Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum

It’s a celebration that’s been 50 years in the making. The Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum is preparing to mark it’s 50th anniversary as a community museum, having celebrated its grand opening on July 1, 1975.

Observations will begin with the release of a new video each month as the history of the Museum’s buildings and grounds is narrated by a member of the Board of Museum, Heritage, and Culture.

The first video features Terry Huffman, member of the Board of Museum, Heritage, and Culture as he recounts the history of the Williams House, from its creation in 1861 to its notable occupants, and how it was transformed into a community museum. The videos can be found on the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum YouTube page.

Along with the videos, there are also festivities to look forward to when the weather warms.

Beginning in May, for Museum Month, the museum will feature commemorative exhibits in both the Williams House and Roselawn Centre galleries, as in-person events to prepare for the anniversary. More information on those events and displays will be shared in the upcoming months.

Then, on Sunday, July 6, so as not to interfere with Canada Day celebrations on July 1, the Museum will formally mark the 50th anniversary of its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. The event will take attendees back to the decade that started it all and host a classic 1970s-themed picnic complete with an antique car show, lawn games, food vendors, and groovy tunes!

Be sure to engage with the Museum’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to see all the fun events, tours, and programs that will mark the 50th anniversary.

Together with the support of the Port Colborne community, the Museum has inaugurated community events, such as the annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival; established Arabella’s Tea Room, the longest volunteer-run tearoom in Canada; expanded their grounds to include a complete Heritage Village, Marine Park, the L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives, and the Roselawn Centre; and so much more.