Exhibits

Exhibits from the Museum’s collection, sharing stories of life in Paris past and present.

Thompson Printing Press

An exhibit highlighting an early printing press and its role in communication, business, and daily life in Paris.

Penmans Time Clock

A tangible reminder of industrial life in Paris, showing how time, work, and routine shaped the lives of Penmans employees.

How Paris Got Its Name

Explore the origins of Paris’s name and the story behind how the town came to be known as Paris, Ontario.

Buildings We Have Lost in Paris

A look at buildings that once defined the streetscape of Paris, remembered through photographs, records, and community memory.

Entertainment in Paris

Step into the world of entertainment in Paris, including historic movie theatres, performances, and the ways people gathered for leisure and fun.

Three Industries That Put Paris on the Map

Learn how key industries helped shape Paris’s growth, economy, and reputation, leaving a lasting mark on the town’s identity.

Fine Dining in Paris

An exhibit exploring dining culture in Paris, from elegant table settings to the traditions and social gatherings that brought people together.

Mary Maxim, including the “Traveling Thunderbirds”

Discover original materials connected to Mary Maxim, a company with deep roots in Paris and a lasting impact on local industry and community life.

Annie Broughton Letters

A collection of handwritten letters that reveal everyday life, relationships, and personal stories from Paris’s past through one woman’s words.

Areas of Paris

Explore how different areas of Paris developed over time, shaped by industry, geography, and the people who lived and worked there.

1917 Signature Quilt

A beautifully preserved quilt signed in 1917, offering a glimpse into community life, craftsmanship, and personal connections from more than a century ago.

Experience the Exhibits in Person

The best way to experience the Museum is to visit in person. Exhibits rotate, and many artifacts are part of larger stories shared by our knowledgeable volunteers.