In 1812, The British Government designated all of Lanark County as a potential landing point for European immigrant settlers. With the establishment of Perth as a military town in 1816, Lanark Township, Dalhousie Township and North Sherbrooke Township were opened for even greater settlement in 1820. From the outset, Lanark Village was designated to be the chief local administrative base for Northern Lanark. Lavant and Darling were also opened for settlement over the following 20 years, in order to accommodate the increasing number of immigrants from the British Isles.
The earliest settlers were unemployed Scots who left the overpopulated areas of Glasgow and Lanarkshire, following the Napoleonic war. In 1820, approximately 400 families arrived in Lanark Village, bringing with them skills in cotton weaving, carpentry, blacksmithing and shoemaking. A similar influx of Irish settlers arrived during the 1830's and 1840's. However, the growth of the area was somewhat impeded by the muddy, rocky terrain and steep slopes, which prevented easy travel. As a result, many settlers opted to reside in Perth, unwilling to make the dangerous trek to Northern Lanark.
Of the settlers who did arrive in the Village, all males over 21 years of age were granted 100 acres divided up using the traditional grid system - a grid which is still evident in the current land use pattern and property boundaries. Although the intention of the original settlers were to farm each parcel of land, it soon became apparent that the only lands that could be cultivated were those located in floodplains, along rivers or adjacent to lakes. Consequently, most settlers opted to perform timber-related activities instead. Early industrial activity typically included grist mills, flour mills, pork-packing and tanning establishments - soon followed by the introduction of maple syrup operations, lumbering, saw mills, furniture activities and fishing.
Our Museums
Dalhousie Historic Library and Musuem
Founded in 1828 by Scottish Pioneer Settlers who emigrated to Canada, the Dalhousie Library was a cornerstone of the community of Watson’s Corners for many years. The Library was one of the first rural libraries in Upper Canada.
Today the Library & Museum is a time capsule of historical books and artifacts that date back to the early days of the settlement of Dalhousie Township and Watson’s Corners and is dedicated to the memory of the original pioneer settlers and their families.
Admission Information
Hours:
Victoria Day to Labour Day
Open: every Sundays and Public Holiday Mondays
11:00am - 4:00pm
FREE
Highlights
- First rural library in Ontario
- Family histories of early Scottish settlers
- Books and artifacts back to the early 1800's
Plan Your Visit
Email:
Phone:
613‑259‑3110
Address:
1132 3rd Concession Dalhousie, Watson’s Corners, ON
Lanark and District Museum
The Lanark and District Museum houses displays of tools, clothing and artifacts collected from Lanark area pioneer homes, as well as a library of Canadiana books and Genealogy Records, which includes the only complete set of Lanark Eras available (1895-2000). These may be read on microfilm at the Perth Campus of Algonquin College or at Archives Lanark (613-267-2232).
Admission Information
Hours:
Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend
Open: Saturdays and Sundays and holidays
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Free
Donations accepted
Highlights
- Artifacts and documents from the Glenayr Kitten Mills
- Old photographs
- Original telegrams,sent and received, by the Lavant Station
- Rolls of Honour
Plan Your Visit
Email:
Phone:
613-259-2575
Address:
80 George Street, Lanark, ON
Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum
The Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum opened in 2016, in McDonald’s Corners Ontario. It is located in a 1930’s stable, originally built to accommodate a horse and carriage for the doctor’s new house.
The museum is a place to learn about basketry and the range of its applications. Discover how local materials are used to make practical necessities and how many different types of basketry there are.
Admission Information
Hours:
May to October
Open: Saturdays
11:00am - 3:00pm
By Donation
Highlights
- Collection of 200 plus handmade baskets made with over 15 local materials.
- Rotating gallery exhibits pieces not made from local materials
- Workshops
Plan Your Visit
Website:
https://www.lanarkhighlandsbasketrymuseum.ca/
Phone:
613-278-1875
Address:
5596 McDonalds Corners Rd, McDonalds Corners ON
Middleville & District Museum
Explore Lanark Township history in our informative country museum located in the Hamlet of Middleville. Set in an 1861 two-story stone school, the pioneer spirit shines from every corner of this unique museum. Treasures from days past are waiting to be discovered.
Admission Information
Hours:
Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend
Open: Saturdays and Sundays and holidays
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Admission
$5.00 per person
12 and under free.
Highlights
- A dramatic horse drawn hearse
- A dugout canoe made of a single basswood log
- Old time maple syrup and cheese making displays
- An 1830's "barn-frame" loom
- Blacksmithing tools and farm implements
- Lanark County lumbering and shanty artefacts
- Original genealogical documents and family records.
- The Macaulay-Borrowman Photo Collection
Plan Your Visit
Website:
http://www.middlevillemuseum.org/
Phone:
613-259-5462
Address:
2130 Concession 6D, Middleville, ON
Wheelers Pancake House, Sugar Camp & Museums
Wheelers Maple Heritage Museum
Maple Heritage Museum houses the largest collection of maple syrup artifacts and related items. There are extensive displays ranging from the First Nations discovery of maple syrup to Settlers modernizing methods.
The wall logs of the museum are recycled from century old hay barns and all the lumber was cut and sawed on the property.
Forest & Farm Museum
The Forest & Farm Museum is home to over 600 vintage chainsaws & unique farming tools. Some chainsaws came from right here in Lanark County and Eastern ON while other saws come from all over the world, like New England, Quebec, and as far away as British Columbia and Alaska.
Admission Information
Hours:
Vary by season (check the website for current hours)
By Donation
Highlights
- Working Sugar Camp
- On-site restaurant
- Trails
- Sheep and Alpacas
- 48 foot Mural showing the history of maple syrup
Plan Your Visit
Website:
https://wheelersmaple.com/
Phone:
613-278-2090
Address:
1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners ON
