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.
The Blockhouse Museum is evolving!
At this year’s MDHS AGM, our Guest Speaker, Claudette Martin representing the Museum Services Board will speak to the partnership between MDHS, the Village of Merrickville and Parks Canada that will be powering this exciting transition.
Drawing on her 25 years in museum visitor experience, Claudette will dive into the basics of "Museum 101" science behind the upcoming process of refreshing the Blockhouse Museum and its exhibits.
Join us to see how these plans will transform our local landmark into a more hands-on, bilingual, and engaging experience designed to attract new visitors, and to inspires those who have visited to return just to see what is 'new'.
VISIT MERRICKVILLE BLOCKHOUSE MUSEUM
MUSEUM IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
REOPENING SPRING 2026
Enquiries for private tours outside regular hours (various days & times):
Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
$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
