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.
A large number of historical artefacts from the MDHS Collection are displayed 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 and his family. 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 operated the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum from 1967 to 2024. The Merrickville Blockhouse Museum is currently operated by the Village of Merrickville-Wolford in cooperation with MDHS.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
VISIT the MERRICKVILLE BLOCKHOUSE MUSEUM
PRE-SEASON OPENING
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in June
11 a.m. to 3 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.