Burlington lies on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, who provided for their communities using their foraging, hunting, and agricultural skills. After the British Crown and the Mississauga Nation signed their treaties, settlers and immigrants began to farm and feed their families on that same land. As European settlement began, many were drawn to Nelson Township, in what is now Burlington, as Lake Ontario produced warm temperatures year-round and this climate made the area an ideal place for farming.

Burlington celebrates its 150th anniversary this year! The villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged in 1873 and became the Village of Burlington. During the early years, Burlington established itself as a busy city and secured its prosperity with its convenient transportation routes and rich fertile soil which allowed early communities to make a living as farmers. All these factors attracted people to Burlington and businesses emerged as various demands and needs in the market rose.

As the region encouraged and shared new developments, organizations and businesses emerged by demand, allowing Burlington to grow and prosper. Leaders rose in the community and spearheaded companies and organizations that were well-known both locally and nationally. This exhibition features these ‘leaders’ and their involvement in making Burlington a thriving industrial workplace, highlighting things such as employment in the trade industry and more.