Automotive Museum to share Oshawa’s history

The Canadian Automotive Museum is appealing for public support to help launch a new exhibit documenting the story of Oshawa’s automotive legacy.

The exhibit, called Oshawa’s Automotive Community, will trace the origins, growth, and community impact of Canada’s largest automotive assembly plant, from the first McLaughlin-Buick automobile in 1907 to the present. The museum will tell the story of the millions of Oshawa-built vehicles sold around the world, as well as highlight the personal stories of generations of local residents who defined their identity through General Motors.

Supporters can add their name to a donor wall in the exhibit for $50, honour a family legacy with a memorial sponsorship for $200, or become a foundation member for $1,000. Residents are also encouraged to share their stories and photographs from their time working at the assembly plant.

“With the announced end of car assembly in Oshawa, this is the right time to tell the impact of the auto industry in the lives of local residents,” said museum executive director Alex Gates.

The exhibition is expected to be installed by March Break next year in the museum’s Canadian Gallery with an online component available through the Virtual Museum of Canada.

The museum opened in 1963 and maintains a significant collection of Canadian cars. Located in downtown Oshawa, the museum’s collection is displayed in a former 1920s Chevrolet dealership building.

The museum is open Monday to Friday 10 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information, visit www.CanadianAutomotiveMuseum.com/Oshawa or call 905-576-1222.