THE DAVIDSON DECOY GALLERY REVEALS TO VISITORS THE HISTORY OF WATERFOWLING IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

Media Release
June 30, 2026

PORT ROWAN, ON — The Davidson Decoy Gallery opened to the public on June 6, 2026 at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area within the Conservation Education Centre. The new permanent exhibition pays tribute to the story of Southern Ontario’s waterfowling heritage by showcasing the work of prominent decoy carvers from Long Point, Hamilton, Toronto, Dunnville, and West Central Ontario regions, with a focus on carvers from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. The gallery has over 90 decoys and also has various waterfowling artifacts and contemporary decoys carved by World Champions!

It is owned and operated by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, with the generous support of the Davidson Family Foundation. Tom Davidson Sr. had a vision to preserve and celebrate the rich tradition of waterfowling to ensure its legacy is passed on to future generations.

Visitors are invited to explore the gallery and learn about local waterfowling history. Hours of operation are Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from June 6th – September 13th, and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., from September 18, 2026 – October 10.

The Canadian Decoy & Outdoor Collectibles Association will be hosting their Show & Sale at the Conservation Education Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Associated Links
https://www.lprca.on.ca/education-programming/conservation-education-centre/the-davidson-decoy-gallery/

Contacts
Chloe Anna
Curator
Curator@lprca.on.ca
519-586-2201 ext. 350