An American donor helped the museum purchase $300,000 worth of Lightfoot artifacts.

ORILLIA, ON. — An anonymous donor from south of the border is helping ensure the sun doesn’t set on Gordon Lightfoot’s legacy in his hometown.

At a recent auction, a donor helped the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) acquire dozens of treasures associated with Lightfoot’s distinguished music career.

Ninette Gyorody, the museum’s executive director, says she is “thrilled” that the museum was able to acquire important items at the Gordon Lightfoot estate auction, which took place Nov. 17 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas.

She said OMAH purchased 50 items, including guitars, clothing, awards and items associated with Orillia and Massey Hall in Toronto.

“After his death, there was a lot of talk about how we should honor him in his hometown,” Györodi said. “We talked about how we could do it here.”

Those negotiations gained momentum when an anonymous donor who wanted items from the famous singer’s life to be displayed for fans of his hometown approached the museum and lent a helping hand.

“They wanted it to be accessible to everyone, not to collectors,” she said. “It makes sense for the Orillia Public Museum to house this collection.”

A generous US donor has spent more than $300,000 on items that will soon be displayed at a downtown museum.

“We aim to create an exhibition with objects that we will rotate,” Györodi said. “We made sure we had enough space to update the exhibit a couple of times a year.”

Györodi says an exhibition dedicated to the musical icon will open at OMAH in June 2025. She believes it will attract more tourists to Orillia.

In a press release, officials said the legendary Orillia-born singer’s influence “has resonated for decades, inspiring audiences around the world” with hits such as “If You Could Read My Mind” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” As a proud Orillian native, his impact on the community is immeasurable.

The artifacts will help bring his story to life, offering visitors an “intimate connection” with the man behind the music.

“This is a landmark moment for our museum and our city,” Györodi said. “Gordon Lightfoot meant so much to so many people. This will strengthen our city next year.”

Mayor Don McIsaac says the acquisition of Lightfoot memorabilia is “fantastic” news for Orillia.

“Orillia loved Gordon and he loved us back,” he said. “This is his hometown. There are a lot of things dedicated to him and we want to continue that.”

McIsaac says the municipality and OMAH are working “tirelessly” to ensure Lightfoot’s legacy is embedded in Orillia. He hopes to have a Lightfoot museum in Orillia at some point.

“We’re working on it,” he said. “We have a committee … to look at establishing a museum in Orillia, and that is still active.”

OMAH hopes to acquire even more Lightfoot products in the future. To do this, they need the support of community members, organizations and businesses.

“We are now looking at the next auction, which will take place in early December,” Györodi said. “We’re putting together a new wish list.”

Donations or sponsorships of any size are welcome to help OMAH secure more items for the Lightfoot exhibit, she said.

Donations can be made through the OMAH website. Or you can contact the museum directly through OMAH Development Specialist Vanessa Santalu at 705-326-2159 extension 105.