
Welcome to MDHS
Merrickville and District Historical Society is a volunteer-run organization based in the village of Merrickville-Wolford, a beautiful historic village spanning the Rideau Canal, one hour south of the nation's capital Ottawa, ON. MDHS encourages interest in the history and heritage of Merrickville-Wolford. MDHS also operates the seasonal museum at the Merrickville Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada.
Tucked away on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Merrickville Blockhouse was built in 1832 as a defensive structure designed to protect British North America from American invasion. By the time of its completion the threat of invasion had passed and the Blockhouse was converted into a home for the lockmaster. In 1939 the Merrickville Blockhouse was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. MDHS was instrumental in preserving this building in the 1960's and has operated the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum since 1967. The township of Merrickville-Wolford currently operates Blockhouse, in cooperation with MDHS.
The Merrickville Blockhouse Museum is located along the Rideau River - a route used by many indigenous peoples. Today it is part of the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

VISIT MERRICKVILLE BLOCKHOUSE MUSEUM
LAST WEEKEND OPEN 2025*
Saturday Sept. 27
Sunday Sept. 28
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Enquiries for private tours outside regular hours (various days & times):
Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org


WHAT'S HAPPENING?
September 27-28, 2025, 11am-3pm, last chance to visit the museum before we close for the season.
Reopening in the spring of 2026

$500 DONATION
Jane Graham, Chair, announced to the Board, that MDHS presented a $500 donation towards the Modular Accessible Public Washroom. This is an initiative by Mainstreet Restaurant, Merrickville, with support from the Chamber of Commerce. A cheque was presented to Mainstreet's sold out fundraiser dinner held March 7, 2025.

MDHS Chair Jane Graham presenting Lee Horning of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 245, Merrickville, a $500 donation towards the fundraiser for a new furnace.
Christmas in Merrickville December 7, 2024

Harry McLean Sculpture Fundraiser June 27, 2024
