Scarborough Museum
Nestled in the heart of Thomson Memorial Park are the four heritage buildings that make up Scarborough Museum. This is where one vibrant community celebrates its diverse past, present and future.
History and daily life come together in an engaging community space that has become the heart of the park. Hear stories, new and old, that have shaped the ever changing community of Scarborough. Whether visiting for weekend festivals, summer evening activities, day camps, or youth programs, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.
Feel the warmth of the fire in an old hearth, taste freshly-baked goods, be immersed in the Indigenous garden and murals or join one of the many culinary events. Learn how Scarborough developed from land farmed by Indigenous peoples and settlers to a major suburb of North America’s fourth largest city.
Discover more about the city and help build another chapter in the story of this vibrant community.
Admission
General admission is free. Some exhibitions and events may carry a separate charge where noted.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special Exhibits & Events
Browse the Toronto History Museums Calendar to find special exhibits and events happening at this and other museum sites.
Health and Safety
The public is not required to wear a mask but may choose to wear a mask in any settings they wish and will be supported in doing so. Museum visitors are treated with respect and understanding, regardless of their decision to wear a mask.
On-site Services
- Picnic area in park
- Free public parking
- Partial accessibility, please contact the museum for full details.
Groups of 15 people or more will be charged a fee for their visits. This fee includes a reserved time for your group and a dedicated tour guide to ensure an enjoyable and engaging experience.
For more information on group tours, fees or to book your group visit, email shm@toronto.ca. Please contact us 14 days in advance of your preferred visit date. Groups without an advanced booking may not be accommodated.
By Car
From 401 eastbound: Take the Brimley Road S. exit. Continue southbound on Brimley Road to Thomson Memorial Park and turn left into the parking lot.
From 401 westbound: Take the McCowan Road S. exit. Turn right on Ellesmere Road and then left on Brimley Road. Follow Brimley Road south to Thomson Memorial Park and turn left into the parking lot.
By Transit
Take the Brimley # 21 bus from Kennedy Subway Station. The bus stops outside the park entrance. For specific TTC route and schedule information call 416-393-4636 (INFO) or visit the TTC website.
Location
Cornell House
As part of the Scarborough Museum, the Cornell House offers a look at rural village life circa 1914 and is furnished to depict that time period. The Cornell House was constructed in 1858 and was originally home to Charles Cornell, his wife Matilda and their eight children. Charles father, William Cornell, came to Scarborough from Rhode Island in 1799. William Cornell built the township’s first sawmill at Highland Creek and along with Levi Annis, cut the ‘Front’ road along the lake in the early 1800s. Known as the ‘Cornwell Road’, it was improved and straightened in 1817 and renamed Kingston Road. Charles’ youngest daughter, Matilda inherited the house in 1887, and lived there with her mother and older brother Fred who operated a small orchard and market garden.
McCowan Log House
The McCowan Log House has been restored and furnished to portray the life of local settlers in the 1850s, and was constructed in the 1830s. The house was owned by William P. McCowan (Willie) who was born in 1820 in East Auchanbeg, Lesmahagow Parish, Lanarkshire, Scotland. In 1833, Willie emigrated to Scarborough from Scotland with his parents and siblings, and in 1848 he purchased 100 acres, the north half of Lot 13, Concession 4 which included the log house. The log house was located on the banks of Wilcot Creek in the northern part of the Malvern area in Scarborough. The building had additions and renovations made over the years and was moved to the Thornbeck property on Littles Road in 1948. In 1974 the building was moved once more to the Scarborough Museum.
Hough Carriage Works
The Hough Carriage Works collection displays carriage making equipment and artisans’ tools that demonstrate the importance of transportation in the rural community. Henry Hough operated a carriage building and blacksmith shop at the southwest corner of what is now Eglinton Avenue East and Birchmount Road on land patented by his father Joseph in 1846. The shop began operating about 1856 and in the 1861 census Henry is listed as a wheelwright. The carriage making shop was a two storey wood frame building with wooden runways outside to bring the completed carriages down from the second floor. On the first floor the wagon parts were built and assembled while on the second floor, the paint and finishing touches were applied.