Summer Lecture Series: Emily Boone
Wednesday July 16 — Emily Boone: Emily Stowe, First Female Doctor in Canada & Early Muskoka Cottager.
Join us for a fascinating look at her enduring legacy in both medicine and Canadian history. Discover the inspiring story of Dr. Emily Stowe, a trailblazing physician, passionate women’s rights advocate, and one of Muskoka’s earliest cottagers.
Born in Norwich and later based in Toronto, Dr. Stowe overcame immense barriers to practice medicine at a time when women were barred from Canadian medical schools. She earned her degree from the New York Medical College for Women in 1867, though Canada refused to recognize her credentials for many years. Undeterred, she ran her own medical practice and became a tireless advocate for women’s suffrage, founding the Toronto Women’s Literary Club in 1876, one of Canada’s earliest suffragist organizations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Stowe and her family were among the early cottagers in Muskoka, where they spent many summers. Her connection to the region is commemorated by an island which was once named Stowe Island, now named Crane Island.
Admission: $10 general | $8 for museum members.