Family Histories

Step into a captivating world of history and adventure at the Ross Museum. Discover the intriguing stories of the past as you explore our immersive exhibits and fascinating artifacts. From our historical origins to the marvels of modern innovation, there’s something for everyone in the family to uncover. Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time and create cherished memories together. Let the Ross Museum be your gateway to the wonders of history. Visit us today and transport your family back in time!

BILL AND IVA OATES
Few bonds capture the essence of love quite like the deep connection shared between two extraordinary individuals in my life, my beloved parents, Bill and Iva Oates. As their daughter, Lianne Oates, I was honored to witness and cherish this exceptional love.

THE PATH TO LOVE IS TREAD BAREFOOT, JOHN ANDERSON AND MARGARET McLELLAN
This is the tale of a love story from the early days of the Westmeath area. It involves a lonely young farmer, a girl from near Beachburg, and countless journeys by foot!

A TRUE LOVE STORY, HAROLD DOUGHERTY AND MARJORIE HOWARD 
Immerse yourself in the lives of Harold Dougherty and Marjorie Howard as you uncover the tale of their romance within the close-knit community that nurtured their love.

LOVING IT IN THE BUSH, FRED BIDGOOD AND TILLIE LINGSTRUM
In 1852 Susanna Moodie authored an account of the trials and tribulations of frontier life in Ontario. Whether Tillie Lingstrum of Westmeath read Roughing it in the Bush is unknown but she took a similar path when she married a man who loved the woods.  When Tillie met Fred Bidgood she was a slim teenager with long, brown hair, cornflower blue eyes, and a turned-up nose. He was eight years older with the tanned, lean frame of an outdoorsman.