Explore an authentic lockmaster’s house on the Rideau Canal! The Lockmaster’s House Museum is operated by the Chaffey’s Lock and Area Heritage Society in the building that served as home to lockmasters and their families from 1844 until 1967. Fun fact: during its heyday, the house was the social centre of Chaffey's - it had the only phone in the village and even housed the local post office! The Museum opened in 1982, and has featured many different exhibits, telling local stories through research and artifacts. Visitors may also watch short videos highlighting the area’s past and can purchase items from the small gift shop. The Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, from late June until early September.  Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted.

This majestic stone building is the only surviving pre-1812 stone grist mill in Ontario and is a National Historic Site of Canada! Enjoy a guided tour of the Mill or explore the space on your own. Marvel at the impressive 200 year-old millstones! Still operable, the on-site miller grinds heritage wheat into flour on Saturdays throughout the summer. The Blacksmith shop recently opened, showcasing a newly refurbished exhibit space curated to tell the story of blacksmithing at the Mill. Look here for the forge fired up for special occasions throughout the season. The Old Stone Mill is open on Weekends from Victoria Day Weekend through to June 30 and then daily from July 1 to Labour Day weekend (Monday) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free admission; donations welcome! See the latest updates on the Facebook page.

 

This historic schoolhouse is like a step back in time! Active from 1887 to 1964, it has many character defining elements that express the heritage of the red brick gem. The Elgin & Area Heritage Society has an intriguing new exhibit opening this June, showcasing the brilliance of local historical photographer, Clifford Pennock – in large format colour! The exhibit opens on June 29 and runs only on weekends until Sept. 1, featuring an extraordinary collection of photos by Clifford Pennock, an early 20th century photographic pioneer. The society invites people to rediscover how Clifford Pennock viewed this era through his masterful photographic lens and what he saw after he pressed the shutter. To bring this to life, his work has been digitally remastered, in full colour, for a 21st century audience. Look for more than 100 of his best photos, providing a new lens on South Crosby.

Be sure to view the WWI Elgin Platoon exhibit, as well as wall displays, gardens, benches and of course the historic architecture! Look for yellow brick quoins above the windows, three tall multi-paned windows on the north façade, stone window sills, wood frame dormers about the doors and an enchanting roof line and brick gables above the windows – with a stone label under the central one, inscribed, “school”. A truly unique learning atmosphere! Keep an eye on the Facebook page for open dates and events.

Built in 1861 of fine local sandstone at the crest of Portland Hill, the Emmanuel Heritage Centre stands as the landmark of the village and hosts events and concerts throughout the year! Find out more through the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society – we hear there is even a Saturday Three-Sisters Market here on Saturdays throughout the summer!

Learn about the historical societies within Rideau Lakes and catch a unique and thought-provoking presentation by the Newboro & Area Heritage Society.

Intrigued and looking for more? Be sure to check out a complete list of heritage plaques, cemeteries, as well as heritage walking tours and driving tours, documentaries and much more!

This regional museum located in the village of Westport provides an inside perspective on the early history of Rideau Lakes through artifacts, imagery, and stories. The most amazing artifact in the collection is the Statue of Justice 1844, "Sally Grant”. She stands eleven feet tall and was carved in 1844 from a single white cedar tree! Open in June—Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., then daily from July to Labour Day. See complete hours here.