Post #1 - New Beginnings: A Student's Introduction to MDHS and the Blockhouse Refresh
Preserving the vibrant heritage of the Merrickville district is a community effort. My name is Mercedes and I am MDHS’s summer student researcher dedicated to excavating the past from our local archives and sharing the stories that shaped the place we call home. As a Museum Studies student from Algonquin College with an extensive past as an archaeologist; I come with an arsenal of experience I believe will help me tremendously this summer. From leading multi-stage excavations to conducting historical research on properties throughout Southern Ontario and I was very fortunate to gain hands-on experience working with both Euro-Canadian and Indigenous material and gain an in-depth knowledge of Ontario’s pioneer past.
As much as I loved working in archaeology, my passion for collections care and conservation led me to take the leap and further my studies. Which brings me to my current position as MDHS’s Summer 2026 Student Researcher. I am so excited to see what this summer has in store for me and cannot wait to get started on all the amazing projects that await. These projects run the gambit and include roles in collection management, historical research, and exhibition implementation, to name but a few.
Blockhouse Refresh
Since the beginning of May, I have had the wonderful opportunity of meeting MDHS’s Collection Committee members and have started getting the lay of the land, both at the Archives in Burritt’s Rapids and Merrickville’s Blockhouse. In anticipation of the Museum’s 2026 Season Grand Opening, my first task-at-hand was to help with the Blockhouse Refresh; a massive undertaking on behalf of MDHS volunteers who revamped the Blockhouse and revitalized many of its existing displays and exhibits. Jumping in with both feet, much of my first week as part of the team centered on updating many of the upstairs spaces including the Textile Room, The Watchorn Room, and the Bedroom along with creating new displays featuring never before seen artifacts from the MDHS collections.
As many of these spaces were being reimagined, new artifacts needed to be pulled from the archives that better suited these exhibits and facilitated the interpretation of the narratives and personal histories featured, and with that; a trip to the archives was put on the schedule! An entire day was dedicated to meticulously searching through the collections and hand-selecting objects that would help interpret Merrickville’s many historic eras, from the earliest of pioneer years, to its industrial period in the mid to late 19th century. These included artifacts related to Norman Walsh, a Merrickville native who fought in the Boer War and spent 40 years working on the Rideau Canal as a carpenter and foreman.
We also spent many hours pulling artifacts from MDHS’s textile collection, everything from lace samples, delicate blouses and undergarments, beautifully embellished beaded purses, hand-sewn quilts, a breathtaking hand-sewn chenille blanket, nightgowns, and handkerchiefs, oh my! These pieces were later placed throughout the many upper rooms of the Blockhouse but first they needed to be safely wrapped, packed and transferred. Once they made it to the Blockhouse, the hard work was quickly underway. We immediately got to work and tackled one room at a time, with the Bedroom and the Watchorn Room being our primary focus. Artifacts were unpacked, glass cases were emptied, and new artifacts took their stead. While these rooms are still a work in progress, they already feel new and improved!
Remarkable Residents
As a hybrid worker, I also get the privilege of working from home, and during these first two weeks, when I wasn’t at the Blockhouse, I spent much of my time working on the ‘Remarkable Residents of Merrickville’ Project. The initial phase of this project focuses on four of Merrickville’s most renowned inhabitants; William Merrick Sr., the founder of Merrickville, John Johnston, one of the first Lockmasters stationed at the Merrickville Locks, Thomas Newman, a prominent local Lockmaster at the nearby Clowes Lockstation, and Harry McLean, the eccentric millionaire and railroad tycoon with a heart of gold. In an effort to highlight these men’s contributions to the history and development of Merrickville, in-depth biographies were written, while shorter paragraphs were written to then be printed out and displayed in the Blockhouse as part of a new exhibition.
To ensure the most comprehensive histories were written, a wide range of historical sources were consulted. These included reviewing census records, Ontario Land Registry Records, and historic maps focusing on the Lanark & Leeds Counties, particularly the 1863 Walling and 1881 Belden & Co. maps. While Parks Canada Manuscripts, books written by local historian and authors, and reference material from the MDHS archives were also consulted to gain a wider understanding of the historical context in which these men lived.
All this research was done with the goal of collecting and presenting a cohesive historic retelling of the personal and professional histories of these four men and how they have significantly contributed to Merrickville’s colourful history. While these four histories were finished, the future goal of this project is to expand on its current scope and include the histories of other prominent residents, both male and female. More to come on how to access and view these biographies!
As my first few weeks with MDHS come to a close, I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome from the community and the opportunity to contribute to preserving Merrickville’s rich and fascinating history. From uncovering remarkable stories in the archives to helping breathe new life into the Blockhouse exhibits, every day has brought new discoveries and meaningful experiences. I look forward to continuing this work throughout the summer, exploring more of the people, places, and artifacts that make Merrickville so unique.
There is still much more to come, and I am excited to continue sharing these stories and projects with the MDHS community in the months ahead.
Mercedes Hunter