Welcome to the Merrickville & District Historical Society -- your digital gateway to the stories, people, and heritage of Canada's most vibrant canal village.
Nestled along the historic Rideau waterway, our region boasts a rich tapestry of early industrial triumph, architectural preservation, and deep-rooted family legacies. While our physical collections continually evolve, our mission remains steadfast --
to safeguard our community's memories and make them accessible to everyone.
Whether you are a local resident tracing the history of your home, a genealogist uncovering early settler lineages, or a heritage enthusiast exploring the past, we invite you to dive into our archives, join our community, and help us keep Merrickville's history alive.
WHAT'S NEW?
Notes from the Field: Life as a Summer Historian
What is it actually like to spend a summer breathing life into Merrickville’s raw history? This season, our MDHS Summer Student Researcher is diving headfirst into our collections—uncovering forgotten stories and tracing the fascinating lives of local ancestors who shaped our village. In our brand-new Student Research Blog, she shares a behind-the-scenes look at the "detective work" of history, from the thrill of deciphering century-old handwriting to the unique rewards of working with our archives. Follow along to read her latest discoveries, see what she's unearthing in the repository, and catch a fresh perspective on our shared past!
VISIT the MERRICKVILLE BLOCKHOUSE MUSEUM
Summer 2026 Season
Thursday through Monday
June 25 - August 24
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission by donation
Enquiries for private tours outside regular hours (various days & times):
Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org
The land between the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers has always been a corridor, hunting ground and homeland for many indigenous peoples. At the time of contact, the Haudenoshaunee and Anishinaabe people were the two nations who primarily used these lands. They, and people of other indigenous nations, continue to call Merrickville-Wolford home. Today we acknowledge that the Algonquin Anishinaabe have never been party to any treaty or land claim agreement with the Crown where they have ceded their Aboriginal rights or title. We know that Merrickville-Wolford is part of the 36,000 acre Algonquin Land Claim currently being negotiated and that we, too, as Merrickvillians are enroute to becoming a Treaty People as we enter into a new world with the Algonquin Anishinaabe who continue to live on this land that they, and us, consider home. MDHS looks forward to creating new and shared stories with all who inhabit this region.