Museum

Lighthouses of Manitoulin

Manitoulin Island has its fair share of lighthouses including one within walking distance of the Old Mill Heritage Centre. Inside the museum you will see a photographic exhibit of all of the Manitoulin Lighthouses including an actual lens that would have been used in the Kagawong Lighthouse years ago.

Daniel Dodge

Daniel Dodge was heir to the Dodge Motor Company fortune. In 1938 he was killed as a result of a dynamite explosion while on his honeymoon at his hunting lodge just outside of Kagawong. That is just part of this legendary story. His wife of 13 days, Laurine MacDonald of Gore Bay, was injured in the explosion but survived to inherit a portion of her husband’s inheritance and to live a long life. However, suspicion of foul play in Daniel’s death followed Laurine to her grave. Arguably the tragedy of his death attracts many to Kagawong in the hopes of learning more of the life of this young man who only lived to be 21. A motion picture detailing the event is in production. The Old Mill Heritage Centre has a compressive exhibit detailing the facts and fiction surrounding this story.

Shipping

In the early and mid 20th Century Kagawong was one of several communities along what was known as the “Turkey Trail”. Commercial shipping passed along the North Channel of Lake Huron, with Kagawong being one of the ports of call. The Old Mill Heritage Centre features a number of photos and artifacts profiling the steamers that visited the village.

Berry Boats

The Berry family business dates back five generations. You will see the history of the Berry Boat building inside the museum.

Commercial Fishing

Photographs and artifacts profiling life as a commercial fisherman is on display.

Sawmills and Pulp Mill

The village of Kagawong was created as a result of the logging business. Logging required sawmills and a pulp mill. The history of the development of this industry is told at the museum.

Military

The men and women of Kagawong have a proud history of service in Canada's armed forces. Our military exhibit seeks to commemorate the sacrifices and triumphs of these individuals. The exhibit features artifacts from the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, and More.

Bird Exhibit 

Our “Fair-Weather Friend’s Bird Exhibit” has a nest full of beauties. View them this season at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong!