Our Mission
Located in the historic Gaol built in 1863, the Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives (KLMA) is a non-profit charitable organization that shares and preserves fascinating stories and unique regional artifacts and records.
The Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives dates to 1957, when a group of citizens began collecting, preserving, and sharing the heritage of Lindsay and the surrounding townships under the name of Victoria County Historical Society (VCHS). Following the closure of the County Gaol in 2003, the then VCHS began redeveloping the unique space into a museum—the fourth home of the VCHS since its inception. The old gaol's doors reopened in 2011 as a museum dedicated to sharing community histories.
The Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives is dedicated to increasing community awareness and appreciation of local heritage. It seeks to inspire and engage with the public through cultural exhibits, events, and partnerships within its community. Through its outreach initiatives, KLMA features, celebrates, preserves, and shares local stories and how they connect to Canada's history. Come in and explore the history of Lindsay and Kawartha Lakes today!
Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives has completed its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, which can be viewed here. We look forward to working with our community and partners on completing our goals and moving forward.
Learn about our building
Meet Our Board
Tara Brodie
Vice President
Tara’s professional background spans post-secondary education, corporate learning and development, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. She has held senior leadership roles focused on education, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, operational effectiveness, and leading teams through change and growth initiatives.
Kris Miethner
President
Kristina studied anthropology at York University and education at OISE, University of Toronto. She gained early experience as a field instructor at the Boyd Archaeological Field School and as a member of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s archaeology team. She now works in the technology sector and enjoys genealogical research as a hobby.
Colin Walsh
Secretary
Colin joined the KLMA Board in March 2026. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and works professionally in the heritage sector. He has a strong interest in local history and family ties to Lindsay and the surrounding area spanning generations.
Sara Walker-Howe
Treasurer
Sara Walker-Howe is the author of Historical Citizens of Kawartha Lakes, which includes the biographies of 21 fascinating individuals, and Primrose Hill Manor: the history of the Janetville mansion, She researches and writes about local writers, both current and historical, at www.kawarthalakeswriters.com.
Matt Wintjes
Director
Thirteen years ago, Matt Wintjes moved to Lindsay for school and has been here ever since. He went to school for Ecology, but landed in the municipal world of waste management. He loves history, music, ghost stories, insects, home renovation and can't wait to help out in whatever way he can!
Kane Patterson
Director
Kane is a graduate of the University of Ottawa with an honours degree in Political Science and History. Kane hopes to work alongside his fellow board members and offer up his education and experience to help guide the future of the Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives.
Jeanette Lively
Director
Jeanette is employed by the Ministry of Solicitor General and was awarded the 20 year exemplary service award for above average performance and leadership qualities.