Treasure Chest Museum

Treasure Chest Museum

Preserving the local history of the Village of Paisley and surrounding area! Treasures from the 1950's to today are showcased in this museum. Join us for a tour!

407 Queen Street North  

The Treasure Chest Museum was founded by Norman Hagedorn and his wife Ina in 1988. They collected a variety of pioneer artifacts and donated them to the Village of Paisley. Since then, Friends of the Treasure Chest Museum continue to add to the collection to retain the history of the area. View the many collections including agriculture and blacksmith. Also available is the archives area, home to copies of the Paisley Advocate and Chesley Enterprise, dating back to 1865!

Treasure Chest Museum Kids Program – Summer 2025

The Treasure Chest Museum Kids Program invites children ages 6 to 11 to step into the past with hands-on crafts, games, and stories inspired by local history. Each Wednesday features a new theme such as farming, folklore, or pioneer life, designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Spaces are limited to 10 participants per day, so be sure to register early. Admission is by donation. 1:00 - 3:00 pm 

For more information contact tcmuseum@arran-elderslie.ca  519-353-7176

Weekly Themes

July 2: Farming & Agriculture Paint a barn plaque or build a mini scarecrow while exploring real tools farmers used long ago.

July 9: Pioneers & Homesteads Build a mini log cabin and try your hand at pioneer chores like shaking cream into real butter!

July 16: Local Myths & Folklore From spooky stories to legendary creatures, make a mask and bring old tales to life through storytelling and play.

July 23: Games of the Past Try out classic pioneer games like sack races, tug-of-war, and hoop rolling. Make a play passport and collect stamps as you go.

July 30: From Fibre to Fabric Explore how families used yarn, fabric, and thread to make everything by hand, then try it yourself with hands-on weaving.

August 6: Museum Mystery Hunt Can you crack the case? Follow clues and search the museum to solve a historical mystery. Prizes for the sharpest eyes!

August 13: Messages Through Time Send a secret message like they did in the past! Try message-in-a-bottle crafts, postcards, and time capsule fun.

August 20: Life 100 Years Ago Take a peek into the past with dress-up fun and vintage photo games. See what’s changed and what’s stayed the same.

August 27: Early Canadian Crafts Discover how early Canadians brightened their homes with handmade lanterns and experienced the hard work of wash day, when clothes were cleaned by hand.

Register Here

 Museum Hours of Operation