The Sunderland & District Historical Society
Home of The Sunderland Museum
Rich The Magic Door – 100 River St The most recent building constructed here was finished in 1892 as shown by the stone engraving at the top front of the Magic Door Art Gallery. The Insurance maps from 1910 show that there was a hardware store here. At one time there was a barber shop and … Read more
The Sunderland Legion – 104 River St The Legion was formed in 1929 and celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. It’s correctly known as the Royal Canadian Legion, Brock Branch 141. In 1949, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed. In 1958, the Legion bought the house of Dr. Robert Grierson and used it for their meetings … Read more
Step back in time as you explore Sunderland’s historic downtown. This self-guided walking tour leads you to many of the village’s most significant buildings and landmarks, revealing the people, events, and stories that shaped our community. Sunderland Historical Walking Tour Map – Printable chart to carry View the original video walking tour
Freeze Creamery – 5 Church St N It’s kind of hard to believe that the Old Fire Hall on Church street north was once a creamery. After getting a degree at Guelph College and working with his uncle at a creamery in Belleville, Elwood Free decided to go into business for himself. In 1936, he … Read more
Visit Historical Sites Around Sunderland Like a treasure hunt? Try Geocaching! It’s fun, gets you outdoors and leads you to interesting places. The S&DHS is placing and promoting geocaches intended to offer a glimpse of our community’s history. How many can you find? Sunderland Village Tour GC9DNYM Village Stroll (Traditional Cache) in Ontario, Canada created … Read more
The Sunderland Women’s Institute has played an important role in the life of our community for generations. Explore a collection of scrapbooks documenting its activities and achievements from 1926 through the late 1990s. These remarkable records provide a rich and personal glimpse into the people, events, and everyday life of Sunderland over more than seven … Read more
The museum houses a detailed collection of pictures and documents detailing the life of this local hero whose service extended to two world wars and an active political life. George Arthur Welsh DSO & Bar (28 July 1896 – 16 February 1965) was a Canadian flying ace, farmer and political figure. He represented Muskoka—Ontario in … Read more
The following publications, prints and booklets are available for a minimal fee. Contact us to get a copy of any document or publication. Books Green Pastures of Brock ($35) Call Them Blessed – Cannington ($20) Dobson Family ($10) Prints Sunderland Railway Station Sunderland Town Hall Booklets Cemetery Records of Durham Region (various prices) Families of … Read more
Searching the History of Your Family or Home? We can help! Research: $25/hr. Photocopying: black & white – $0.50 / page Colour – $1.00 / page 11X17 inch maps – $3.00 / page We thank you for your support and any donations of local artifacts or documents. To book an appointment or request assistance, contact … Read more
Dousing Demonstration: Dousing was used to locate the well site on many of the farms in Brock Township. To arrange a demonstration on dousing and the science behind it, give us a call or send a note.