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 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
2025 SEASON HOURS*
June 14 & 15 11am-3pm
June 21 & 22 11am-3pm
June 26 - August 25 Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. 10am-6pm
*CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
Enquiries for private tours outside regular hours (various days & times):
Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Happy Canada Day 2025 from the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum!
Join us for a special Canada Day celebration June 28 - 30, 2025!
Step back in time and celebrate our rich heritage with us! Explore the history of the Rideau Canal, enjoy family-friendly activities (including crafts while supplies last), and discover what life was like in the 1800s - all in the heart of one of Canada's most beautiful historic villages.
Doors open at 10am - admission by donation.
Come for the history, stay for the celebration!
Joyeuse fête du Canada de la part du Musée du Blockhaus de Merrickville!
Joignez-vous à nous pour une célébration spéciale de la fête du Canada, du 28 au 30 juin, 2025! Faites un voyage dans le passé et venez célébrer notre riche patrimoine avec nous! Découvrez l’histoire du canal Rideau, profitez d’activités familiales (y compris des bricolages, jusqu’à épuisement des stocks), et plongez dans la vie des années 1800 - le tout au cœur de l’un des plus beaux villages historiques du Canada.
Les portes ouvrent à 10 h - contribution volontaire à l’entrée.
Venez pour l’histoire, restez pour la fête!
$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