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Welcome to MDHS!

Welcome to the 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.

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Visit the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum

Upcoming Events

2023 SEASON OPEN

August 19 - September 8, 2023

(OPEN Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.)

(CLOSED Tues. & Wed.)

10am - 6pm

Historical Interpreter Guides on site.

Free admission or by donation.

For tours/more information:

Email:   info@merrickvillehistory.org

Upcoming News

Online Collection is Now live

Click here to view our new online database

UPCOMING EVENTS
SPEAKER SERIES - organized by Donna Ross

THE CITY THAT DID NOT DIE:  THE LEGACIES OF THE HALIFAX EXPLOSION DEC. 6, 1917

Presented by Dr. Stella Stanley

Professor Emeritus, Mount Saint Vincent University

Tues. Sept. 26, 2023 at 7pm

Merrickville Legion

free event/donations accepted

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© 2025 MERRICKVILLE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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