Colborne Lodge

Inspiring Passion for Toronto! Colborne Lodge now a museum is the historic 1837 home of John and Jemima Howard, the couple who founded High Park. It is a rare North American example of a Regency picturesque building, which is more common in Britain. Designed to compliment the natural world, Colborne Lodge sits comfortably among High Parks beauty and includes 19th-century recreated gardens, a Coach House and the Howards' Tomb. The muse um also displays much of the Howards original furnishings and watercolours. Following Howard's death in 1890, the property and surrounding land was donated to the City of Toronto with the condition that the surrounding land would remain free to use, remain untouched and be used exclusively for the enjoyment of residents. Additional land was purchased by the City in 1876 and 1930, expanding the park to the current 399 acres. City of Toronto Historic Sites work collectively as 10 historic museums including: Colborne Lodge, Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Mackenzie House, Montgomery's Inn, Scarborough Museum, Spadina Museum, Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, York Museum and Zion Schoolhouse. These museums work within a values framework of service, stewardship and commitment and are operated by the City of Toronto. These institutions maintain a leadership role in inspiring passion and understanding for Toronto, a diverse and vibrant city. Each building located throughout Toronto tells a unique story in ways that engage citizens and tourists alike. The museum curators are experts in their field and are able to explain in creative ways through tours, events, classes, workshops, school programs, camps, birthday parties and more about Toronto evolution. You're encouraged to visit any one of the museums listed, whether you have been a resident your whole life or are a tourist visiting Toronto for a short time. These museums have something to offer everyone. Don just read about Toronto history - taste it, touch it, hear it and explore it.