Lac-Brome Museum
Knowlton
The Lac-Brome Museum, formerly the Brome County Historical Society, was founded in 1897. Housed in seven historic buildings, the Museum is a treasure trove of history, with exhibition galleries and an archives centre that tell the stories of the Abenaki, the first Loyalist families to settle in the area, the region’s social and economic development and military life in the former Brome County.
The Museum collection boasts two extremely rare objects: a Fokker DVII biplane dating back to World War I, and the Paul Holland Knowlton House built in 1815.
From May 21, 2022 to April 1, 2023 this new exhibition presents the story of the W8banaki in Brome County, both past and present. It weaves together historical artifacts from our own Indigenous collection and the Musée des Abénakis‘ collection, as well as merges history, tradition, mythology and storytelling through the bright colours of Christine Sioui-Wawanoloath’s modern art pieces. This exhibition intends to remind viewers that these stories are not long gone.
Built in the early 1800s, this log house was once home to Knowlton’s founder, Paul Holland Knowlton. The house was moved to the Museum grounds in 2014 and restored in 2015, thanks to generous support from the community and the Town of Brome Lake, and is a vibrant testimony to those who colonized the region, shaped its development and made it their home.
The Lac-Brome Museum has one of the world’s few remaining Fokker DVII aircraft with its original fabric intact. The Martin Annex also houses the War Museum, which boasts the largest collection of artifacts from World War I outside of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Located in the Marion Phelps Building and inaugurated in 2014, our new Children’s Museum invites children and families to explore the past through a hands-on exhibition! Experience what was life was like in a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and much more!
In the Old Fire Hall, visitors are greeted with an authentic reconstruction of a general store, a 20th-century post office, a blacksmith shop and an exhibit of vintage radio equipment dedicated to R. A. Fessenden, the Knowlton-born inventor who made the world’s first radio broadcast. The Tower is the last of its kind in the area, and features an interior crossbeam structure once used to dry out fire hoses.
Built in 1854, the original Knowlton Academy houses a schoolroom with its original stenciling and blackboards, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse of the past. Upstairs, Victorian décor gives visitors a taste of life in a 20th-century home. There is also an exhibition on the founding of Brome County and the arrival of United Empire Loyalists.
Other services
Rest area (picnic tables)
The Museum provides a dozen picnic tables on its grounds, so you can enjoy your outing to the fullest.
Certified archival services
The Brome County Historical Society maintains an impressive collection of archival materials, including photographs, church records, pioneer papers, newspapers, family files, maps, books, and much more.
Gift shop
Take advantage of your visit to visit the souvenir store, where you will find the exhibition catalogs, as well as local crafts.
Photo album
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Opening Hours
The Lac-Brome Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from National Patriots’ Day until Thanksgiving.
During the winter season (October 12, 2021 to May 20, 2022), only the main building, which houses the temporary exhibition, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. All other buildings are closed.