The town of Kirkland Lake
started like most mining
towns across Northern
Ontario. With the discovery
of gold, many men moved to
the area with hopes of
staking claims and making a
fortune. Even a few women
with a pioneering spirit
joined in the hunt for

mineral riches. Kirkland Lake
continued to grow in size
after the initial gold rush
died down, and seven major
mines operated in town
limits. Businesses, services,
and social organizations were
established, adding
permanence to Kirkland Lake.
This helped to create a sense

of community even during boom
and bust periods in the
town's history. Families were
initially attracted to a town
built on gold and steady
employment, but many remained
in the town for generations
afterward because of the
welcoming social environment
that had been created and

maintained. While the men
built the mines, it was the
women who built the
community.
   This virtual exhibit is
based on the Auxiliary
Volunteers "Women of Kirkland
Lake" exhibit that was
installed in the Museum of
Northern History's gallery