Pembroke has a rich culture and history, from the Algonquin people who first lived on and cared for these lands to the development of the logging industry, to today. With a deep-rooted love for hockey, fiddling, and stepdancing, our community's passions remain strong.
Further information can be found on our Indigenous Resources page and on our Hockey Town Canada page.
Pembroke Heritage Murals
Pembroke is famous for its murals spread across the city which each tell different stories about our city's history. Throughout Pembroke, you can find murals focused on the The Great Fire of 1918, the lumbering industry, the Mackay Street Arena, the Grand Trunk Union Station, and more.
Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre
The Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre (1032 Pembroke St. E.) preserves and promotes the history of the Upper Ottawa Valley. This dynamic museum, owned and managed by the Ottawa Valley Historical Society, collects, preserves, researches, exhibits and interprets its collection of artifacts and archival material. At the museum, you can find:
- Pembroke's Lowertown Schoolhouse on its original site (circa 1838)
- Log pioneer home (circa 1860)
- Micksburg United Church (circa 1879), available for weddings
- Agricultural work sheds and equipment
- Train station and sawmill
- Pointer boat and Corliss steam engine
- An exact replica of Champlain's Astrolabe
- Picnic facilities
- All buildings are wheelchair accessible
Murray L. Moore Hydro Museum
The Murray L. Moore Hydro Museum (283 Pembroke St. W.) is housed in the original diesel room of the Pembroke Electric Light Co. Ltd. It contains original light fixtures and artifacts dating back to 1884. The first street lights in Canada cast their glow down Pembroke Street on October 8, 1884.
The Pembroke Hydro Museum officially opened in October 1984 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first street light that was installed in Pembroke. The museum was later dedicated in honor of Murray L. Moore on the occasion of his retirement on October 31, 2004.
Renfrew County Museums Network
To discover other museums in the region to keep exploring local culture and history, visit the Renfrew County Museums Network website.