Elman W. Campbell Museum

The Elman W. Campbell Museum acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples and the treaty land of the Williams Treaties First Nations. 

The Elman W. Campbell Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the diverse stories that shape Newmarket's past, present, and future. Through lenses from Indigenous roots to settlement, industry, immigration, and ongoing community transformation, we offer inclusive, engaging, and educational experiences that reflect the town's evolving identity. All exhibitions, programs, and outreach are grounded in this commitment to connecting people through time. 

Since 1996, the museum is located on Main Street in historic downtown Newmarket in the former North York Registry Office dating to 1884. The building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and is the last remaining 19th-century registry office from York County. 

Built in the formal Classical Revival style in 1884, the structure was designed to be fire-proof. It features two-foot-thick brick walls, a cut stone foundation and a slate roof. It is unique in having transverse vaults rather than a vault extending the length of the building. The museum is located on Main Street in historic downtown Newmarket.

Elman W. Campbell was a Main Street merchant from the 1930s through to the 1970s and original benefactor of the museum's collection. The museum was officially named after Elman W. Campbell from his generosity and contributions to preserving Newmarket's heritage. 

The Museum's mandate is to provide insight into the First Peoples of the area and the experiences of Newmarket's early settlers, brought to life through historical objects during the early 1800s up to 30 years before present.

Drop by the Museum for a free visit to learn and explore:

• 'Lanterns, Teapots and Quilts; Off the Grid Living' exhibit
• Indigenous Display
• Log Cabin room setting
• Special displays throughout the year
• Model train diorama
• Tabletop activities for children including wooden train set, wooden doll house, build a log cabin, slates with chalk and more

The Elman W. Campbell Museum is wheelchair accessible.

Community groups 

For community groups (example Camps, Schools, Retirement Homes, Adult Programs) wanting to visit the museum, please contact a museum representative to book an appointment at museum@newmarket.ca or call 905-953-5314.

The Elman W. Campbell Museum is free to visit, however, there are several ways to support the Museum: