I was very impressed by The 48th Highlanders Museum, located in St. Andrew’s Church at King St. W & Simcoe St. in Toronto (next to Roy Thompson Hall).

Upon hearing “it’s a small museum in a church basement,” you’d be forgiven for raising an eyebrow. However, the museum, staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, presents and interprets its numerous interesting collections exceptionally well, and is certainly worth your time. The skillful lighting, in particular, greatly enhances the exhibits.

The story of the 48th Highlanders reserve (militia) infantry regiment, founded in Toronto in 1891, is a rich one. Members of the regiment have served in South Africa, the First World War, the Second World War, and with the Canadian Forces through NATO and the United Nations, including in the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan.

The museum’s displays include artifacts from all of these periods, and this Canada’s History video gives a look inside.

The 48th Highlanders Museum, which continues to add new exhibits highlighting recent service, punches far above its weight and is a joy to explore.

The 48th Highlanders Museum is museum no. 66 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).