Curious about what’s inside some of Oakville and Burlington’s heritage buildings? This September, Doors Open offers a free “open door policy” opportunity to discover our heritage and historical treasures!
The City of Burlington and The Town of Oakville are each hosting unique tours and events for residents and visitors to explore spaces that are not normally open to the public or for which there’s an admission fee. The goal of this Canada-wide celebration is to help the community celebrate its heritage, and to strengthen and encourage local partnerships. Plus it’s another great way to be a tourist in your own hometown.
Doors Open Burlington
The City of Burlington and the Doors Open Organizing Committee are hosting the 2014 Burlington Doors Open event on September 27 from 10am – 4pm. Visit the Doors Open web site for full details. Selections include:
Joseph Brant Museum
Burlington’s community museum is a replica of the original homestead of Captain Joseph Brant (1742–1807), a prominent Mohawk leader and Loyalist. 1240 North Shore Boulevard
Art Gallery of Burlington
Founded in 1978, BAC is the seventh largest public art gallery in Ontario. Its fully equipped studios are home to seven very active artist and artisan guilds. 1333 Lakeshore Road
Different Drummer Books
This beautiful 3-storey brick house was constructed in 1906 and now is the home to Different Drummer Books, one of Canada’s most cherished independent bookstores. 503 Locust Street
Gingerbread House Gardens
The Burlington Gingerbread house is a charming historical home built by A.B. Coleman in 1893, situated in the heart of Burlington. Visit the beautiful Victorian garden. 1375 Ontario Street
Eglise Saint-Phillipe
Built in 1875 by James Cushie Bent, this church was purchased in 1968 by the Roman Catholic Church to serve the local francophone congregation as the Église Saint-Philippe. 472 Locust Street
Doors Open Oakville
Unless otherwise mentioned, Doors Open Oakville events will take place from September 27 – 28, 10am – 4pm. Visit the Doors Open Ontario web site for full details. Selections include:
Amos Biggar House (The Cork House)
Built in 1816 by Amos Biggar, a United Empire Loyalist. Explore the museum and product showroom on your own or take an informative guided tour. 2441 Neyagawa Boulevard
Merrick Thomas House
Built in 1829 and moved to its present site in 1955, Thomas House is a 1 ½ storey clapboard home with saltbox roofline and is constructed of white pine logs. The home is now managed by The Oakville Historical Society. Lakeside Park, Navy Street
Oakville Historical Society Archives
During Doors Open, visitors can explore displays entitled Pioneer Days and Great Lake Schooners. 110 King Street
Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate
The Family Heritage Fair & Book Sale promises to be a fun family event. 8 Navy Street
Oakville’s First Post Office
Come and see the results of recent restoration work. Lakeside Park, at the corner of Front and Thomas Streets
John Bell Chapel at Appleby College
Built in 1929, the John Bell Chapel stands as a memorial for Appleby boys and masters who served in the Great War. Gothic in design, it has walls built of stone from Lake Ontario, oak panelling and pews, and a gallery of magnificent stained-glass windows. 540 Lakeshore Road West
Schooner Anitra
Visitors are welcome to board this historic ship and discover the joys of sailing and racing, and see how the Anitra was constructed. Oakville Club, 56 Water Street
St. Jude’s Anglican Church
St Jude’s was established in 1839 and has been in the present building since 1883. The bell tower, completed in 1896, houses a set of nine chimes cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, England. 160 William Street
Links
doburlington.com
doorsopenontario.on.ca
by BECKY DUMAIS
