Ontario for settlement and resource development, stretching from North Bay to Cochrane.
Building the railway through dense forests, swamps, and rugged terrain posed significant challenges. Workers endured harsh weather, isolation, and primitive living conditions, often battling mosquitoes and blackflies in summer and extreme cold in winter. Despite the hardships, the railway played a vital role in connecting remote communities and boosting northern Ontario’s economy. In 1946, the name was changed to Ontario Northland Railway.
Merchandise from Ontario Northland Railway and the ‘Northlander’ is available for purchase in our gift shop.
New Outdoor Display Building
Take a Step Back in Time: Self-Guided Tour Invitation
Give yourself a tour of our new outdoor building and discover a rich display of antique farm equipment and tools that once shaped daily life on the land. As you explore, you’ll find well-preserved plows, a wooden seed drill, two antique sleighs, tools, and other implements used by early farmers to work the soil and sustain their families. Each piece tells a story of ingenuity, labor, and the evolution of rural life. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, this hands-on look at the past offers something for everyone.
The Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum needs your support. Memberships are only one way you can show your support. To become a member, go here to get the membership form ($15 individuals/ $25 family).
You can also support our museum by visiting, volunteering, or sponsoring. Email here to volunteer, or discuss a project you might like to pursue. Support our fund raisers (such as Catch The Ace 4 History). Purchases from our Gift Shop go a long way to help. We have many local history books for sale in our gift shop; a list of our available titles is here and a PDF copy of this book list is available here. Sponsoring special exhibits is welcome. Volunteers are needed in a number of areas.
Most of all, we'd like you to visit us at the Museum. See for yourself what is happening. Admission is free, and the history is yours. If at all possible, make this the year you come to see it all for yourself.