Who We Are
The Hamilton Civic Museums are equal parts physical, mobile and virtual.
Learn About The Rich History of This Land
The City of Hamilton is home to thousands of Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.
Through the Urban Indigenous Strategy, the City of Hamilton together with Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents is embarking on a journey to reconciliation that will honour the history, knowledge, rights, languages and cultures of the First Peoples of Canada. The Strategy responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015), and the voices of our community members.
Why is this important?
- To carry out the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada at the local level.
- Our Future Hamilton community vision includes key directions regarding Indigenous cultures and knowledge.
- City Council approved the Aboriginal Justice Strategy in 2015 acknowledging Indigenous peoples as the original peoples of this area.
- We recognize many of the national issues that impact Indigenous peoples locally such as missing and murdered Indigenous women and the legacy of Indian residential schools.
- To commit to the 231 Calls for Justice from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry Final Report and to develop framework with local Police Services, Community Partners, Education Institutions, and residents to dismantle barriers for Indigenous women and girls to feel safe and equality within their city.
Eagles Among Us by artist David M. General.
- Urban Indigenous Strategy Final Report (PDF, 1 MB)
- Urban Indigenous Strategy Implementation Report (PDF, 3.6 MB)
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Final Report and 94 Calls to Actions
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Inquiry Report and 231 Calls for Justice
Wampum agreements and treaties remain significant.
Today in Canada there are approximately 70 treaties between 371 First Nations and the Crown. The treaties represent the rights of more than 500,000 Indigenous people. Ontario is covered by 46 historic and present-day treaties, which were signed between 1781 and 1930.
Visit the Talking about Treaties Exhibition
The City of Hamilton recognizes the importance of treaties and is committed to help residents understand the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today to show support and commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and anti-racism.
We acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation – Treaty no. 3.
The City of Hamilton is also situated on The Dish with One Spoon Treaty – Sewatokwat’shera’t Belt-Great Law of Peace. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum symbolizes the sharing of the land and resources in the lower Great Lakes between Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Although most treaties were signed more than a century ago, these agreements provide the foundation for ongoing co-operation and partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Frequently Asked Questions: Website & Virtual Exhibitions
What is this website about?
Short answer: it’s about the stories that make the land we now call Hamilton unique.
Long answer: the Hamilton Civic Museums website is a platform empowering Hamilton communities to preserve and share their heritage, histories and narratives through digital storytelling. The website is also an online destination for information about museums owned and operated by the City of Hamilton.
Learn more about the project background:
- Hamilton Civic Museum Strategy, 2021 (PDF, 1MB)
- Reimagine Our Museums Report, 2019 (PDF, 901 KB)
- Staff Report to Council from November 18, 2020 ,(PDF 188 KB)
Who is in charge of the website?
The Heritage Resource Management Section of the City of Hamilton’s Tourism and Culture Division.
Who creates the content for the virtual exhibitions?
Every exhibition is different because they are co-created with community partners. Visit the “Credits” section at the bottom of each virtual exhibition for details.
How can I share content and/or participate?
We’re glad you asked! If you have a project idea you would like to share, send us a message via the Contact Us or call us at (905) 521-3168.
There are also easy ways to participate and/or contribute content to current virtual exhibitions. Explore the information at the bottom of each exhibition for details.
What is the connection between Hamilton 175 and this website?
Hamilton City Council approved funds to develop a digital commemoration of the 175-year anniversary of the City’s founding by launching a new website as the first step in developing a virtual Museum of Hamilton. This new digital storytelling platform (this website!) launched in Fall 2021.
Learn more about the project background in the staff report to Council from November 18, 2020.
What is digital storytelling?
Simply put, it is utilizing digital media to tell stories. Storytelling presents a story to an audience (you!), and guides them through a narrative journey. When referring to storytelling online, we have the full range of digital media and tools like video, audio, and animation, to craft a compelling story and interactive journey. Exhibitions are all about storytelling!
Frequently Asked Questions: Museums & Heritage Sites
What are the Civic Museums I can visit?
The City of Hamilton operates eight civic museums you can visit and cares for one underwater archaeological site. Learn more about each site in Museums.
Make sure to review the latest Public Health guidelines on the City of Hamilton website when you’re planning a visit (link will open in a new tab).
Where can I buy tickets to visit the sites?
View general admission rates and ticket buying options for each museum on the City of Hamilton website (links will open in a new tab).
- Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
- Dundurn National Historic Site
- Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
- Griffin House National Historic Site
- Hamilton Children's Museum
- The Hamilton Military Museum
- The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site
- Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site
Admission is free to all Hamilton Civic Museums with a Hamilton Public Library Card.
Where I can find events and program listings?
Visit the Museums Events page on the City of Hamilton website (link will open in a new tab).
How can I make a booking for...?
Experiences:
Special events:
Links will open in a new tab.
What accommodations do the Museums provide for Ontarians with disabilities?
Call 905-521-3168 for more details.
Fully wheelchair accessible:
- Hamilton Children's Museum
Partially wheelchair accessible:
- Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
- Dundurn National Historic Site
- Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
- Griffin House National Historic Site
- The Hamilton Military Museum
- The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site
Not wheelchair accessible:
- Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site
City of Hamilton Land Acknowledgement
Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.
