Museum of Atikokan
We welcome visitors from near and far to explore the history of Atikokan.
What’s New
Museum of Atikokan
Our history runs deep! The highlight of our collection is the Steep Rock Iron Mine exhibit.
News
Illuminated Wall Decorations – Atikokan History
The latest addition to the Writer’s Nook in the Museum of Atikokan is a beautiful stained-glass window. The window is illuminated by a specially constructed cabinet to accommodate LED lighting with a diffusion layer, crafted by Dutka Signs. This beautiful window...
Waterfalls and Water Scenes
Waterfalls and water scenes are a favourite subject of artists and photographers. Thursday, August 12th, 2 to 4 pm our exhibit in the green space beside the Library will feature waterfalls and water scenes by Elsa Kosola, Mary Bordynuik, Elaine Kryzanowski, and...
Mystery Painter and a Favourite
There are two paintings by “Markell” in the Museum collection and no records to tell us about the painter. One painting includes the sign for Leishman's Pharmacy, which was at 208 O'Brien Street according to our records. Visible in the distant background is the dome...
Artists in the Park
One of the strengths of Atikokan's museum is the fine art collection. There have been many Atikokan artists, some very well known, others not so much. In the early 1950s Mari Hegler formed the Atikokan Art Club. It was an ambitious and hard working group with a...
April 2021, 23rd National Poetry Month
Slam poetry, spoken word poetry and rap are the trends of today. Poetry has always been a popular outlet. I have found many poems working with the archival materials in the Atikokan Museum. Some bring a chuckle over the wit and humour, others are touching. It is the...
French River Spring by Jameson Kooper
Published in Lone Pine North Woods by Jameson Kooper, 2017 French River Spring Tender shootsRise to feast upon Aten`sGold, breaking soilLong held in winter blanket. With each dew day, glintingJewels wake a sleepy world,Shaking spiders from cobwebs,Ants from dens,As...
First Ford Car in Atikokan
Mr. C. W. Palmer driving his car in front of the Atikokan Hotel, June 1921 The poem, "For Sale" transcribed below, is from a hand written document, a faded piece of lined paper, likely taken from a "scribbler". The distincitive writing, in faded India ink, is composed...
Harvest Still Life Painting by Elsa Kosola, 1986
Still life paintings offer a new way of looking at the ordinary objects. The goal of still life composition is to direct the viewer's eye through a painting and lead them to what the artist thinks is important. This type of artistic exercise has a long history....
It’s in her blood
It's in her blood .... Alanna Marohnic offering drawing classes at the Museum I am certain that teachers, friends and many others in Atikokan can recall images of little Alanna, a creative force sketching, painting, adventuring into the world of art. Now an artist...
Fresh look for Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque
The Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario marker for Steep Rock Iron Range was faded and weather beaten. When contacted Ontario Heritage Trust provided the necessary information and permission to restore the marker. Historical markers serve to educate and...
Visit the Museum
The Museum is organized for self-guided tours, context labels describe the relevance of the exhibits. The ongoing addition of local character histories emphasizes the many endeavours and achievements of this community.
On Street Exhibits and the Historial Park
Large artifacts are on display throughout the Town of Atikokan along with descriptive labels. Best viewed on a walking tour, additional features of the town are located on the walking tour map.
Archival & Artifact Collection
Visitors are welcome, appointments are recommended for research projects. A small fee will be charged for providing copies of documents.
A great deal of Atikokan history has been collected by Charles Dobie. His website, atikokanhistory.org affords the reader a rewarding visit to the social history of Atikokan.
DONATIONS
We are the proud custodians of the history of Atikokan and area. The Museum of Atikokan is supported by grant funding and the Town of Atikokan. Financial donations are gratefully accepted and go a long way to help with the care and conservation of our history. Donations can be made by e-transfer to finance@atikokan.ca. Please indicate the donation is intended for the Museum at the time of the e-transfer.
IN MEMORIAM AND IN HONOUR DONATIONS
If you would like to make a donation to the Museum of Atikokan in memory of or to honour a loved one, please indicate the name of the person the donation commemorates and the name and address of the person to whom acknowledgment should be sent. All donations of $10 or more are acknowledged with an income tax receipt.