Go behind bars and learn history of Peel County Jail at updated PAMA exhibit in Brampton

A new year means some new exhibitions as well as some updated attractions at Brampton’s Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives.

PAMA’s 2024 series is already underway with a lineup of workshops, an updated look at the historic Peel County Jail, and a new exhibit coming soon that looks at the history of Japanese internment camps in Canada.

There are also activities for families to take in on the upcoming PA day for Peel District School Board elementary school students on Monday and much more to keep you busy through the winter.

Here’s a look at some of what PAMA has to offer:

Discover The Suitcase Project

This travelling exhibition from the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre takes a modern look at the interment of Japanese Canadians during World War Two.

Over 23,000 Japanese Canadians were uprooted from their homes and placed in internment camps in 1942. The exhibition features over 80 fourth- and fifth-generation Japanese Canadians and Americans sharing what they would pack if forcibly removed from their homes today.

The limited-time exhibit runs from Jan. 27 to Sept. 8.

Behind Bars: The History of the Peel County Jail

This updated exhibition aims to take a thoughtful and compassionate approach to the 110-year history of Peel County Jail, sharing the stories of those who spent time within the walls of the jail with visitor.

Guests will learn about why the jail was built and see what a double cell might have looked like in the early 1900s.

Drop-in Activities for Kids and Family 

Escape from the winter chill and keep your kids busy on a PA Day to learn about the beauty of native plants in this instructor led day of activities including a Family Floetry Fitness session on Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There is also the annual Free Family Day Event on Family Day (Feb. 19) from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For a full list of programing available at PAMA you can visit www.pama.peelregion.ca.or visit PAMA at 9 Wellington St. East in Brampton