VANKLEEK HILL & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY/LA SOCIETE HISTORIQUE REGIONALE DE VANKLEEK HILL

The purpose of the Vankleek Hill & District Historical Society is to collect preserve research exhibit and interpret objects that best serve to illustrate the founding settlement and development of the town of Vankleek Hill and immediate area from 1797 to the present. Our objective is to stimulate greater interest in knowledge of and enthusiasm for Vankleek Hill and its environs amongst residents and visitors and support local Tourism and Commerce. The Museum continues its operating program: collection preservation of artefacts exhibits interpretation; research local history genealogy; transcription; develop self-guided walking tours speaking and participating at local events social media outreach; and the production of the Museum's newsletter.

New activities: The Society created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association to operate the Vankleek Hill Tourist Bureau within the Museum. The Tourist Bureau was staffed by community volunteers who worked alongside the Museum’s students to welcome visitors explain exhibits and points of interest within the area contributing to education awareness and commerce. Our President has also been sitting in on the 200th anniversary committee for 2025 for Knox Presbyterian Church as a Museum representative. The Museum collaborated with the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (high school) and Teacher Matt Williams had his Shop Class students build a display case for the Museum's New Indigenous Exhibit in the Summer 2023. The Exhibit is on full display now. The museum was open to visitors during many local events (e.g. May Show Festival Vankleek Hill PorchFest Art in the Garden Vankleek Hill Fair Fall Festival of Flavors) as well as weekdays (Wed. to Sunday) from July to September. We welcomed more than 500 visitors to the Museum!