Changes are afoot! Scaffolding and a new splash of paint are early signs of significant improvements happening at the Vankleek Hill Museum located at 95 Main Street East, Vankleek Hill. In collaboration with Champlain Township and the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchants Association (BMA), the Vankleek Hill and District Historical Society (the Society) is delighted to announce capital renovations and new exterior signage for the museum and the Vankleek Hill Tourist Bureau.
This project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The Society received notice June 7, 2024, that a grant had been approved under the Rural Economic Development (RED) program which covers up to 30 per cent of total eligible project capital costs. As proprietor of the museum building, Champlain Township is also providing funding in its 2024 budget.
The Vankleek Hill BMA is providing new signage for the Museum and for the Vankleek Hill Tourist Bureau which operates inside the museum on a seasonal basis. The Society is funding all operating costs for the renovations which includes exterior lighting for the signage. Capital repairs include refurbishing the large front windows and new front doors complete with storm attachments, and repairing two back windows, all the while, respecting the heritage nature, look and feel of the 1834 building. The former storm windows and doors were destroyed in an off-site fire years ago. Soffit and eavestrough will be installed as the Museum building currently does not have any. New basement windows with screens and security bars will be installed providing light and air circulation to the basement. Repairs to the basement west wall and exterior water drainage will complete the capital renovations.
The Society would like to thank the following local businesses who provided Letters of Support for the RED application to OMAFRA: Broken Kettle Bakery and Barkery; Garden Path Homemade Soap; Pink Bow Tie; Vankleek Hill Cottage Gift Shop; Windsor Tavern; and Beau’s Brewery. A community effort of business and volunteers keeps the history alive, illustrating the founding, settlement and development of our beloved town of Vankleek Hill and immediate area.
The Society would like to thank all organizations for their funding and excellent collaboration as well as Vankleek Hill and area residents for their financial support through memberships, donations and visitation to the museum.
Renovations are expected to be complete in early 2025. The Society is looking forward to unveiling the ‘new look’ very soon!
