The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands is fortunate to be rich in arts, culture and heritage. Our local museums provide cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike. Be sure to also take in our local fairs and festivals which are held throughout the year. Check our Events Calendar regularly.
Heritage
We celebrate and embrace our heritage! Our Municipal Heritage Committee would love to hear from you if you would like to donate to our collection or add your property to our registry.
| Municipal Heritage Properties Register |
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The Ontario Heritage Act enables municipalities within Ontario to protect properties of cultural heritage value or interest. The Township has a rich history of built heritage that is captured in our Municipal Heritage Properties Register. The Register is a publicly accessible document of properties that are of recognized or potential cultural heritage value or interest. The Register is an important resource used by the public and Township staff to identify the cultural heritage status of properties in the Township. On July 10, 2023, Township Council approved the Municipal Heritage Properties Register (June 2023) as an update to previous registers and inventories that have been approved by previous Councils over years. The Register includes the following types of municipal, provincial, federal, and international heritage protection:
The Municipal Heritage Properties Register is provided by the Township for information purposes only. The Township endeavours to keep the Register current, accurate, and complete; however, the Township reserves the right to change or modify the Register and information contained within the Register at any time without notice. For information on a property’s cultural heritage status, please contact the Township’s Planning and Development Department (613-659-2415 [Toll Free: 1-866-220-2327] or email staff. |
| Heritage Designation |
| Do you think your property has cultural or historic value? Please consider adding your property to the Heritage Register or pursuing designation under the Heritage Act. Contact us for details. |
| Heritage Grants |
| To help preserve our local heritage local homeowners can apply for financial support from the Heritage Conservation and Celebration Grant. |
| Donations |
| If you have items of historical interest such as photos, diaries, train schedules, menus, advertisements, or any other items that can help tell our story, please consider donating them to the archives or local historical society. |
| Resources |
| Canadian Heritage The National Trust Canada's Historic Places Parks Canada's National Historic Site Cost-Sharing Program Government of Canada's Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada Ontario Heritage Trust Ontario Heritage Act Ontario Historical Society Ontario Heritage Tool Kit Lakes and Islands Times Past |
| Historic Facts about Leeds and the Thousand Islands |
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Thanks to support from the National Trust, the Township celebrated Canada150 moments by recognizing our local culture and heritage as well as important landscapes, people and historic events. 365 Historical Facts - January edition |
Archives and Genealogy
The Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives in Escott, Ontario is where your search begins. A large collection of items stemming from 1796 provides a peek into the rich history of the people of the Thousand Islands. Additional resources on genealogy, cultural and heritage events and resources are right here at your fingertips.
| Resources |
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Canadian Directive on Recordkeeping |
Museums
The rich history of the Thousand Islands is beautifully portrayed and on exhibit in local museums. Do you have your own artifacts or memorabilia to donate? Consider donating to our archives or the local historical society.
| Local |
| Springfield House Museum - Closed 1365 County Rd. 2, Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0 Phone: 613-659-3800 |
| Brockville |
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Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing Brockville Museum Fulford Place |
| Gananoque |
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1000 Islands Boat Museum 1000 Islands History Museum |
| Kingston |
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Kingston is host to a variety of museums including the Frontenac County Schools Museum, Military Communications and Electronics Museum, MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada and more! Visit Kingston Association of Museums Art Galleries and Historic Sites for details. |