Martha Rutherford-Conrad from the Clarington Museum and Archives, enlightened and informed us with a great presentation...

Exhibits at Clarington Museums and Archives, include permanent exhibits such as Pioneer Heritage, Edwardian Lifestyl
es in addition to traveling exhibitions from museums across Canada.
The archives contain items that document the history of the Municipality of Clarington. From family trees to old photos and land deeds. 
Darlington was known as the “unbroken forest” when it was landed on by Roger Conant and his family. The Conant’s who were known as continuous settlers because they came and they stayed, built log shanties that they lived in for the first winter here. The Conant, Burke and Trull families settled and were known as United British Loyalists’.
The Durham Boat is a book of lithographs which tells the story of them settling. The boats they came over on were known as Durham Boats, hence the title.
These first settlers exemplified strength of character which Courtice is still known for.
The Bowmanville Museum was built as a one story Regency style cottage in 1847. Additions to the home in 1861 and 1880 have changed it to its present-day appearance as a two story Italianate styled house. The Museum has been restored as a period home (1901-1930) reflecting the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family. The nine rooms with late Victorian furnishings include a parlour, dining room, conservatory, master bedroom and a girl and boy bedroom.
The Clarke Museum, located on the former land of Nathanial Powers, the first settler in Kirby, has the distinction of being the first designated heritage building in the community. A turn of the century Blacksmith Shop, outdoor displays of agricultural equipment, the Volunteer Building with displays of agricultural tools used by our ancestors and the one room schoolhouse all depict early pioneer life in Clarke Township.
The Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Center is Clarington’s newest museum. Located in the former Bowmanville Library it houses exhibits devoted to the Dominion Organ and Piano Company and the museum’s large doll and toy collection. The Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Center provides research facilities for our archival collection. Clarington Museums and Archives collect documents and artifacts that preserve the heritage of Clarington. Our research facility includes a private room in which to conduct research.
Check them out at http://www.claringtonmuseums.com/