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Museum of Northern History to close at the end of the month

An undated photo of the Museum of Northern History at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau on Chateau Drive in Kirkland Lake, Ont. (Museum of Northern History/Facebook) An undated photo of the Museum of Northern History at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau on Chateau Drive in Kirkland Lake, Ont. (Museum of Northern History/Facebook)
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The Town of Kirkland Lake announced Friday the imminent permanent closure of the Museum of Northern History.

An undated photo of the Museum of Northern History at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau sign. (Museum of Northern History/Facebook)

The museum is housed in the elegant and beautifully restored Sir Harry Oakes Chateau – a house built in 1929 by the founder of the prosperous Lake Shore Mine.

The museum features regional artifacts related to pioneers, prospectors, miners and Indigenous history in addition to exhibits on millionaires, sports heroes and wildlife in the region and several works of art.

Several exhibits on display at the Museum of Northern History at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau on Chateau Drive in Kirkland Lake, Ont., are shown in this undated photo. (Town of Kirkland Lake)

“Permanent exhibits housed within the Chateau represent northeastern Ontario geographically, culturally and economically,” reads the town’s website.

“Exhibits on the prosperous Kirkland Lake Gold Camp, geology, local businesses and industries, the pioneers of Kirkland Lake and local heroes.”

There's a gift shop selling historical and town souvenirs along with local art and artisan works.

An undated photo of the Museum of Northern History at Sir Harry Oakes Chateau on Chateau Drive in Kirkland Lake, Ont. (Museum of Northern History/Facebook)

“The Town of Kirkland Lake affirms its commitment to culture by way of implementing a new cultural strategy,” said town officials in a news release on Friday.

Town staff also expressed gratitude to visitors and contributors for their patronage of the museum during its tenure.

The town has not said what will be done with the permanent exhibits housed at the chateau or what it plans to do with the property itself.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the museum's closure is asked to contact the town’s director of community services at 705-567-5215 ext. 425.

The final day of the museum's public operation will be on Aug. 31.

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