Ontario Heritage Trust / Fiducie du patrimoine ontarien
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June 22, 2013

Visit a variety of sites throughout the city as they open their doors to showcase amazing architecture and design, historical collections and a glimpse inside Kingston's landmark buildings.

All sites are open to the public FREE of charge throughout the day. Explore our history ... immerse yourself in our vibrant culture. You'll marvel at the 18th-century architecture and be fascinated by the secrets and stories waiting to be discovered at each site.

For a complete list of participating sites and local maps, contact Sue Hitchcock:


Telephone: 613-546-4291, ext. 1716
Email: sueh@cityofkingston.ca

At the gateway to the Thousand Islands and the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal, Kingston is a city rich in history, culture and critically acclaimed attractions.

Kingston is a city built on grand heritage, defined by an exquisite ability to blend the  beauty of yesterday with the passion and sophistication of today.  Experience our past first hand at one of Kingston's many fascinating museums. Many sites offer guided tours, special programs and exhibits for children throughout the year. Artists and art lovers will not be disappointed in Kingston's cultural offerings. If anything, you'll need to plan an extra day to experience it all. With a strong artist base, it is not surprising that we also offer commercial galleries, artisans shops and studio tours for patrons to visit and enjoy.

Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
French services available
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available
Cultural expressions

Agnes Etherington Art Centre

www.aeac.ca/index.html
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
University Avenue at Bader Lane, Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-533-2190
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The permanent collection here is one of the most notable in Canada. Built over the past 50 years, it currently numbers some 14,000 objects. Doors Open celebrates art and architecture. They invite visitors to explore its galleries and Etherington House, and to participate in a family-friendly sculpture project in the André Biéler Studio. Community docents will be on hand.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
French services available
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Almost Home

www.almosthome.on.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
118 William Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-548-8255
Year built: c. 1895
Style: Victorian
Building type: Private residence
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Once a private residence from the turn of the 20th century, Almost Home now operates as a home-away-from-home for families with sick children. Extensive renovations have preserved the charm and detail of the original house, while providing a modern residence for up to 11 families. Almost Home has welcomed more than 3,300 families since opening in 1992.
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
French services available
National Historic Site (Canada)
Kid-friendly
Self-guided tours available

Bellevue House National Historic Site

http://PC.gc.ca/bellevue
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
35 Centre Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-546-8666, ext. 105
Year built: 1840
Architect: George Browne
Style: Italianate
Building type: Historic landmark
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bellevue House, built in 1840, was once the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister. Restored to the 1840s period and staffed by costumed interpreters, the house and gardens are kept much as they would have been during the time that Macdonald lived here with his wife and infant son.
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Chalmers United Church

http://chalmersunitedchurch.org
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
212 Barrie Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-546-3263, ext. 222
Year built: 1888
Architect: Gillen and Gillen
Building type: Place of worship
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The current Chalmers United Church is a unique limestone heritage building constructed in 1888, surrounded by Barrie, Clergy and Earl streets. On entering the sanctuary, you will experience the intimacy and welcoming atmosphere of this “rebel” architecture (based on a semi-circle), beautiful richly coloured stained-glass windows, a soaring arched ceiling, ornate balcony and Casavant organ.
Washrooms
National Historic Site (Canada)
Guided tours available
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Elizabeth Cottage

www.retirementhomeskingston.com/index.html
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
251 Brock Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-546-7255
Year built: 1841-43
Architect: Edward Horsey
Style: Gothic revival
Building type: Private residence
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Edward Horsey, the architect of the Frontenac County Court House, built Elizabeth Cottage between 1841 and 1843 as his family home. A striking example of 19th-century Gothic revival style, Elizabeth Cottage is a National Historic Site and has operated since 1956 as a non-profit retirement home for women.
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Self-guided tours available

Former Congregational Church - Masonic Hall

CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
126 Wellington Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-2555
Year built: 1864-65
Architect: John Power
Building type: Commercial
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In 1864, John Power designed this church of hammer-dressed stone for the Congregational Church. The interior was damaged by fire in 1891. In 1925, the building was sold to the Masons for use as their Masonic Hall until 2002, when it was sold and became the Wellington Street Theatre. In fall 2011, this heritage building became Kids and Co. Daycare.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
French services available
National Historic Site (Canada)
Kid-friendly
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Fort Henry Trade Square

www.parks.on.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
1 Fort Henry Drive
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-7388
Year built: 1832
Architect: Corps of Royal Engineers
Building type: Attraction, Historic landmark, Military, Museum
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fort Henry, just east of Kingston, was built in 1832 to defend the terminus of the Rideau Canal and the naval dockyard in Kingston harbour. This year for Doors Open, the upper section of the fort has been transformed into the Fort Henry "Trade Square," filled with gift vendors and Kingston's largest outdoor patio.
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Frontenac County Schools Museum

www.fcsmuseum.com
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
414 Regent Street
Barriefield, Ontario
Telephone: 613-544-9113
Year built: 1886
Architect: William Newlands
Building type: Museum
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring your family to explore this one-room rural schoolhouse from the early 20th century. The desks and artifacts were collected from schools that dotted the surrounding countryside. Sit at a wooden desk, write on a slate with a slate pencil and browse through old Ontario readers. Try to solve some arithmetic problems from the past.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Goodes Hall, Queen's School of Business

http://qsb.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
143 Union Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-533-2305
Year built: 1892, 2002, 2012
Architect: Peter Berton, The Ventin Group (Toronto) Ltd. Architects
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Goodes Hall, the home of Queen's School of Business, combines an exquisitely restored 120-year-old red brick Victorian schoolhouse – originally known as Victoria School – with 13,285 square metres (143,000 square feet) of bold new design. The building is named in honour of the family of Mel Goodes, a Queen's Commerce '57 alumnus.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available

HMCS Cataraqui

www.army.forces.gc.ca/asu_kingston/hmcscat
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
24 Navy Way
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-541-5010
Year built: 1992
Building type: Military
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HMCS Cataraqui is one of 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across Canada. Its mission is to provide the Royal Canadian Navy with highly motivated, well-trained sailors so that Canada can meet its naval defence objectives in times of peace, crisis or war.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
French services available
National Historic Site (Canada)
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Kingston City Hall

www.cityofkingston.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-546-4291, ext. 1520
Year built: 1841-44
Architect: George Browne
Building type: Historic landmark
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A nationally designated heritage site and considered one of the finest 19th-century buildings in Canada, this structure was completed in December 1844, at a cost of about £25,000. It has housed many tenants, including the Board of Trade, the post office, the customs house, the Bank of British North America, the Mechanics’ Institute, the Orange Lodge and church groups.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Self-guided tours available
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
Cultural expressions

Kingston Frontenac Public Library

www.kfpl.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
130 Johnson Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-549-8888
Year built: 1812-22; addition 1978
Architect: Archibald Fraser/Lily Inglis and Wilfred Sorensen
Building type: Library
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; children's Vintage Storytime at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Traditionally known as the Bishop's House, this early-1800s classical revival building was a Catholic presbytery, convent and school for almost 150 years. In 1972, it was incorporated into designs for the Central Library. Take a self-guided tour of the library’s art collection and view rare historical documents. Kids will enjoy the Vintage Storytimes and drop-in craft activities throughout the day.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available
Cultural expressions

Kingston School of Art and Window Art Gallery

www.ksoa.info
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
647A Princess Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-549-1528
Building type: Commercial
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Kingston School of Art provides affordable, hands-on instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, pastels, mixed media and printmaking to hundreds of students, children and adults alike. The Window Art Gallery provides exhibition space to Kingston artists in a beautiful light-filled space. This Doors Open event will include art demonstrations, art activities for children, and tours of the school.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available
Cultural expressions

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum

www.woodworkingmuseum.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
2993 Highway 2 East
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-0543
Year built: Log house 1853, exhibit building 1983
Building type: Museum
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; guided tours at 10 and 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum is at the entrance to scenic Grass Creek Park, in an 1853 log cabin. The museum contains a treasure trove of woodworking tools and interesting wooden objects and art highlighting the building’s history and the diverse roles trees and wood have in our lives. Kids will enjoy the children’s activity area. Pre-register for tours.
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
National Historic Site (Canada)
Kid-friendly

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston

www.marmuseum.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
55 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-2261
Year built: 1891
Building type: Museum
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This National Historic Site, located at the Kingston Dry Dock, has a mandate to collect, preserve and present the maritime history of the Great Lakes, which is integral to the story of Canada as a nation. The museum has seven galleries, extensive archives and a library, was well as a large collection of artifacts.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Cultural expressions

Military Communications and Electronics Museum

www.c-and-e-museum.org
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
95 Craftsman Blvd.
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-541-4675
Year built: 1995
Building type: Museum
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This museum houses three of 20 plaster moulds of original clay figures designed by Canadian sculptor Walter Allward (1876-1955), including Grieving Man and Grieving Woman. Allward won a competition to design a Canadian war memorial to be placed on a battle site in Europe. In the summer of 1922, the commission selected Vimy Ridge as the site for Allward’s memorial.
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available
Cultural expressions

Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre

www.modernfuel.org
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
21 Queen Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-548-4883
Year built: 1848
Architect: George Herchmer Markland
Building type: Commercial
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Modern Fuel is a non-profit, interdisciplinary arts organization located in the former City of Kingston Gaslight Company building, built in 1848. The painted slogan “Gas the Modern Fuel” remains on the side of the building to this day. During Doors Open, meet and talk to local professional artists and participate in the production of an artistic work.
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
National Historic Site (Canada)
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Museum of Health Care at Kingston

www.museumofhealthcare.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
32 George Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-548-2419
Year built: 1903-04
Architect: William Newlands
Building type: Museum
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; guided tours at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
The imposing, beaux arts-style Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site was a student nurses’ residence from 1904-69. Since 1995, the building has housed the Museum of Health Care and its extensive collection of health-related artifacts. Gallery and behind-the-scenes tours will tell the history of nursing in Canada through an architectural lens.
Parking
Washrooms
French services available
National Historic Site (Canada)
Cultural expressions

Portsmouth Town Hall

http://130.15.90.59/khws
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
623 King Street West
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-928-3147
Year built: 1865
Architect: William Coverdale
Building type: Historic landmark
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners will welcome visitors to its studio on the second floor of the historic Portsmouth Town Hall, erected in 1865, which has also served as a public school and headquarters for St. John’s Ambulance. View the building and see weaving and spinning demonstrations. Finished products will be available for purchase.
Washrooms
Self-guided tours available

Printing Room Museum, Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

www.providence.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
115 Ordnance Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-544-4525
Year built: 1897-98
Architect: Joseph Connolly
Style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul owned and operated a printing room from 1898 until 1989. All the original presses and equipment are still in place. The Printing Room Museum is located in the basement of Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at Providence Manor.
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
French services available
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Pump House Steam Museum

www.steammuseum.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
23 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-546-4291, ext. 1666
Year built: 1849
Architect: Joseph Power
Building type: Museum
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This museum, housed in one of Canada’s oldest waterworks, is a testament to Kingston’s industrial past. See the original Victorian technology that provided the first running water to Kingston residents in the 1850s. Guided tours every hour. Tales from the Rails story and craft time (11 a.m. to noon). Build Your Own Water Pump (1 to 2:30 p.m.).
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available

Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Brigade Association

www.rcha.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
193 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-8152
Year built: 1848-49
Architect: William Coverdale
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Architect William Coverdale constructed this building, designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, in 1848-49. It has been the home of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Association (RCHA) since 1947. A licensed lounge on the third floor presents live entertainment on weekends. Artifacts honouring the RCHA and illustrating its history are displayed on the second floor.
Parking
Washrooms
National Historic Site (Canada)
Kid-friendly
Self-guided tours available
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Royal Military College Museum, Fort Frederick

CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
4 Passchendale Drive
Kingston, Ontario
Year built: 1846
Architect: Royal Engineers
Building type: Historic landmark
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This museum is located in Fort Frederick on the campus of the Royal Military College of Canada. Created in 1962, the museum in its present form collects, conserves, researches and displays material relating to the history of the college, its former cadets and the site on which it is located.
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

St. George's Cathedral

www.stgeorgescathedral.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
270 King Street East
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-548-4617
Year built: 1825-91
Architect: Thomas Rogers (1825) and Joseph Power (1891)
Building type: Place of worship
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This simple stone church with a steeple in front was designed by Thomas Rogers, Kingston’s first practising architect. The present cathedral dates from 1825 and 1891. Three of the walls of the original church still stand, forming a large part of the present cathedral’s nave. Lord Sydenham, British North America’s first governor, is buried in the church below the nave.
Parking
Full wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

St. Mark's Anglican Church

www.freewebs.com/stmarkschurch
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
268 Main Street
Barriefield, Ontario
Telephone: 613-546-3386
Year built: 1843
Architect: Alfred Brunel
Style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Government of Ontario recognizes St. Mark's, founded in 1843, as a historical structure. Constructed of native limestone, the church is a fine example of Gothic revival architecture.  It was built with the aid of funds subscribed by the British Admiralty and by settlers of Barriefield, many of them employees of the Royal Navy dockyard at Navy Bay.
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

St. Paul's Anglican Church

www.stpaulskingston.ca
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
137 Queen Street (at Montreal Street)
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-5870
Year built: 1845
Building type: Place of worship
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Built of local limestone in 1845 on the site of the Lower Burial Ground (the city's first Protestant cemetery, established in 1783), St. Paul's Anglican Church has a ceiling that soars 18 metres (60 feet) above the floor, and Gothic arches supported by eight Corinthian columns. Guests may peruse the McCausland stained glass while listening to the Casavant pipe organ.
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Washrooms
Kid-friendly
Guided tours available
Self-guided tours available

Sydenham Street United Church

http://sydenhamstreet.ca/ssuc1
CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURE DATES/HOURS OPEN
82 Sydenham Street
Kingston, Ontario
Telephone: 613-542-9616
Year built: 1852
Architect: William Coverdale
Building type: Place of worship
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This building is home to the Sydenham Street United Church congregation, as well as various local cultural and social service groups, including Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, the Choral Society, the Reelout Film Festival and the Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites. Resident groups will be on hand to promote their activities.