The Burlington Public Library (BPL) belongs to everyone in this community. The BPL has six full-service branches and a rural lending location that offer welcoming spaces where visitors can explore, discover, reflect, learn, improve, create and connect with others. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below and join BPL staff for a unique virtual tour of the library. In addition, check out their free online resources (everything from genealogical resources to digital newspapers and online book clubs) as well as a large offering of online programs and events for all ages.

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The Burlington Grand Trunk Railway Station, more commonly known as Freeman Station, was built in 1906 to replace the original two-storey Great Western Railroad station (built circa 1850), which burnt down in 1904. Until its closing in 1988, Freeman Station was a hub of activity for Burlington and the surrounding area, transporting both passengers and freight. Management and restoration of the Station was undertaken by community volunteers, now incorporated as the Friends of Freeman Station. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below and step into Burlington's past with the Friends of Freeman Station. Diorama Director, Ken Taylor, shows how Freeman Station volunteers have brought 1920s Burlington back to life with a large diorama located in the station's basement.

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Built between 1835-37, Ireland House at Oakridge Farm was home to four generations of the Ireland family until 1985. In 1987, the City of Burlington purchased the property from the estate of Lucie Marie Ireland Bush and established a museum here, restoring the homestead to illustrate three distinct time periods that represent the generations of Irelands who lived in the house: the 1850s, 1890s and 1920s. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to go behind the scenes of Ireland House Museum with the Museums of Burlington's Curator Chris Selman. Learn about how many artifacts are on display in the historical home and where we keep the other artifacts that are in storage! In addition, there are online galleries to explore, school programs and resources (including education kits, home-school programs and virtual field trips), virtual “badge” programs (based on the Girl Guides and Scouts), lectures, a mix of in-person and virtual kids’ camps, and a variety of both in-person and virtual events.

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In 1798, King George III granted the Mohawk and British army captain land on what’s now known as Burlington Bay for his services to the Crown during the Seven Years War and the American Revolution. The museum was built in recognition of Joseph Brant “Thayendanegea” (1742-1807) as Burlington’s first citizen. Over the years, the museum has undergone a series of transformations. The current museum, which reopened in September 2019 after a significant restoration, features three permanent galleries and a space for travelling exhibitions. The white house atop the hill is an approximate replica of Joseph Brant’s original home, which served as the museum from 1941 to 2017. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below as Director of Museums, Kimberly Watson, shows us where and how artifacts are stored in the newly built Joseph Brant Museum. Learn how the recently reopened museum has managed to maintain a small carbon footprint while adding 1,115 square metres (12,000 square feet) of space. In addition, there are online galleries to explore, school programs and resources (including education kits, home-school programs and virtual field trips), virtual “badge” programs (based on the Girl Guides and Scouts), lectures, a mix of in-person and virtual kids’ camps, and a variety of both in-person and virtual events.

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The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada, a National Historic Site, and registered charitable organization with a mandate to bring together people, plants and nature. Recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, RBG plays a vital role in this region, protecting and preserving 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) of environmentally sensitive areas (including nature sanctuaries, cultivated gardens and an arboretum), to improve the ecosystem from Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment. Through displays, research, tours, demonstrations, trails and conservation activities, the RBG teaches us all about the importance of plants and nature, and how best to become environmental stewards in our own communities. Download a map before you visit, and watch this video to learn about their COVID-19 protocols. The robust RBG at Home program offers videos and activities for all ages. There are lots of activities for families, teachersand life-long learners. Check out the variety of educational virtual events, too. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to go behind the scenes of RBG with volunteer archivist and author, Marie Minaker. Learn about when the archives were created and see some of the rare items in RBG's archival collection!

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