Established in 1895, the Niagara Historical Society is dedicated to understanding the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The most important aspect of the work of the Society is the maintenance of the Museum collection which began in 1896 and is one of Ontario's most important collections. Plan a visit to the Niagara Historical Society Museum to discover the unique stories of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Located 20km north of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake provided a new home for refugees, was the capital of Upper Canada, was in the middle of a war zone and visited by millions as a place of recreation for over 100 years; these stories play a major role in the development of Canada.
Battlefield Niagara
February 1st- December 30th, 2013
This exhibition examines the local events of 1813 including the Battle of Fort George, the occupation of Niagara by American Forces and the burning of Niagara.
NEW VIRTUAL EXHIBITIONS
Memories of Niagara- An Oral History Exhibition
This exhibit is a joint project between the Niagara Historical Society & Museum and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library. The exhibit features the stories of individuals who have lived in the Town and Township of Niagara-on-the-Lake since the early 1900s. To date over 130 hours of digital recordings have been collected, please check back often as we continue to add new recordings to the site. If you or someone you know has stories, or memories they would like to have recorded by the Museum and added to this collection please contact us.Click here to see the exhibition!
Niagara Properties on the Eve of War
This exhibition database allows you to explore life in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) just prior to the War of 1812 through the knowledge of property owners and the War Loss Compensation claims which describe their homes both inside and out!
Users are welcome to click on the 412 lots to find out more information on the property, the owners/renters up to and including 1812, their War Loss Claims and artefacts in our collection which relate to either properties or individuals. Or you can click on the tabs at the top right of the screen to review the database for each subject individually
Our Story
Permanent Exhibition
As visitors enter the Museum they will explore 9,000 years of history in first gallery of the Museum.
MAY IS MUSEUMS MONTH!
The Niagara Historical Society is offering free admission on Saturday May 18th to celebrate International Museums Day!
Kid Curators- Museum Children's Program
Every Wednesday in August we're hosting a children's program here at the Museum! For more information check out our program blog (Click Here!) or follow us on Twitter @nhsmkidcurators
Petticoats, Boots & Muskets
This musical/comedy offers
a glimpse into life during the War of 1812, told in song, words, and humour. Local
heroes, saints and sinners all have their
moment to shine in this cabaret version of Canada’s historic war – told with a nod to
the absurd, as well as the facts. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
@ 12:30pm
July 6 - Aug 25
** No shows on
August 3/4 & 10/11
Tickets are $15.00
For more information check out our brochure.
This season is generously sponsored by:
1812 Walking Tours: Beginning in June!
Our 1812 Walking Tours begin in June and run until the end of August. Tours begin at the gazebo at Queen's Royal Park on Thursday to Saturday at 11am and Sundays at 2pm.
$5.00 per person, includes admission to the Museum! See our VISIT section for more details!!
Recommended by Lonely Planet in 2013
The Museum has been recommend as a site to visit in Niagara-on-the-Lake by the Lonely Planet's traveller's guide!
War of 1812 Bicentennial
For all Bicentennial events happening in Niagara-on-the-Lake, visit www.1812niagaraonthelake.ca
Have you heard about the Phoenix Circle? This group ensures that the Society and Museum continue to provide quality experiences, exhibitions and other services to the community. Click Here for more details.
For Museum contact information click here!
Find us on Facebook to learn more about Niagara-on-the-Lake history and our Events or follow us on Twitter 
@NHS_Museum
In the news
- Canada's 'Benedict Arnold'
- Heroines of the War of 1812
-
‘Everywhere I saw devastation’: Civilian life on the front line during the War of 1812
- Been There, Won That Documentary features the Museum! http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episode/the-war-of-1812-been-there-won-that.html
- Petticoats Program in the news!
- 1812 Funding in NOTL
- APTN- First Nations Monument at Queenston Heights
- Bicentennial Videos
