North Middlesex Historical Society

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Come by the Donald Hughes Annex Museum for a bake sale!😄

SATURDAY, JUNE 27
159 George St. Ailsa Craig

06/17/2026

Further to the post regarding Shawna's departure from the Historical society, please be assured that everything Shawna did was appreciated and valued, in no way do we not appreciate all that she has done, and know that the Museum is forever changed because of Shawna's contribution!

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06/17/2026

The Historical Society would like to let the community know that Shawna Pickering has chosen to resign from the position of Curator at the Museum. This decision is purely Shawna's as she decided that the Board was going in a direction that she didn't care to go in.
Ron Walker is temporarily taking on the position of Curator until a replacement is found. As always the Board of Director's are the decision maker's and asked Ron if he would take on this role for now. This changes nothing about the Historical Society except the leadership.
The Board of Directors are Ronna Austin Chair, Grace Worsley, Rachel Ansems, Emerson Ross and Sophie Thorpe as Directors.

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06/15/2026

Hello folks,

We're extending an invitation here for our field trip to the Backus-Page House Museum this Saturday, June 20th. There are still spaces available, but we do need an RSVP by the end of tomorrow if you're interested! (send to our Messenger to RSVP)

🗓 Event Details
What: Field Trip to The Backus-Page House Museum
When: Saturday, June 20th at 10am (please arrive by 9:50am)
Where: 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, ON N0L 2M0
Cost: $10 per person (if 10+ people attend, it's $7 per person) -please bring cash if possible, as we'll try make a single payment to the museum desk

"Operated by the Tyrconnell Heritage Society, situated in picturesque John E. Pearce Provincial Park, just south of Wallacetown, Ontario -we are in the heart of the Talbot Settlement, on the shores of Lake Erie. Enjoy the Spicer Trail, heritage gardens, historic barn, outbuildings, and our 1850's Georgian style house museum. Discover period room settings that tell the story of the Backus family, Colonel Talbot, and changing exhibits showcasing the rural communities of western Elgin County."

Just up the road is St. Peter's Anglican Church, and St. Peter's Cemetery, where Colonel Talbot is buried overlooking Lake Erie!

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06/12/2026

Hello North Middlesex!😄

We at the North Middlesex Historical Society are so pleased to have received funding from Canada Summer Jobs for four student employees this summer! Pictured is Brooke Stanton, Eden Campbell, Katherine Legg, and Kayla Robak.

Our summer students work on tasks such as accessioning artifacts, organizing our collection, and assisting visitors. The NMHS teaches students the necessary skills to thrive in the heritage sector.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!😄A little history for you guys.

On this day in history, May 10 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier reached Newfoundland. Cartier was born in France in 1491 and led three maritime expeditions to what is now Canada during his lifetime. During his time spent in Canada, he mapped and explored along the St. Lawrence River. For these reasons, Cartier is considered the “founder” of Canada, even though the land had already been occupied by Indigenous peoples.

During Cartier's first voyage in 1534, he first sailed along the north shore of Newfoundland, and later reached what is now Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. He encountered Haudenosaunee Indigenous peoples from the Quebec region during this voyage, who were near the coast for their annual seal hunt. After planting a cross and trading with the Haudenosaunee peoples, he abducted two of Chief Donnaconna’s sons and returned to France.

04/26/2026

04/26/2026

✨ Thank You for an Incredible Night! ✨

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made our 30th Annual Auction & Dinner such a success!

A very special thank you to Beechwood Church for the incredible meal—it was truly enjoyed by all and helped make the evening even more memorable.

To our generous donors—your support is truly appreciated. Because of you, we were able to offer an amazing selection of items, and we are so grateful for your continued commitment to our community. (All donors are listed below 👇)

To our volunteers—thank you for the countless hours spent planning, organizing, setting up, and making the evening run smoothly. This event simply wouldn’t happen without you.

To everyone who attended, bid, and supported us—thank you for being part of such a special milestone year. Your enthusiasm and generosity help us continue preserving and sharing our local history for future generations.

And a special thank you to Will Johnson Auctioneer and staff, along with the Junior Farmers, for their contributions and support.

We are incredibly grateful to be part of such a strong and supportive community. We hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

💛

04/22/2026

This image shows the W.J. Po***ck blacksmith shop, James Shaddocks hotel and the general store in Corbett.😄

Both the blacksmith and hotel have since been torn down, but the general store is still operating! It is one of the only general stores left still operating in the area.

Corbett was first known as New York, with neighbouring Greenway being called Boston. The hamlet was renamed Corbett after one of the first settlers in the area, John Corbett. The house pictured was John Corbetts log house built in Corbett that was later moved to Harold Corbett's farm near Brinsley, but was later burned down. A separate log house that the Corbett family initially settled in was moved to Fanshawe Pioneer Village and remains open to visitors!