On May 28, 1934 Annette, Yvonne, Cécile, Émilie and Marie were born in Corbeil to Elzire and Oliva Dionne.
Their birth sparked a frenzy of interest and obsession that would follow them for the entirety of their lives.
"The Ontario Government would effectively steal the girls from their family and place them on display for eight years where over three million people would come and see them," says Natasha Wiatr, the curator at the Callander Bay Heritage Museum.
"They became a lucrative business opportunity for promoters and advertisers who used their image and likeness with products and companies."
This year Annette and Cécile, the surviving Quintuplets, turn 89 years old.
To commemorate the birth of Annette, Cécile, Marie, Yvonne and Émilie, the Callander Museum (housed in the home of Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe, physician to the Dionne Quintuplets) will have a special display set up for the day tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 – 5 p.m.
Many of the artifacts featured will be ones received from recent large donations that have not yet been on display.
"We welcome the public to stop by and check out the exhibit while enjoying some light refreshments. Museum admission will be free and donations are always welcome," added Wiatr.
The Museum and Art Gallery is currently open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 – 5 for the spring and summer.
