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 the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum
SEASON HOURS*
*MUSEUM CLOSED FOR THE 2024 SEASON
REOPENING IN THE SPRING OF 2025 - SEE YOU THEN!
Enquiries for private tours outside regular hours (various days & times):
Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org
MDHS Blockhouse Team
Closing the Museum Oct. 16, 2024
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
MDHS President Jane Graham presenting Lee Horning of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 245, Merrickville, a $500 donation towards the fundraiser for a new furnace.