Annandale NHS

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

THIS SATURDAY FROM 12- 4PM

Countdown to Doors Open – Tillsonburg on June 6 from 12 to 4 p.m.!
https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/tillsonburg
www.tillsonburg.ca/doors_open
NOTE: The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153 is open from 1pm to 3pm only

Today’s highlight is Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153
Location: 16 Durham Street

Tillsonburg is a welcoming community hub. It provides a space to connect, celebrate and support one another while honouring Canada’s veterans. Through events, ceremonies and social gatherings, Branch 153 preserves local and national history, fosters camaraderie and ensures that all are welcomed with respect and inclusivity.

Stop by and explore this unique local destination during Doors Open Tillsonburg. Discover the stories, spaces, and community spirit that make Tillsonburg special. Stay tuned as we continue counting down to this exciting community event!

06/01/2026

Annandale National Historic Site is looking for volunteers for TurtleFest 2026 on June 20! Shifts are available from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and/or 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Volunteers will assist with games, crafts, and engaging with visitors throughout the event. It’s a great way to support your community—and for high school students to earn community service hours.

Interested in volunteering? Please fill out our volunteer form here: https://forms.office.com/r/qmdtAYxxLJ

05/31/2026

TurtleFest- Saturday
Saturday, June 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Cost: By Donation

Visit the Museum on TurtleFest to participate in “turtlely” family fun with live turtles, Lego © games, crafts, tours and the popular Turtle scavenger hunt.

05/31/2026

TurtleFest- Friday Night
Friday, June 19th from 6 p.m. to midnight
Cost: By Donation

Come kick off TurtleFest with us by an turtle-themed activity —a fun and creative way to start the celebration! We challenge your family and friends to some oversized games.
Grab a bite while you’re here. Food Trucks will be on-site serving up delicious dinner and treats. All materials provided for free while supplies last.

At dusk (approx. (9:30 p.m.), grab your blanket or lawn chair and watch “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” on the big screen.

05/31/2026

A Legacy in Brick and Mortar: Honoring Our Architectural Treasures

As we wrap up our journey through the streets of Tillsonburg, it becomes clear that our buildings are far more than just shelter—they are the living diary of our community. From the grand "Italian Villa" style of Braeburn to the resilient brick facades of the Sinclair Block, every storefront and gable tells a story of ambition, tragedy, and rebirth.

Reflecting on What We’ve Learned
• The Vision of Pioneers: We see the thumbprint of E.D. Tillson and his family everywhere, from the "state-of-the-art" gas lights of the 1880s to the grand homes built for his children.
• Resilience Through Fire: Our downtown streetscape was forged in flames. The transition from wood to brick wasn't just an aesthetic choice—it was a testament to a town that refused to stay down after every devastating fire.
• The Power of Preservation: While we look back at "regrettable treasures" like the Carnegie Library or the original Post Office with a bit of heartache, we also celebrate the victories. The restoration of the Station Arts Centre and the "Grande Dames" of Broadway proves that our history is worth the investment.

Looking Forward

Our architectural heritage is a gift from the past, but its future depends on us. Whether it’s a meticulously restored mansion or a small cottage with original stained glass, these structures provide a sense of place that modern buildings simply cannot replicate. They remind us of where we’ve been and inspire us to build a future that respects our roots.

We hope that the next time you "jaywalk" across Broadway or stroll down Bidwell, you’ll look up and see the incredible craftsmanship and history hidden in plain sight.

05/30/2026

There are still spaces let at Museum Camp 2026!

Join us for Summer Museum Camp! ☀️

Perfect for ages 7–12, our weekly camps run from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (drop-off starts at 7:45 a.m., pick-up until 5:00 p.m.) for $166.25 per week.

🚩 July 20–24 – Canada Welcomes the World
Celebrate the excitement of the FIFA World Cup with soccer, games, and activities exploring cultures from around the globe.

🚜 July 27–31 – Life on the Farm
Step back in time and discover traditional farm life through hands-on activities, outdoor fun, and learning about rural living.

🌿 August 17–21 – Adventures Unlimited
An action-packed week of outdoor challenges, teamwork, creativity, and adventure.

✈️ August 24–28 – Ticket to Ride
Explore transportation through time—from steam trains to airplanes—in a fun-filled week of discovery and imagination.

Spaces fill quickly—register today for a summer of fun, learning, and adventure!

Registrar on you Connect2Rec account: https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294

05/30/2026

Where Architecture Meets Artistry: The Story of Annandale House

Have you ever wondered what makes Annandale House a National Historic Site? It isn’t just its age—it’s the incredible way the home blends bold architecture with the "Art for Art’s Sake" philosophy of the Aesthetic Movement.

Completed in 1887 for Edwin and Mary Ann Tillson, the house is a masterclass in two distinct 19th-century styles:

The Aesthetic Movement (The Interior) Stepping inside is like walking into a painting. Unlike the dark, heavy decor often associated with the Victorian era, the Aesthetic Movement focused on beauty, nature, and light. At Annandale House, this comes to life through:
• Exquisite hand-painted ceilings and elaborate stenciling.
• Intricate stained glass and vibrant Minton floor tiles.
• Nature-inspired motifs, featuring the sunflowers and peacocks that defined the era’s "cult of beauty."

Italianate Architecture (The Exterior) On the outside, the house is a premier example of Italianate architecture. Inspired by the villas of Italy, you can spot these classic features:
• The iconic belvedere (the small tower) crowning the roof.
• Low-pitched roofs with large, decorative brackets under the eaves.
• Tall, narrow windows that give the home its grand, stately presence.

Combined, these styles created what was once described as a "monument to taste." Today, it remains one of the best-preserved examples of this movement in North America, right here in our own community!

05/29/2026

FREE EVENT: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration 🥁

The Tillsonburg & District Historical Society invites you to a powerful afternoon of live music, dance, market vendors, and community at Memorial Park.

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Opening Ceremony & Main Performance at 2:00 PM)
Location: Memorial Park, Tillsonburg (Enter via John St. or Sanders St., southeast of the Community Centre)
Cost: FREE admission, open to all ages!

What to Expect:
Eagle Flight Singers & Dancers: Over 20 years of powerful, live Northern Straight singing and dance (Plains Cree, Ojibway, and Haudenosaunee descent).

Special Guests: Beautiful performances by Jingle Dancer Robyn Michaud and Friends.

Marketplace: Indigenous craft vendors & delicious food options.

Quick Tip: Some bleacher seating is available, but please BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS to stay comfortable!

Funded by the Government of Canada & the Tillsonburg & District Historical Society.