Vankleek Hill Museum

09/26/2026

09/26/2026

Thank you to all of the living history educators, reenactors, the Osgoode Township Museum, the Vankleek Hill Museum, the Friends of Crysler’s Farm Battlefield and all
of the amazing volunteers who helped to pull off another successful War of 1812 Education Day.

09/26/2026

It was an honor to be able to participate in The Glengarry Pioneer Museum's War of 1812 education day, hosting grade 7 and 8 students from across the region. Such a pleasure to be able to provide instructions on pen and ink according to the time period of 1812.

09/06/2026

The museum receives a multitude of interesting donations every year, ranging from genealogy information to artifacts that relate to Vankleek Hill’s history. Each one tells a story that relates back to our community’s roots. Recently we were given a donation by Maggie Joan Cunning McKinely, concerning the Stardale Cheese Factory. In 1895, a group of locals came together to make the idea of a cheese factory a reality. They decided to elect from amongst themselves three trustees to govern the business on behalf of all its shareholders. The factory produced butter and cheese till about 1959, providing these products to locals as well as other businesses. When looking through the account and minute books that came in this donation you can note familiar family names-all working together to ensure that the cheese factory was a success. They serve as a reminder that these documents not only tell the story of a business that was once part of our agricultural economy, but as people, that our stories are intertwined with those around us.

Chaque année, le musée reçoit une multitude de dons intéressants, comprenant de renseignements généalogiques et des objets liés à l’histoire de Vankleek Hill. Chacun d’entre eux raconte une histoire qui nous ramène aux racines de notre communauté. Récemment, Maggie Joan Cunning McKinely nous a fait un don d’une collection de documents concernant la fromagerie de Stardale. En 1895, un groupe de résidents de la région s’est réuni afin de concrétiser l’idée de créer une fromagerie. Ils ont alors choisi parmi eux trois administrateurs chargés de gérer l’entreprise au nom de l’ensemble de ses actionnaires. La fromagerie a produit du beurre et du fromage jusque vers 1959, approvisionnant aussi bien les résidents de la région que d’autres entreprises. En parcourant les livres de comptes et les procès-verbaux qui font partie de ce don, on peut y reconnaître plusieurs noms de familles bien connus — tous travaillant ensemble afin d’assurer le succès de la fromagerie. Ces documents nous rappellent qu’ils ne racontent pas seulement l’histoire d’une entreprise qui faisait autrefois partie de notre économie agricole. Ils nous rappellent également qu’en tant que membres d’une communauté, nos histoires sont intimement liées à celles des gens qui nous entourent.

09/06/2026

Are you looking for a place to cool off while exploring the Vankleek Hill Festival of Flavours? The Museum is open till 5:30 pm today! Why not enjoy a bit of town history, while savoring all the delicious food? Come inside, and learn why Vankleek Hill is the Gingerbread capital of Ontario!

Vous cherchez un endroit où vous rafraîchir pendant votre visite au Festival des saveurs de Vankleek Hill? Le Musée est ouvert jusqu’à 17 h 30 aujourd’hui! Pourquoi ne pas profiter d’un peu d’histoire locale tout en savourant les délicieuses découvertes gourmandes du festival?

08/31/2026

Bill Byers closed out our Speaker Series with a wonderfully engaging talk, Carving Community out of the Wilderness, exploring the first fifty years of life and community-building in this neck of the woods.

08/25/2026

A reminder that Bill Byers will be speaking tonight at Speakers Series.

08/25/2026

In our ongoing Speakers Series, we were pleased to welcome historian Jim Mullin for his presentation, A People Ready to Stand: Life, Loyalty, and the Militia in Prescott‑Russell. Jim offered a compelling exploration of how local residents organized, lived, and served within the militia tradition. His talk illuminated the social fabric, obligations, and loyalties that shaped community defence in the Prescott‑Russell region, providing valuable insight into a defining chapter of our local heritage.

08/17/2026

Our latest Speaker Series featured a fascinating and moving presentation by Debbie Hall, who shared stories of orphaned children in Vankleek Hill and the surrounding area from the 1800s through the 1900s.

Following Debbie’s presentation, a panel of special guests shared their own stories, memories, and family connections. They also answered questions from the audience, adding even more personal insight to this important part of our local history.

It was an engaging and memorable evening that helped bring the stories of Vankleek Hill’s past to life.

08/12/2026