New and Upcoming Exhibits

New Exhibits at NORMHC

Hooked Rag Rug

A hundred years ago, rug making was very much a part of everyday life. Rag rugs were a means of recycling clothing that was no longer wearable.  The material was washed and sorted and then cut into strips for later use.  The history of these rugs is rooted in New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces.  This amazing hooked rag rug of the 6077 was created for NORMHC by Linda Kelly, former curator of the Centennial Museum in Sheguiandah and currently on the board of the Ontario Historical Society.  It is currently on display in the School Car at  the museum.

 

Hot Metal Car #5

The giant rail car was donated to the museum by Vale during the summer of 2011.  It was the last remaining hot metal car at Vale and had been used to transport molten copper from the Smelter to the Copper Refinery.  The car is shaped like a torpedo with a giant hole on top where the liquid copper was poured in. 

The car was destined for the demolition torch until Vale employee Rob Fleming intervened.  Eager to preserve the memory of an important copper operation that once employed him and many others in the region, Fleming kept the car clear of ongoing operations by shuffling it around Vale's property until a grant could be secured by NORMHC for its transportation to Capreol.

 

Ramsey Family Player Piano

The Ramsey Family has undoubtedly contributed much to the railroading story story in Canada and have been instrumental in shaping our region.  The museum is proud to welcome the Ramsey's player piano as well as C.W.P. Ramsey's office desk.  

William Allan Ramsey was born January 16th 1849 in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  He graduated as a civil engineer and was hired by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to assist with mapping out a suitable route for the railroad through northern Ontario and across Canada. Canadian Pacific had originally surveyed the railway line to run along the southern shore of Lake Ramsey, but during a return trip to the region, Ramsey and his crew became disoriented due to heavy fog and were forced to surveyed a new route, where the present day tracks lie, parallel to Howey Drive.  As a result of this experience, Ramsey thought it fitting to designate the body of water with the title of Lost Lake.

Ramsey’s new survey was well received by his superiors and proved to be a more suitable route for a rail line through Sudbury.  James Worthington, the superintendent of construction on the main line, renamed Lost Lake in Ramsey’s honour, acknowledging his efforts in planning a rail line through this harsh region of northern Ontario.

Ramsey's son, Colonel Colin Worthington Pope Ramsey also found success in the railroad industry.  He served as the Engineer of Construction for Eastern Lines of the Canadian Pacific Railroad and eventually, as a superintendent for the company in Montreal.  During the First World War, he travelled to France with the Royal Engineers as an organizer and commander of the Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps.

Upcoming Exhibits at NORMHC

 

Cape Porcupine CN 1084

The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre has recently purchased a Bedroom/Buffet/Lounge Car formerly belonging to Canadian National Railways as car #1084.  More details to follow. 

 

Capreol Fire Hall

The museum is currently in talks with the City of Greater Sudbury to take over and preserve the former Capreol fire hall and police station.  More details to follow.

 

 

 

Steam Locomotive Playground

NORMHC is currently fundraising to acquire a playground structure ispired by CN steam locomotive 6077, currently on display at the museum.  The playground designed by ABC Recreation will provide an interactive exhibit for children visiting the museum.  The museum is well over half way towards achieving its goal.  If you would like to donate or volunteer on this project, please contact us at the museum. 

 NORMHC would like to thank the following organizations for their support with this project;

 Greater Sudbury Development Corporation

 McDonald, Napier and Thomas General Insurance Brokers

 Intact Insurance

 Aviva Canada

 Gougeon Insurance Brokers

 

Shelter for Steam Locomotive 6077

A massive undertaking for NORMHC is the construction of a shelter for steam locomotive 6077.  The museum has begun fundraising for the project and is in the process of completing a site survey.  The design was developed by Sawchuk Peach Associates in Sudbury.

The concept was inspired by the Victorian Era and the arrival of the railroad in the Sudbury region.  The structure uses northern Ontario indigenous materials in the arched wood trusses supporting a partially transparent roof.  CN 6077, built as one of the last steam driven locomotives, will have a fitting showcase reflecting the history of the railroad locally and stylistically in architectural design terms of the steam engine era.