Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre
One year later, in 1958, the Society opened the Champlain Trail Museum, Pembroke's first museum, in the old Schoolhouse.
Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Rogers, a large log home was reconstructed on the museum property and opened as a furnished pioneer home in 1965.
The museum's collection grew steadily through generous donations and outgrew the physical capacity of the Schoolhouse. In 1979, a new, much larger museum building was opened.
In the mid-1980s, the school was reopened as an exhibition schoolhouse, with a rebuilt tower accommodating an outside school bell. The bell tower was built by students from Fellowes High School under the direction of Charlie Doner and was installed on June 17, 1984.
During the summer of 1997, the museum acquired the Micksburg United Church, which was generously donated by its congregation. Built in 1879, the church not only compliments the museum with its rich heritage, but has become a vibrant part of the community, hosting church services, weddings, and christenings.
In 1999, the museum's collection of heritage buildings was enlarged by the addition of a restored blacksmith's stop.
In 2008, artist Karole Marois painted the mural, "The Pioneers of Pembroke Township 1820-1850" on the side of the museum's main building. This added to Pembroke Heritage Murals' large collection. This mural depicts the life of the first settlers in Pembroke Township. In 2008, the museum also celebrated its 50th anniversary of preserving and presenting the history of Pembroke and area.
In 2020, a five-year strategic plan was developed to guide and support the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village. The strategic planning process took place from January 2020 to April 2020. It was developed by Placemaking Design (Anya Gansterer and Beth Kennedy) in conjunction with Angela Siebarth (the museum curator/director at the time) and the Ottawa Valley Historical Society Board of Directors.
During the visioning sessions, those involved discussed the name of the museum and its relevancy to the entire museum collection. The decision to change the name was informed by a community consultation process including an online survey. The community was asked to select from a series of images and to write about what comes to mind when they think of the history of Pembroke. The logging legacy was very predominant, followed by the First Nations community, early settlers, farming and agriculture and then Pembroke's industry and commerce. The binding connection among these features is the Ottawa River. As it has throughout history, the river continues to be a vital element in the lives of the people who live in and visit the City of Pembroke and area. The Ottawa River as the anchor for the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre's brand is a welcoming symbol that is accessible to the celebrated diversity of people in Pembroke and area.
In 2022, the museum officially rebranded itself and became the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre.
Today, in the main gallery of Founders Hall, discover a replica of Samuel de Champlain's astrolabe and explore Pembroke at the turn of the century as you wander through a Victorian home and take a peek into an early doctor's office. Stroll past Pembroke's first motorized fire engine (1923), a re-creation of Lemke's General Store and a 1930's barbershop and beauty parlour. Discover the story of the timber industry in the Upper Ottawa Valley as you view an authentic Cockburn pointer boat and learn about the life of a log driver. Pass by a large steam engine that once powered a lumber mill in Pembroke. You can view a variety of historical themed exhibits in the main gallery!
Outside in our pioneer village, learn about life through the eyes of a pioneer in this area. Enjoy a guided tour through Pembroke's Lowertown Schoolhouse (1838), our restored pioneer home (1880s), and the Micksburg United Church (1879). Then take your time strolling through the rest of the grounds discovering our blacksmith shop, woodworking shop and row of agriculture sheds with various farm equipment.