Support the Museum
Generations of donors, members and volunteers have worked together to build Markham Museum. Over the years, their efforts and contributions have expanded the Museum’s collections, created exciting galleries and exhibitions, funded curatorial research expeditions around the world, and created stimulating programs for children.
- Donate
With your help, the Museum can:
- Make new programs
- Care for the artifacts and archives
Make sure our exhibitions are correct and relevant
To donate, please complete the secure form online.
- Make new programs
- Artifact Donation Process
The Curator reviews each item presented for possible donation to the collection. If an item meets with our collecting priorities, you will be asked to bring the item to the Museum. Each item is assessed and must ultimately meet the approval of our Acquisitions Committee and Board of Trustees. An independent appraisal is conducted to assess the value of the piece. A Deed of Gift is issued and returned to the museum by mail. Shortly afterwards a tax receipt is issued for the value of the item (from the City of Markham). This process can take several months.
What Markham Museum collects: The Museum began collecting in the late 1960s and has amassed a collection of more than 75,000 items, including objects, photographs and archival documents of virtually every aspect of our local history. Due to the size of the existing collection, we are no longer in a position to accept every item we are offered. In general, we collect historical documents and photographs related to individuals, families, business and government in Markham as well as objects both large and small that document our settlement history as well and our changing technology and environment. To be considered for the collection, objects must be in good condition and should have a history of use in the local community.
Please contact the Curator at museuminfo@markham.ca to enquire about donating.
- Memberships
Become a Member and Save!
- Family Membership (Two adults and 4 children under 18 years): $103 plus applicable taxes
- Individual Membership: $69 plus applicable taxes
- Student Membership (14-18): $42 plus applicable taxes
Member Benefits Include:
- Free general admission to Markham Museum and Varley Art Gallery (excludes pre-registered, private and third-party events. Lunar Nights is classified as a third-party event.)
- 10% off Museum Summer Day Camps*
- 10% off Museum Children’s Birthday Parties*
- 15% off select purchases in the Museum and Varley Art Gallery gift shops
- 10% off photo reproduction orders
- 50% off archive retrieval fees
- Free admission to Lunch and Learn events at Varley Art Gallery
- 15% discount on single tickets to Flato Markham Theatre's Diamond Season. (Some restrictions apply. Discount applies to Regular price, subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers. New purchases only.)
- Free admission to many other ASTC registered Museums and Science Centres outside the Greater Toronto Area through the ASTC Passport Program (full list at www.astc.org/passport).
- Free admission to many other Museums and Art Galleries via the ROAM program (list and restrictions at https://sites.google.com/site/roammuseums/home/list-of-roam-museums)*
*Available for Family Memberships only.
Getting a Membership is easy!
Visit https://cityofmarkham.perfectmind.com to purchase today. Account required.
Once you have purchased your membership online, you will be contacted by the Museum to arrange mailing or pick-up of your membership card. Any further questions may be directed to museuminfo@markham.ca
- Volunteers
Want to have fun while learning valuable job and life skills? Become a Museum Volunteer!
Markham Museum is looking for fun, enthusiastic, and energetic people to volunteer during Special Events, Camps, Children's Programs, Pottery Programs and more! As a volunteer you will build leadership skills, learn how to work as a team, and help families get the most out of their visit! Opportunities are available for teens, adults and seniors.
Visit our volunteer section today to find out how to become a volunteer!
- Museum Foundation
The Friends of Markham Museum is a “not for profit” registered charity established by The Town of Markham to be an advocate of the Museum within the community; to provide advice and recommendations to the Museum and to take a leadership role in developing a fund for the maintenance and enhancement of the Museum and Museum services and programs.
The directors of the Foundation are appointed from within the community and serve without remuneration.
The role of The Friends is as follows:
- To raise funds to support and promote the Museum and to assist the Museum with its programs.
- To assist the Museum with the formulation of policies, plans and strategies to ensure that the acquisition, collection and retention of artifacts is carried out with the intent that the cultural property and scientific specimens held by the Museum are meaningful to the largest, most diverse audience possible.
- To review the Museum’s ongoing collection holdings and make recommendations
- To work with the Museum to create strategies for the development of new exhibits and other interpretive facilities.
- To assist in the planning, development, funding and coordination of lecture series and historically themed events.
- To assist with the improvement of youth programming by the Museum.
Please visit the Friends of Markham Museum website at http://friendsofmarkhammuseum.ca
- Our Partners
Markham Museum gratefully acknowledges our partners. With their help, the Museum can continue to make history relevant, accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
