The Vankleek Hill and District Historical Society (Society) held a “Re-opening of the Vankleek Hill Museum” event Saturday, August 23, 2025, to celebrate the completion of the capital renovations and the new exterior signage for the Vankleek Hill Museum and the Vankleek Hill Tourist Bureau.
Mayor Normand Riopel, Society Board members and Champlain employees were on hand to enjoy the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially re-open the renovated Museum. Society President Debbie Hall delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the collaborative effort and funding from the Ontario Government, Champlain Township, and the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association (BMA).
Renovations included insulating and painting the basement walls with fire-proof paint; installing new basement windows with screens and security bars; installing eavestrough and soffit; installing new lower-level front thermal windows with UV protection and new front doors all the while, respecting the heritage nature, look and feel of the 1834 building. New signage was provided by the BMA which operates the Vankleek Hill Tourist Bureau inside the museum. Dusk-to-dawn lighting for the signs was provided by the Society to ensure 24/7 visibility on Main Street.
The mayor received an honorary membership to the Museum for his support during his tenure as Warden of the United Counties of Prescott-Russell and for the continuing support of Champlain Township. The Society would also like to thank Yvon Lepage, France Thauvette, Sebastien Levesque, Maxime LaFrance, Roots Restoration and Trophy Hill for their hard work and excellent teamwork.
Please visit the Vankleek Hill Museum Facebook page and become a follower to keep abreast of announcements and news. The Vankleek Hill Museum website (www.vankleek.ca) is a rich repository for local history (e.g., Vankleek Hill founder Simeon VanKleeck; humble beginnings of the Museum; Vankleek Hill Walking Tours; A blog of Vankleek Hill stories etc.).
The Museum and Tourist Bureau are moving to Fall hours and will be open Saturdays 9am to 6pm until Thanksgiving.
The Museum is located at 95 Main Street West in Vankleek Hill.
