A Good Read, Exploring the Historic Book Collection at Eldon House

The Eldon House collection holds several thousand books that have been collected, borrowed, read, and re-read by generations of the Harris Family who lived in Eldon House. Historical photographs show books everywhere: in nooks and crannies, on tables, piled up on the floor and in the numerous bookshelves throughout the home. Many books are inscribed, while others are referenced in family diaries and letters, documenting the avidity of reading undertaken by the whole family. This exhibition explores a selection of books from the collection, giving a glimpse the times and interests of their readers, as well as exploring how antique books are cared for and conserved, and sometimes, how they reveal the details of family history within their pages.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.