Using their collection of over 8,000 historical garments as the nucleus, the idea of establishing a fashion museum has been a long time dream for Jonathan Walford and Kenn Norman. In 2004, a major film studio showed interest in the project but Jonathan and Kenn wanted to keep the collection in Canada. A search began to find the right home and initially Victoria, B.C. was considered but after reviewing other possibilities, the Waterloo region including the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Guelph, Ontario won out.
This region was, historically, the third largest clothing and textile manufacturing centre in Canada (after Montreal and Toronto). The city of Cambridge was created in 1973 from the amalgamation of three towns founded in the early 19th century: Preston, Hespeler, and Galt. In 2007, Jonathan and Kenn relocated to what was the old town of Galt, known for years as the ‘Manchester of Canada’ for its clothing manufacturing. Hosiery, sweaters, shoes, underwear, rubber goods, silk and cotton yardage, and wool cloth and yarn were the staple industries.
The Fashion History Museum, like this website, is not yet fully operational but with every passing month another milestone is reached towards the museum becoming a non-profit charitable public institution. While the museum’s first Board of Directors is working to complete the necessary infrastructure, support has been forthcoming from local businesses, regional attractions and historic sites, as well as the Canadian fashion industry and international museum community.
The museum looks forward to becoming a vibrant part of the local arts and cultural scene, as well as a drawing card for tourism to this historically significant area.

Check back with us as we grow!

Press:
http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/221583
http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/article/127889