Adopt an Artifact

In addition to our nationally significant buildings, we have several thousand artifacts which also help to tell the story of the Children of Peace. We work hard to take care of these artifacts in order to preserve them for future generations.

By making a donation to “adopt” an artifact for one year, you will help us to continue this important work. Your support helps us to purchase archival and museum supplies in order to better store, restore, and care for the artifacts in our collection.

When you adopt an artifact, we will provide the following:

An income tax receipt for the full amount of your donation
A certificate listing your name
A photo of the artifact you have adopted, and
A card or panel displayed alongside your artifact, recognizing your support, according to your wishes

Artifacts for Adoption:

$500 LEVEL:

The Ark: The centerpiece of the Temple, completed by master craftsman John Doan in 1832
Barrel Organ: Built by Richard Coates for the First Meeting House c. 1820, it played twenty hymn tunes.
1845 Pipe Organ: Built by Richard Coates for the Second Meeting House, one of the oldest keyboard instruments still in use in Canada today.

$350 LEVEL:

Rebellion Boxes: One of seven boxes in our collection, made by prisoners in the Toronto Gaol following the Rebellion of 1837.
The Doan Buggy: Used by Ebenezer Doan and his family as they travelled from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to Upper Canada in 1808, now housed inside the Doan Drive Shed.
Alms Table: We believe this table would have stood at one of the four corners of the Ark for the collection of contributions to the Charity Fund.
Lectern from the Second Meeting House: From this lectern spoke David Willson along with some of the most famous Canadians of his time, including John Strachan, Robert Baldwin, and Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine.
Doan Corner Cupboard: A beautifully crafted cupboard made of Ontario pine that onced lived on the Doan farm. It was likely constructed by Ebenezer or John Doan.

$250 LEVEL:

Desk in David Willson’s Study: David Willson was known for writing many devotional works and hymn verses, which would have been written at the desk in his study.
Melodeon in David Willson’s Study or the Doan House: Some of our historic buildings feature a special 19th century instrument similar to a piano called a melodeon. A melodeon is a foot-pumped reed organ featuring a piano-style keyboard. They were popular in the mid-1800s, serving as smaller, more affordable alternatives to pianos for homes and churches.
Stove in the Cookhouse: This rare cook stove, called “The Adriatic,” was patented in 1858 and manufactured by J.G. Beard and Sons in Toronto, Canada West.

$100 LEVEL:

Cradle in the Log Cabin: This pine cradle with tall hood was used to help keep away the drafts.
Cradle in the Doan House: An elegantly carved cradle, hand crafted by John Doan, Ebenezer Doan's brother.
Ebenezer's Stamp in the Doan House: A stamp once used by master builder Ebenezer Doan to imprint his initials 'E.Dn' on his carpentry work and plans.
Stove in the Doan House Parlour: One of several unusual stoves in the Sharon Temple collection, this decorative piece was made about 1860.
Settle Bed in the Log Cabin: The original “Hide-a-Bed.” This bench or “settle” opens up to become an extra bed—a must in crowded pioneer households.
Table Top Loom in the Log Cabin: This loom sits on top of the dresser in the Log Cabin, with the original warp and weft from when it was donated.

$50 LEVEL:

Apple Peeler in the Doan House or the Cookhouse: Our museum collection holds a number of interesting, historic contraptions used to peel apples.
Toaster in the Doan House: At first glance, this object is not what it seems. However, a closer look reveals its clever design, which allowed slices of bread to be toasted over an open hearth long before electric toasters existed.
Butter Mold in the Cookhouse: Butter molds were used by families to mark their butter with a special design or print.
Candle Mold in the Cookhouse: This candle mold located in the Cookhouse can make up to 18 candles at one time.
Butter Worker in the Cookhouse: This odd-looking object was used to work butter after being churned and to squeeze out the last bits of butter milk.