Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

St. Marys

in-person event information

Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience St. Marys, where history meets modern adventures set against the picturesque backdrop of the junction of the Thames River and Trout Creek. You will instantly marvel at historical limestone architecture that gave this small town its nickname the "Stonetown.” As you explore St. Marys during Doors Open, you will experience first-hand how it is shaped by the natural wonder of the local landscape and the spirit of its residents.

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Community information

Close to everything yet removed from the ordinary, St. Marys is a town that works – and a town that plays.

From being a grain and agricultural centre in the late 1800s to becoming an incubator for unique businesses, a hub for artists and artisans, and the host of many community events, St. Marys illustrates why small towns work – charming history paired with modern amenities, all wrapped in an extraordinary setting, in any season.

The Stonetown is an apt moniker for St. Marys as the town is filled with unique architecture that features locally quarried limestone. The stone buildings reveal much about the town's history and, in many cases, the development of the town can be witnessed in its architecture.

From stunning architecture to picturesque vistas, St. Marys has a special character all its own. To assist in the preservation of this character, the Town of St. Marys designated its downtown core as a Heritage Conservation District in 2012.

St. Marys is conveniently located just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Stratford, 40 kilometres (24 miles) from London and 175 kilometres (108 miles) from Toronto.

We look forward to your visit!

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Become a volunteer

Volunteers are an essential part of Doors Open St. Marys. Volunteers do not need any previous experience to participate in Doors Open and will be provided with information and a formal training session prior to the day of the event.

Volunteer roles

  1. Tour guides of historical buildings and participating sites
  2. Greeters to meet the public and organize tour groups
  3. Counters to assist the greeter and count participants

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact us at museum@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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Contact information

5 In-person Doors Open sites

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and MuseumDoors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Located in an 1860s limestone house with an impressive 2019 addition, this museum is on 13 picturesque hectares (32 acres) overlooking the local quarry swimming hole. The site includes a major league-style baseball diamond, two children’s fields and picturesque walking trails. The museum showcases artifacts and memorabilia, and pays tribute to baseball’s impressive Canadian roots and the accomplishments of inductees.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

386 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: scott@baseballhalloffame.ca
https://baseballhalloffame.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860s; 2019 addition
Building type: Attraction Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 23 - Sep 23

Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic ChurchDoors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church

A small stone church was built on this site in 1859 and a rectory to the east was constructed about the same time. The rectory still survives. The old stone church served the congregation until this magnificent building was opened in 1893. The tower in the centre rises 21 metres (69 feet), topped by a soaring 18-metre (61-foot) spire.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking

Contact info

149 King Street North
St. Marys, Ontario
https://avonthamescatholic.dol.ca/holy-name-of-mary

Architecture

Year built: 1893
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 23 - Sep 23

St. James Anglican ChurchDoors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. James Anglican Church

In 1857, a plain church of local limestone was erected here. It still forms the heart of St. James, making this the town’s oldest place of worship in continuous use. In the mid-1880s, the church was renovated. The roof was raised and entrance porches were added. Additionally, the southwest corner was given a Gothic tower and the sanctuary was extended.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

65 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
https://www.stjamesinstmarys.org

Architecture

Year built: 1857; mid-1880s
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 23 - Sep 23

St. Marys MuseumDoors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Marys Museum

When George Tracy — one of St. Marys' earliest settlers — built this house for his family in 1854, it was the largest residence in the area. The neighbourhood park surrounding the building today is what remains of the extensive grounds of this “Castle in the Bush.” A fine example of domestic limestone construction, it has been a museum since 1959.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

177 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: museum@town.stmarys.on.ca
http://www.stmarysmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1854
Building type: Historical house Museum
Architect: Robert Barbour

Dates/hours open

Sep 23 - Sep 23

St. Marys Public LibraryDoors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Marys Public Library

In 1904, the Carnegie Foundation awarded the town a grant of $10,000 to build a public library. Local architect J.A. Humphris used St. Marys limestone, which complemented the neighbouring town hall. The new library provided accommodation for a municipally owned collection of books that had been previously housed in the town hall. The children’s wing was completed in 1988.

  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Architecture

Year built: 1904; children’s wing, 1988
Building type: Library
Architect: J.A. Humphris (St. Marys)

Dates/hours open

Sep 23 - Sep 23