Support the Museum
Be a Part of History
As a community-driven institution, we rely on your support to preserve and share Markham’s rich history. Whether through volunteering, donations, memberships, or corporate partnerships, your contributions help us care for our collections, create engaging programs, and bring history to life for all ages. Join us in making a lasting impact and support the Museum today and be part of our story!
Become a Member
Unlock Exclusive Perks with a Markham Museum Membership!
Membership Options:
Family Membership
- Two adults and 4 children under 18 years
- $120 plus applicable taxes
Individual Membership
- $72 plus applicable taxes
Senior / Student Membership
- 55+ or 14 - 18 years old
- $44 plus applicable taxes
What is included in your Markham Museum Membership:
- Free general admission to Markham Museum, including our signature event AppleFest. (Excludes pre-registered, private and third-party events.)
- Discounts on select third-party events such as Barkham.
- Priority access to ticketed free events such as Night at the Museum.
- 10% off Museum Day Camps* (Excludes third-party camps held on the Museum site)
- 10% off Museum Children’s Birthday Parties*
- 15% off select purchases in the Museum and Varley Art Gallery gift shops
- 10% off photo reproduction orders
- 50% off archive retrieval fees
- Free admission to Lunch and Learn events at Varley Art Gallery
- 15% discount on single tickets to Flato Markham Theatre's Diamond Season. (Some restrictions apply. Discount applies to Regular price, subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers. New purchases only.)
- Free admission to many other ASTC registered Museums and Science Centres outside the Greater Toronto Area through the ASTC Passport Program (view the full list).
- Free admission to many other Museums and Art Galleries via the ROAM program (view list and restrictions)*
- NEW - Discounted admission (50% off) to participating museums via the Association of Children's Museums Reciprocal Network*
*Only available with Family Memberships
Membership benefits are subject to change at any time.
Become a Museum Volunteer!
Markham Museum is looking for fun, enthusiastic, and energetic people to volunteer during Special Events, Camps, Children's Programs, Pottery Programs and more! As a volunteer you will build leadership skills, learn how to work as a team, and help families get the most out of their visit! Opportunities are available for teens, adults and seniors.
Donate to the Markham Museum
Artifact Donation Process
The Markham Museum carefully reviews potential donations based on collecting priorities. If an item is accepted, it undergoes assessment by the Acquisitions Committee and Board of Trustees. An independent appraisal determines its value, followed by a Deed of Gift and a tax receipt issued by the City of Markham. This process can take several months.
Since the late 1960s, the Museum has collected over 75,000 items, including historical documents, photographs, and artifacts reflecting Markham’s history. Due to space limitations, we prioritize items in good condition with a strong local connection, documenting settlement history, technology, and environmental changes.
Monetary Donations
With your support, the Museum can bring history to life. Your contributions help us create engaging programs, preserve valuable artifacts and archives, and ensure our exhibitions remain accurate and relevant for our community. Join us in safeguarding Markham’s rich heritage, every donation makes a difference!
Leave a Legacy - Endowment Fund
Thank you for considering a Legacy Gift or Endowment to Markham Museum.
The City of Markham established a not-for-profit registered charity, the Friends of Markham Museum, to be an advocate for the Museum. The Friends formalize the relationship and involvement of community members who wish to take an active part in contributing to the Museum.
An endowment fund is a permanent investment to support the Museum today and in the future through the Friends. These donated funds support the Museum’s vital activities including research, educational and public programming, exhibition planning, curatorship, and acquisitions.
Endowment funds can be established during one’s lifetime, through a bequest, or both. Named endowment funds offer a meaningful way to honour a loved one, celebrate your connection to the Museum, and support its future. By creating a personal named endowment fund, you can direct your gift toward an area of passion at the Museum, ensuring lasting support that reflects your values and helps in the preservation and celebration of Markham’s history.
To learn more, please contact the Friends at: https://friendsofmarkhammuseum.ca/who-we-are/
The Impact of Legacies and Endowments
Read about the individuals behind each endowment and how their gift has contributed to the Museum.
- Frank Johnson: Legacy Gift by the GJ Garden of Life Foundation to establish the Frank Johnson Research Fellowship
A first Legacy Gift was made in early 2025 by the GJ Garden of Life Foundation to establish the Frank Johnson Research Fellowship. The endowment will support an annual opportunity for an emerging museum professional to complete research using the Museum's collection.
Sgt. Frank Johnson (1916-2004) was a career soldier, historian, and longtime supporter of Markham Museum. A veteran of the Second World War, Frank enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force in 1935 at the age of 18. He went on to serve overseas in both the Italian and Northwest European theatres. Promoted to Sergeant in 1941, Frank remained in the Canadian Army until he reached the mandatory age for retirement.
Pictured above: Frank Johnson. Credit: The Estate of Frank Johnson.
Frank was the only son of Harry and Elizabeth Johnson. The family moved to Markham where his father operated a garage and Frank attended Mt. Joy Public School. In 1967 he married Geraldine Stouffer, a Bell telephone operator, and they later settled in Stouffville in her family home.
In his retirement, Frank devoted himself to historical research and community service. He was a supporter of the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum and volunteered extensively with Markham Museum. His interests in local history and genealogy led to decades of research into land records and military history and helped found the Archives and Research Centre at Markham.
Pictured above: Mary and Isabel Champion, Laura Weaver and Frank Johnson. Together, and supported by John Lunau, they were the editors, researchers and authors of “Markham 1793-1900” & “Markham Remembered”, the first comprehensive histories. Credit: Weaver Collection, 1988.
Season Partners
