A Real Gem of Peel
By Tatiana Golovanova
 Peel
Heritage Complex, located in downtown Brampton,
is a fascinating place to visit. Comprised of
the former Jail, the 1867 Courthouse, and two
former Registry Offices, the Complex has been
a focal point of downtown Brampton for 134 years.
Inside, the vibrant culture of Peel is explored
through the Art Gallery, Museum and Archives.
People who work here are knowledgeable and passionate
about what they do. Rowena Cooper, Reference Archivist,
Diane Kuster, Registrar, and David Farrell, Collections
Assistant, manage a multi-million dollar collection
of art, artifacts and archival records.
"Two years ago, the descendants of the famous
Twining’s Tea merchants in England contacted
me and I was able to trace the death of a child
in Peel for them," says Rowena. "In
return, they visited us and brought a copy of
the diary that Dr. Twining, who practised medicine
in Springfield-on-the-Credit, now Erindale, in
the 1860s, kept during the time he lived in Peel."
The former kitchen of the Jail is now a modern
reference library and research area.
The Complex has a special outward relationship
with many schools and homes for the aged in Peel.
Education Team members Maureen Couse and Josie
Premzell develop a variety of programs for both
of these groups. Together with volunteers, they
visit classrooms and seniors homes — Peel
Manor and The Davis Centre are among them —
and organize workshops on various topics. "Kids
love handling artifacts, discovering, and exploring
things," says Maureen. "With the seniors,
we take a different approach and ask them to reminisce
about their past."
The Art Gallery of Peel and the Peel Museum have
been collecting from the community since their
creation in 1968. Their collection has grown in
size and significance to one of the best regional
collections in the province. Val Dowbiggin, Development
Officer, and David Somers, Curator, work closely
with private citizens and local companies who
donate funds, works of art and artifacts to the
Complex.
 "To
promote the Collection, we regularly lend paintings
to Regional facilities," says Judy Daley,
Assistant Curator. "Transhelp, Peel Manor,
The Davis Centre, Regional headquarters and the
main Peel Health office, all have paintings from
the Complex to beautify their surroundings."
Spending a day at the Complex is a real treat
for people of all ages who like to learn, explore
and discover.
"And you will always receive a warm welcome
from members of the Peel Heritage Complex Team,"
adds Joanne Bishop, Administrative Co-ordinator.
The Peel Heritage Complex is located
at 9 Wellington St. E., in Brampton. For more
information visit the Website at www.region.peel.on.ca/heritage
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