
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.
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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
2023 SEASON OPEN
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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.
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For tours/more information:
Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org
Upcoming News
Online Collection is Now live
Click here to view our new online database
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SPEAKER SERIES - organized by Donna Ross
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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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