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Welcome to MDHS!

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.

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Upcoming Events

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

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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 

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$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.   

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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

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© 2025 MERRICKVILLE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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