Levi Carroll, born in Maryland, self-emancipated in 1843 and came to Canada via the Underground Railroad. Settling in Berlin (now Kitchener), he lived in Waterloo’s former log schoolhouse when it was located by Kitchener Collegiate Institute. This landmark now resides in Waterloo Park and is Ontario's oldest remaining log schoolhouse, standing as a tribute to education/Black resilience. Parking notice!

OC Transpo’s 360-degree tour gives you a first-person view of these O-Train Line 1 stations. Please note, footage featured in the online tour was filmed prior to the September 2019 O-Train Line 1 launch. As the easternmost point of the O-Train Line 1, Blair Station is one of the system’s busiest transit hubs. It offers easy transfers between light rail and buses, as well as access to local commercial and residential areas. Lyon Station is an underground station just a few steps away from Sparks Street. A special feature is the non-integrated art piece called With Words as their Actions, created by PLANT, in Toronto. It celebrates women as keepers of history – and in particular, the 32 women who, in 1898, founded the Ottawa chapter of the Women’s Canadian Historical Society (now the Historical Society of Ottawa). Using the tour is simple: you can use your mouse to travel through the interior and change levels by clicking the station level guide in the bottom left corner. To read more about station features, click on the red and white O button seen throughout the station.

Constructed in 1914, this private home was built in the Tudor revival style (a rare building style found in Whitby). As part of Digital Doors Open, enjoy a virtual tour and learn more about the features of this unique structure (including its original woodwork, leaded-glass windows and brick fireplaces). You’ll also hear stories of some of its famous homeowners over time – including Leslie McFarlane, who wrote at least one of the Hardy Boys books (A Figure in Hiding) while living here.

Alderlea, meaning meadow of alder trees, is a well-preserved heritage building, built at the height of the Victorian era. It is one of the finest examples of Italianate villa architecture in Ontario. Following careful restoration, this 19th-century mansion has plenty to offer. Come and see how the house has been adapted for use as a popular heritage venue.

Built at the turn of the 19th century, this building served as The Consolidated Lake Superior Company General Office Building – one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in Ontario. It was designated in 1993 and is now home to the Algoma Conservatory of Music, a regional centre for music education, performance and recording.

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum tells the remarkable story of the journeys and contributions made by African-Canadians. By preserving these stories and displaying them with artifacts that educate and inspire, the museum continues to provide both knowledge and pride in our Black history. As part of Digital Doors Open, this site offers a series of video stories from descendants of runaway freedom seekers. Also, take some time to learn more about the Underground Railroad in the video below.

Enjoy a look inside the Ancaster Old Township Hall. Built in 1871 by William H. Thuresson, it is one of the finest pieces of stone architecture in Ancaster – complete with original apron stage, hardwood floors, arched windows and historically accurate colours. It has undergone several renovations over the years, but the original character remains.

The Appleton Swamp is an extensive riverine swamp and marsh complex associated with the floodplain of the Mississippi River. The Gardiner, Grace and Neilson properties are all managed for the Ontario Heritage Trust by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority with the purpose of maintaining the natural features and biodiversity of the properties. There is no public access to these properties for that reason. The properties are situated in the Appleton swamp, which is recognized as a provincially significant Class 2 Wetland and Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) due to the unique representation of riverine marsh, swamp and upland forest on clay plain. As part of Digital Doors Open, take a virtual boat ride through the Appleton swamp by watching the video below.

The Archives of Ontario is the largest provincial archives in Canada, with a vast collection that includes textual (paper) items, photographs, maps, architectural drawings and audio, video and film recordings. Located at York University's Keele Campus, this purpose-built facility includes a large reading room with digital microfilm readers, audio and video booths, digitization and conservation labs, a large exhibit gallery and a classroom for educational programming. The Archives is also home to the Government of Ontario Art Collection. If you’re interested in researching at the archives, check out the Researching Our Records Online or the Tracing Your Family History videos on the Archives’ YouTube channel. As part of Digital Doors Open, learn more about the Archives of Ontario through the video below, browse their many online exhibits or piece together Ontario’s history by trying out an online jigsaw puzzle.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest galleries in North America. With nearly 95,000 pieces in its collections – from European masterpieces to modern art to an extensive Group of Seven collection – the AGO presents wide-ranging exhibits and programs, showcasing diverse and underrepresented artists from Canada and around the world. While the AGO is open once more, there remain a number of intriguing programs and activities that can be done outdoors or online. As part of Digital Doors Open, discover your inner artist: learn to draw, become a better photographer, paint alongside your kids, or sketch at the Toronto Zoo (part of the AGO Makes program). Download some colouring cards. Check out their art-making videos. Explore their online collections. Or discover their extensive teacher resources. There’s something for everyone at the AGO!

In 1978, Ottawa’s mayor recommended establishing a municipal arts centre, arts council, arts festival and a permanent art collection for the city. This building initially served as the Carleton County Court House, purpose-built in 1870-71. It was slated for demolition in 1980, but it was saved by the city and turned into the Arts Court. It officially opened in 1988.

The Ashbridges, a founding family of Toronto (formerly York), arrived from Pennsylvania in 1793. They are the only Toronto family to continuously occupy their land for 200 years. Two acres of the original homestead, including an 1854 house, is preserved by the Ontario Heritage Trust. This east-end landmark estate features a simple Regency design with neoclassical elements.

Founded in 1728 to serve the Huron Indians, Assumption is the oldest Catholic parish west of Montreal. Construction of the current building started in 1842 and the church opened in 1845. The architect, Robert Thomas Elliot, received $10 for his work. Once an endangered heritage building, Assumption Church is currently undergoing a massive restoration project that began in 2019.

The Auchmar Estate is considered to be the last surviving country estate on Hamilton Mountain. It was built for the Honourable Isaac Buchanan, a local Scotsman, entrepreneur, politician and civic leader in 19th-century Canada. Visit this Gothic revival manor house and learn about its storied past before strolling the walled and landscaped grounds that surround it. No parking on site.

The world’s only Star Trek-themed orthodontic office is filled with props from all of the Star Trek television series and motion pictures. The office has gathered worldwide attention – featured on CTV and Space, and in magazines and blogs. During Digital Doors Open, you will encounter Borg drones, concept artwork, medical devices, alien weaponry and technology, and even Tribbles. Explore this unique facility through their online slideshow or the video below. Live long and prosper!

Aurora’s public library service began in 1855 with the formation of the Aurora Association for the Diffusion of Helpful Knowledge, later called the Aurora Mechanics’ Institute and Library Association. From these early organizations emerged the Aurora Public Library, now a busy, architecturally modern community hub in the heart of Aurora. While this facility remains closed to the public, there are many Digital Doors Open opportunities available – from virtual science labs (see a sample video here), summer camps, cooking classes, speakers’ series and live-streaming storytelling to a digital bookshelf where you can read, watch listen and learn. Genealogy enthusiasts can also take advantage of the free access to the Library Edition of Ancestry.com. And there’s so much more!

Balfour House is Hamilton’s last great escarpment estate. Several prominent Hamiltonians have called it home since 1836, most recently the family of St. Clair Balfour. Owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by the City of Hamilton, the building and garden are spectacular. Exhibits related to the commitment to music of the Southam family will be on display.

A Bruce Trail side trail traverses this spectacular property, located east of Barrow Bay in Northern Bruce Peninsula. The Dobson and Deal properties, where this bay is situated, are owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Over 268 species have been documented, including four species at risk observed on the property. As part of Digital Doors Open, take a virtual hike along this part of the Bruce Trail and see this property from the air by watching the video below.

Battlefield House Museum, part of which dates to 1796, was once home to the prominent Gage family. Learn about the stories of the people who built the house and the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore it. Explore the Dunington Grubb landscape (which includes the impressive Battlefield Monument) and hike around a 13.8-hectare (34-acre) patchwork of meadow and forest.

Home to Innisfil's newest art gallery, this site has a long and rich history spanning hundreds of years. It was long used as a general store, run by the Chantler family, and was the first home of the library in Stroud. The members of the Women’s Institute, seeing a need, donated over 100 books in 1912 to start the library. The primary caretakers of the fledgling library were Mrs. A. Neelands and her brother, C.E. Chantler. The library remained at the general store until Mrs. Neelands’ death in 1921. Later, the building was used as a medical centre. Today, it is the thriving Be Contemporary Gallery – complete with an online gallery and art sales. As part of Digital Doors Open, see the video below and enjoy a wander through the gallery space. The gallery has re-opened with COVID-19 safety measures in place (open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). All visitors must wear a face covering. Check their website for more information on these safety protocols.

The Community Garden Program was initiated by the City of Belleville Green Task Force in 2012. It gives residents a place to grow vegetables and flowers in designated parks. Anyone living in the Belleville area can apply. No special skills are required. The gardens include the Bayview Heights Community Gardens, the Ponton Park Community Gardens and the West Hill Park Community Gardens. Garden beds are awarded in March each year by lottery. Each name drawn will be assigned a garden bed and given exclusive use for the season (May to October). The program is free. Each garden bed provides 3.7 square metres (40 square feet) of growing space. Learn more about the gardens and the rules of the program and COVID-19 guidelines here. And, for Digital Doors Open, take a virtual tour of these community gardens here.

Most of Belleville's drinking water is treated at the Gerry O'Connor Water Treatment Plant, located in the west end overlooking the Bay of Quinte. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and treats 72 million litres of water daily, which is enough to fill Belleville's water tower 24 times over. Its distribution system serves over 40,000 residents and businesses every day through 224 km (139 miles) of water mains. Energy projects have been done at the plant. Old boilers were replaced with new models to reduce natural gas consumption. Roof insulation was upgraded to R18. And new solar energy products were brought online. Belleville was recognized as a leader in energy conservation in 2015 and 2017 by Save on Energy and Veridian, now Elexicon Energy. As part of Digital Doors Open, you can take a virtual tour and learn more about the Water Treatment Plant here.

Uncovering and preserving Lincoln's rich history has been the passion and committed mission of the Friends of Lincoln's History since their doors opened in 2011. In association with the Ontario Historical Society, this registered not-for-profit has been collecting, cataloguing and archiving historical documents and artifacts related to Lincoln's history in hopes of encouraging an interest in continued preservation and education in Lincoln's archaeological, architectural and historical heritage. One of their recent community projects involved helping the team at Bench Brewing Company to uncover over 182 years of history embedded in the halls of Maple Grove School. This local historical building, which was once the longest-running active school in Ontario, would soon become the home for the Bench Brewing Company’s new brewery, and the team wanted to honour the school’s past not only by adapting the physical structure but also by documenting its story with assistance from the Friends of Lincoln’s History. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video series entitled Uncovering the Lincoln Archives – Part 1 can be seen below, with Part 2 and Part 3 available on YouTube.

Sheave Tower (owned and operated by the Cambridge branch of the Architectural Conservancy Ontario) is the province's last remaining wooden water-powered hydroelectric generator tower – a 19th-century marvel of ingenuity. This local landmark is neatly tucked away under a canopy of Carolinian forest and set within the boundaries of a provincially significant wetland. The 9.5-metre (31-foot) tower has been restored to its original bold oxblood colour. Built in 1876, it was a remarkable feat of engineering that harnessed waterpower via pulley and cable for the nearby gristmill. It was one of the world’s smallest hydroelectric generating projects. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to learn more about this important historical building.

The Boyd Heritage Museum in Bobcaygeon was founded to collect and exhibit information and artifacts related to the history of Bobcaygeon and the family of Mossom Boyd, the lumber baron whose business activities shaped the history of the village beginning in the mid-19th century. Come and explore the museum to learn about Bobcaygeon's past and the surrounding area.