The Sunderland & District Historical Society
Home of The Sunderland Museum
Rich The Magic Door – 100 River St The present building at 100 River Street was completed in 1892, a date still visible in the stonework at the top of its façade. A 1910 fire insurance map shows a hardware store operating here during the building’s early years. In 1918, Arthur “Art” Brether moved his barber … Read more
The Sunderland Legion – 104 River St The Sunderland branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1929 and is officially known as Royal Canadian Legion, Brock Branch 141. The Ladies Auxiliary was established 20 years later, in 1949. For its first decades, the branch operated without the present Legion hall. In 1958, the … Read more
Click on the Play symbol above to listen to the story. 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 … Read more
“Old” Fire Hall – 5 Church St N It may be difficult to imagine today, but this former fire hall was originally built as a creamery. After studying at Guelph College and gaining experience working with his uncle at a creamery in Belleville, Elwood Free decided to establish his own business. In 1936, Elwood and … 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. Online Reports Royal Canadian Legion Brock Branch 141 Books Call Them Blessed – Cannington ($20) Dobson Family ($10) Green Pastures of Brock ($35) Prints Sunderland Railway Station Sunderland Town Hall Booklets Barnardo … 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.