Hamilton 175 launches new digital storytelling website

HAMILTON, ON - A new digital storytelling website has launched in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of Hamilton’s founding. HamiltonCivicMuseums.ca presents a wide-ranging and inclusive view of Hamilton’s past, present, and future, with featured content co-created with community partners.

The website showcases stories and interactive exhibits that illustrate Hamilton’s history digitally. Opening with seven exhibitions, the website will grow to a virtual platform for all Hamilton communities to preserve and share their heritage, histories, and narratives. This is the first step in developing a virtual Museum of Hamilton to complement the existing Hamilton Civic Museum websites.

Quick Facts

• On June 9, 1846, Hamilton was incorporated as a city with wards, councilors, and a mayor.
• On October 14, 2020, Council approved the development of an online commemoration of the 175th-year anniversary of the City’s founding by launching a dedicated website as the first step in developing a virtual Museum of Hamilton.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated what was already a growing trend towards museums doing more digital storytelling and engagement, which has proven to be a relevant and effective means of reaching new and wider audiences.

“This new digital storytelling website not only highlights our history, it also prepares us for the future. As technology evolves and innovative mediums for sharing information continue to emerge, new discoveries and developments will propel our community forward. Hamilton is a hub, not only for historical preservation but for creative evolution.”

- Mayor Fred Eisenberger

"This new website is the first step in developing a virtual Museum of Hamilton that will complement the existing Hamilton Civic Museum sites we all know and love. The digital platform will allow us to tell Hamilton’s stories in a way we haven’t been able to do in the past, that is uniquely creative and will showcase our history in a new and exciting way.”

- Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Director of Tourism and Culture

Additional Resources

• Hamilton Civic Museums
• Hamilton 175
• Virtual Commemoration of 175 Years of Hamilton’s History staff report
• Hamilton Heritage newsletter
• Hamilton Civic Museums social media: Facebook and Instagram