Do you have cherished photographs at home? Do you want to preserve your family’s photographs digitally for generations? Museums of Burlington invites you to bring your local family photographs and documents to us where we will scan your items and add them to our community archives. Keep your family treasures and gain a digital copy!

Alternatively, if you’d like, you can donate the original copy to the Museum for long-term preservation at our storage facility. You and your family can choose to visit the photos any time you desire. Preservation and access go hand in hand, as we collect and store content so that it can be viewed and enjoyed by generations of Canadians.

Join us on August 1, 2024 from 10am-1pm. We recommend booking a timeslot on our website. For more information regarding the event, email our Curatorial department at lynna.nguyen@burlington.ca.

Please note: item subjects brought to this scanning event must illustrate the historic founding, settlement, and development of the Burlington area. This can include old landscape photos, event photos, portraits of family who lived and grew up in Burlington, family pictures at Burlington locations, etc.

Why is this important?

A community’s history is captured through photographs and documents often tucked away in private homes. Sharing personal memories can actually enrich the community’s history; digital scans ensure preservation of the stories, memories, and experiences unique to the people of Burlington.

Digital preservation is an on-going process and part of the Museum’s collections policy. We hold these resources in trust for the benefit of future generations, while also providing ways to interact with the collections. We aim to make sure these memories can be accessed forever!

Specifications

Only paper documents and photographs no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches, plus photo negatives and slides, will be digitized during community scan day. Items brought in may not collectively exceed over seven pages.

If items brought to the event cannot be scanned at that time for any reason, participants will receive information on how to schedule a follow-up appointment for one-on-one assistance or other recommendations.

Community scan day participants are encouraged to pre-register as slots will be limited.

Formats accepted: paper documents, photographs, photo-negatives, and slides
Maximum size: 11″ x 17″

Join us for the culminating presentation of 2 One Act Plays.  The workshop participants will demonstrate their prowess on stage. The first presentation will be Chasing Hippieness by Evelyn Principato and the second presentation will be The Dark Lady of the Sonnets by George Bernard Shaw. 

Join us for the culminating performance of 2 One Act Plays performed by the participants of Theatre Burlington's 2nd Annual Workshop. This free event will showcase a new one act play "Chasing Hippiness" by Burlington Playwright Evelyn Principato and the classic "Dark Lady of the Sonnets" by George Bernard Shaw. 

Bring a lawn chair or pack a blanket, grab a cold drink and enjoy performances featuring award-winning musicians in our lovely garden setting.

Join us for a free movie shown on a big outdoor screen in a park near you (weather permitting), presented by Access Storage. Movies will begin after dusk.

School of Rock

Thursday July 11^th

Ireland Park

2315 Headon Forest Dr

Wreck-It Ralph

Thurs July 18^th

Kilbride Park

2175 Blessington St

Trolls 3: Band Together

Thurs July 25th

LaSalle Park

50 North Shore Blvd E

The Sandlot

Thurs August 1^st

Central Park Bandshell

2299 New Street

Migration

Thurs August 8th

Nelson Park

4183 New St

Ratatouille 

Thurs August 15th

Orchard Community Park

2255 Sutton Dr

The Garfield Movie

Thurs August 22nd

Spencer Smith Park

1400 Lakeshore Rd.

Things to Note and Bring:
Bring your own lawn chairs and/or blanket and bug spray.
Bring your own refreshments.
Be sure to come early and reserve a spot.
Parking and restroom facilities are available on site.

Inclement weather may cause delays or cancellations. Please check the weather before heading out.
Inclement Weather Notice: In the event of inclement weather visit our Twitter feed @Burl_parksrec. A cancellation tweet will be posted by 3:30 p.m.

To win "Best Seats in the House" follow us on twitter @Burl_ParksRec

Welcome! Nelson Pool will be hosting Community Event Nights every Friday from 4:30-6:30pm.

Listed below are all our events!  Please note Regular Admission Rates Apply. 

July 5th - Paper Plate Fish: Come join us for crafts, colouring and fun! All the materials will be provided. 

July 12th - Chalk Drawing Night: Come join us to use sidewalk chalk or draw on colouring/activity pages.  

July 19th - Lifeguard Scanning Event/Info Session: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a lifeguard? In tonight’s event, we are going to be learning how to scan the pool by doing scanning challenges to see who has an eagle eye. We will also be providing information on how to become a lifeguard!  

July 26th - Aquafit Night: Have you ever wondered what aquafit was, or have you wanted to try it out? You’re in luck for our community event night, we are giving you the chance to try out aquafit as a participant, but better than that, you can try your hand at helping to lead some aquafit too.   

August 2nd - First Aid Night: THIS EVENT WILL BE MOVED TO MOUNTAINSIDE POOL DUE TO NELSON'S CLOSURE: For tonight's event you will learn information that can help you in an emergency. We are going to show you how to use equipment for a variety of first aid injuries!

August 9th - Jelly Fish Craft: For tonight's event you will be creating a Jellyfish craft. Come join us for crafts, colouring and fun! All the materials will be provided. 

August 16th - Learn to Swim Assessment: Are you interested in swimming lessons for yourself or your children, but you are not sure, or do you want confirmation of what level they should be registered in? Tonight, we will conduct swim assessments for participants to determine the appropriate level they should register in for the upcoming learn-to-swimming session. 

August 23rd - Star Fish Craft: For tonight's event you will be creating a Star Fish craft. Come join us for crafts, colouring and fun! All the materials will be provided.

August 30th - Hula Night: We are going to have a hula hoop competition. Can you keep the hula hoop up longer than your opponent? We will have 3 competitors at a time, to see who can keep the hula hoop moving the longest. 

Watch amateur radio in action as members of the Burlington Amateur Radio Club put their skills to the test and utilize various technologies to operate portable stations, making contacts with other radio operators across the globe. Learn about the hobby by talking to our friendly members. Courses available in the fall. We set up Saturday mornings in the north parking lot of City View Park. ***Weather permitting*** 

Join a Member of Council, Indigenous Spiritual Healer White Eagle, Town Crier David Vollick, Museums Burlington Director Kimberly Watson, and other special guests at the circa 1930s replica Brant House as we formally launch Heritage Week 2024. The ceremony will include a special plaque and sign presentation for three organizations celebrating notable anniversaries, recognition certificates and other activities. Enjoy music by a quartet from the Burlington Symphony Orchestra. In person. Light refreshments. No registration required (capacity limited to 50 people).

Following the opening ceremony, join Alan Harrington of the Burlington Historical Society on a walk from the west end of Spencer Smith Park to the Beach Canal/Lighthouse.  Enjoy hearing stories along the route and looking at locations of interest. The beauty of the walk is much of it takes place in the shade along a paved trail. Hear about the history of this unique natural area and community. Meet by the Conversations and Stories sculpture in front of Joseph Brant Museum at 1240 North Shore Blvd. E. The walk can end at the historic canal lift bridge or may be extended to a visit to the outside of the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage on the south side of the bridge with the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group.  In person. Register at hb@burlington.ca. Parking lot fees may apply. Comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen or other weather-appropriate wear are recommended.

Please Note: This event has been postponed to Saturday, Aug 10 at 11:30 a.m.

The Moccasin Identifier Initiative, was founded by former Chief Carolyn King of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The initiative is a teaching tool and public awareness building program for Treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Representing Indigenous diversity through the various moccasin designs, the moccasin is a 'physical expression of the First Nations journey and considered sacred and passed down to the next generation. As Mother Earth is sacred, the moccasin allows people to tread on her with honour and respect. The activity of stencil painting the various moccasin designs by children along the Waterfront Trail will help teach this knowledge to the next generation of Burlingtonians.  In person. Register at hb@burlington.ca. Washable tempera paints will be used. Participants should be prepared with activity and weather-appropriate clothing.

Halton Freedom Celebration Festival - Celebrating 190 years of Emancipation!!!!

Celebrationg Burlington - Best City to Live in in Canada, and the First City in the World to proclaim August as Emancipation Month (Festival 2018)

Saturday, August 3, 2024 -  1 to 11 p.m.  -  Spencer Smith Park, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Join us for a day of total pleasure!!! This free festival is exquisite with multi-cultural crafts, food trucks, art, fashion, cultural and heritage vendors, youth activities, enormous ambience and exquisite R&B, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Salsa, African, and Jazz Fusion.  Bring your chairs, umbrellas, dancing shoes and effervescent spirit, and enjoy the collaboration.  Schedule and full musician bios at www.hbhas.ca.  See you there!!!

Heritage Burlington is sharing its second self-guided special anniversary driving tour of Burlington.  Commemorating the theme of Innovations throughout the 20^th/21^st Centuries, this tour will highlight several firsts from within its northern rural communities to its southern urban settlement.  This tour offers an opportunity to discover the community, along with historic places of interest and related stories.  Find the tour route on the Burlington Historical Society’s webpage. In person. No registration required. Please safely follow all rules of the road, including parking.

Burlington’s rich, productive farmland has produced a variety of fruits and vegetables through the years.  Join Affirm College of Culinary Arts for free cooking demonstrations featuring freshly picked produce that can be readily purchased at the Centro Garden Farm Market.  Professional chefs will show you how to transform local produce into delectable recipes to celebrate the season and share with friends and family. In person. No registration required.

Come tour St. Luke’s, at 190 years old this year, the oldest church building in Burlington.  Visit the community centre to enjoy the art sale and festival organized by the Burlington Fine Arts Association and purchase artwork from a  local artist or make your own piece of art. Walk the grounds to see artists paint whatever scene catches their attention. This is known as painting en plein air or “in the open air”, weather permitting.  Donations of cash, non-perishable food, diapers, unopened hygiene products, will be accepted for the Burlington Food Bank or the Compassion Society of Halton, at the entrance to the community centre.  In person. No registration required. All sales handled by artists so be prepared to make either a cash or e-payment.

Burlington Fine Arts Association is excited to be participating in Burlington's Heritage Week events at St. Luke's Anglican Church! Join us for a day filled with art, culture, and history. Engage with local artists, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of our community. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate our past and present through the beauty of fine arts. See you there!

Members of the Burlington Fine Arts Association will be participating in the City's Heritage Week events.  Members will be painting "en plein air" on the grounds of St. Luke's Anglican Church and will be exhibiting and selling their art in the Church Hall.  Please come out to discover and support our local artists!

The Church is located at 1382 Ontario Street on the north side of Elgin Street, one block north of Lakeshore Road. The entrance of Parish Hall faces Ontario Street. 

Parking is available in front of the Church or in the municipal parking lot across from the Church on the south side of Elgin Street.  Please obey all parking signs.

Join Hugh Fraser, Agricultural Engineer (semi-retired), Ministry of Agriculture and Food, for his fascinating and well-informed presentation, on the barns of Ontario.  Enjoy looking at his many photos of some of the 1,000 barns he has been in and marvel at a beautiful scale model of an old barn.  Hugh will have copies of his book “Swing Beam Barns of Niagara” highlighting 50 barns built circa 1819 to 1884.  Did you know we have swing beam barns in Burlington?!  Learn more about  Ontario Barn Preservation.

In person. No registration required. Limited room capacity, seating capacity of 50 people per timeslot.

Join Alan Harrington of the Burlington Historical Society on a walk through LaSalle Park.  Hear about the explorer Rene-Robert Cavalier de LaSalle, the man, the park and the legend…walk in his footsteps. Enjoy hearing stories along the route, looking at locations of interest and learning about the history of this unique natural area and community.  Meet by the pavilion in LaSalle Park.  In person. Register at hb@burlington.ca. Parking lot fees may apply. Comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen or other weather-appropriate wear are recommended.

Join Hugh Fraser, Agricultural Engineer (semi-retired), Ministry of Agriculture and Food, for his fascinating and well-informed presentation, on the barns of Ontario.  Enjoy looking at his many photos of some of the 1,000 barns he has been in and marvel at a beautiful scale model of an old barn.  Hugh will have copies of his book “Swing Beam Barns of Niagara” highlighting 50 barns built circa 1819 to 1884.  Did you know we have swing beam barns in Burlington?!  Learn more about  Ontario Barn Preservation.

In person. No registration required. Limited room capacity, seating capacity of 50 people per timeslot.

Explore the travelling exhibit Worlds of the Night, highlighting the nocturnal ecosystems, insects and animals, some of which can be found in Burlington’s nightscape. 

Step back in time and explore Burlington’s past with a film screening of “The Eyes of Memory” at Joseph Brant Museum. Produced by Burlington-based film company Cinema 16, the film originally premiered in 1973 for the centennial celebration of the City of Burlington. Originally shot on 16mm colour film, the image quality has been upgraded. Attendance includes film screening, light refreshments, and popcorn (while supplies last). Pre-registration with Museums of Burlington is recommended. Regular Museum admission will apply to enter galleries when open during the day. The Museum’s galleries will not be open in the evening. In person. Maximum of 40 people per screening time.

Popping up in City of Burlington parks, building and making with unconventional materials using your imagination. Pop Up n’ Play is a play experience where children can explore, create, imagine, and play in their own way.
Staff will provide materials to foster unstructured play that allows children to explore and use their imaginations. They will also answer any questions on all the great programs we have in our city. Parents are encouraged to watch their children play and see how their imaginations soar in the Pop Up n’ Play space.

July 9 - Spencer Smith Park

July 16 - Sweetgrass Park

July 23 - Norton Community Park

July30 - Orchard Community Park

Aug 6 - Millcroft Park

Aug 13 - Ireland Park 

Aug 20 - La Salle Park

Learn how you search for, view, and download historical images, maps, clippings, scrapbooks and more using the Burlington Digital Archive. The archive includes online local history collections of Burlington Public Library, Burlington Historical Society, and the City of Burlington.  In person. Register online at www.bpl.on.ca.  

Explore the travelling exhibit Worlds of the Night, highlighting the nocturnal ecosystems, insects and animals, some of which can be found in Burlington’s nightscape. 

Step back in time and explore Burlington’s past with a film screening of “The Eyes of Memory” at Joseph Brant Museum. Produced by Burlington-based film company Cinema 16, the film originally premiered in 1973 for the centennial celebration of the City of Burlington. Originally shot on 16mm colour film, the image quality has been upgraded. Attendance includes film screening, light refreshments, and popcorn (while supplies last). Pre-registration with Museums of Burlington is recommended. Regular Museum admission will apply to enter galleries when open during the day. The Museum’s galleries will not be open in the evening. In person. Maximum of 40 people per screening time.

Explore the travelling exhibit Worlds of the Night, highlighting the nocturnal ecosystems, insects and animals, some of which can be found in Burlington’s nightscape. 

Step back in time and explore Burlington’s past with a film screening of “The Eyes of Memory” at Joseph Brant Museum. Produced by Burlington-based film company Cinema 16, the film originally premiered in 1973 for the centennial celebration of the City of Burlington. Originally shot on 16mm colour film, the image quality has been upgraded. Attendance includes film screening, light refreshments, and popcorn (while supplies last). Pre-registration with Museums of Burlington is recommended. Regular Museum admission will apply to enter galleries when open during the day. The Museum’s galleries will not be open in the evening. In person. Maximum of 40 people per screening time.

Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and be ready to be swept away by the sounds of Burlington Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 51^st anniversary.  Many Burlington and area residents have enjoyed listening to a variety of music played in this 60+-year-old landmark band shell venue throughout the decades.  In person. No registration required.