Gaze upon our historic architecture. Tread the very path walked upon by Bramptonians more than a century ago. Journey through time and experience Brampton’s past.
The City of Brampton has inherited a rich legacy of cultural heritage resources. Much of Brampton's heritage is linked to its historical roots as the “Flowertown of Canada” which has been revived and re-established under the City’s Flower City Strategy. Another important piece of Brampton's history is its past role as the capital or county seat of the former Peel County.
Get a first-hand look at our history, and explore a thriving modern downtown, with the
Alderlea
Look for the beautiful buff brick Victorian building, with massive eaves, brackets and bay windows, next to Gage Park in downtown Brampton. Alderlea was a private estate built between 1865 and 1879 in a classic, Italianate Style. It has been restored as a premier space for exhibits and special events.
Bovaird House
Step into the historic estate of William and Mossie Bovaird, donated to the city in 1985. This classic, Georgian-style farmhouse has been restored to reflect the 1850–1900 time period. Learn more from the volunteers who operate the museum and tours. Explore the grounds to see the restored Pendergast Log House, one of the last known surviving log houses in the city. Open mid-February to mid-December, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm-4pm. Group tours must be pre-arranged by
filling out this online form.
Central Public School
The first students came through these beautiful doors in 1916, but this historic site has housed educational activity for nearly 130 years. It’s now a City of Brampton recreation centre and a popular location for film shoots.
24 Alexander St. | 905.874.2810
CNR Train Station
Railways are a great part of our history. In booming times, the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) built this grand Romanesque Revival structure in 1907, now the Brampton GO Transit and VIA Rail Station.
31 Church St. W.
CPR Station Restoration
Visit Mount Pleasant Village and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station, memorializing a time when millions of flowers from “Flower Town” were shipped by rail, and thousands of soldiers set off for service overseas. Originally located in downtown Brampton in 1902, the station was rebuilt in 2011 and houses a Brampton Library branch.
100 Commuter Dr. | 905.840.4041
PAMA - Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives
PAMA is the premier destination to discover the arts and heritage of Brampton and Peel Region. Its facilities are focused on art and history, using conversation and stories to make new connections.
9 Wellington St. E. | 905.791.7800
PAMA
Museum
Partially housed in what was a former 1800s jail, complete with three original cells, prisoner and staff memorabilia, and partially within the old Land Registry Building, the PAMA Museum offers visitors a rare and authentic glimpse into the past and present, exploring the very personal lives and stories of the people of the Region of Peel. The museum features 7,000 square feet of exhibition space, including:
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The
Peel Gallery, showcasing Peel's unique land and people;
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The
Connections Community Gallery, highlighting the history and culture of Peel's diverse community;
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Manning Square, with almost 1,300 square feet of family friendly space where kids of all ages are invited to touch, feel and experiment with interactive activities and historical artifacts.; History and technology meet in the square on PAMA's multi-touch table.; Explore historic maps, photos, and documents;
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We are Here has over 1,000 square feet dedicated to the history of Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) people in Peel.
Archives
Land and property records, early census records, maps, letters, photographs, documents, newspapers and other items of historical and personal significance. PAMA's Archives house important records and artifacts documenting the extensive settlement and development history of the Region of Peel. Located in the former Peel County Jail, the Archives give visitors an opportunity to explore things such as:
- newspapers from a hundred years ago;
- historic maps of the community;
- photographs of special events;
- letters from people who lived in Peel Region in the past;
- old business and government records
If you're researching your family history, the PAMA Archives is the best way to start.
