Celebrate Burlington's History: Doors Open 2024 & Heritage Week Milestones

Experience the charm of Burlington like never before at Doors Open Burlington 2024 on Saturday, August 10, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm! This exclusive event, anticipated to welcome around 1000 visitors, offers a unique, intimate experience with just five carefully selected in-person sites—Appleby United Church, Burlington Model Railway Club, BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub, Masjid Halton, and St. Luke's Anglican Church. You'll have the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of this beautiful city while enjoying a more personal connection with each site. As part of our interview with Museums of Burlington, Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring team is thrilled to highlight these engaging and educational locations.

Nestled between the stunning Niagara Escarpment and the serene shores of Lake Ontario, Burlington is a city rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you're a local or visiting from nearby cities like Oakville, Hamilton, or Toronto, Doors Open Burlington provides a fantastic opportunity to delve into the history and community spirit that make this city special. In our interview with Kate Almeida, Supervisor of Public Programs at Museums of Burlington, Teachers on Call’s in-person and online tutoring service learned about how each site has been chosen to highlight Burlington's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern sustainability practices. These festivities are part of the provincewide program run by the Ontario Heritage Trust, making it an ideal event for families and students eager to explore and learn.

How to Plan for Doors Open Burlington 

Celebrating Burlington's history, Heritage Week from August 3 to August 10 serves as a great segue into Doors Open Burlington. During this time, the City of Burlington is celebrating two big milestones: becoming a town 110 years ago in 1914 and establishing itself as a city 50 years ago in 1974. Planning your visit to Doors Open Burlington is easy and ensures you make the most of this enriching experience. Start by mapping out your route to visit all five sites. Each location offers a unique glimpse into Burlington's diverse cultural landscape. For instance, the BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub showcases innovative sustainability practices in a historical setting, while the Burlington Model Railway Club provides a nostalgic journey through model railroading. Below are the five highlighted locations you won't want to miss:

5 Participating Site Locations for Doors Open Burlington 2024

• Appleby United Church - 4407 Spruce Avenue, Burlington, ON L7L 1L9
• Burlington Model Railway Club- 1137 Hidden Valley Road, Burlington, ON L7P 0T5
• BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub - 1094 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A7
• Masjid Halton - 4310 Fairview Street, Burlington, ON L7L 4Y8
• St. Luke's Anglican Church- 1382 Ontario Street, Burlington, ON L7S 1G1

An Interview with Museums of Burlington

Can you describe the geography of Burlington for anyone who isn't familiar with the area?

The City of Burlington is nestled between two amazing geographical features – the Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Lake Ontario. While Burlington’s urban area is located mainly south of Highway 407, its agricultural, rural residential, several golf courses, and conservation areas are in the northern reaches. This makes us the perfect destination for cycling along the foothills of the escarpment, or along the waterfront, hiking the Bruce Trail, or enjoying watersports in the summer months.

Does Doors Open Burlington have a theme? 

The theme for Doors Open Ontario in 2024 is Adaptive Reuse – showcasing heritage sites that have been repurposed to best serve their communities while retaining their heritage attributes. One of the Burlington sites, BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub is located in the historic Pump House. The site retains original features and includes newer sustainability features and educational elements. Another site aligned with the theme is the Burlington Model Railway Club. They are headquartered in a building which was previously used as a swimming pool office and change rooms. 

Are there new sites participating this year?

All of the sites participating in 2024 have participated in years past. We tend to alternate sites every few years for variety. 

Do you have any educational sites to recommend that are geared towards students and families?

BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub (1094 Lakeshore Rd) will be providing exterior tours, and engaging eco-activities for visitors of all ages. Another popular site for families is the Burlington Model Railway Club (1137 Hidden Valley Rd), which has three scales of model railways running, including an outdoor track, and hands-on track for children. 

Beyond Burlington, where do your Doors Open visitors come from?

Many travel from around the GTA to explore Burlington’s history, heritage, and culture during Doors Open. 

Are there volunteer opportunities available? For students? If yes, what are the next steps to get involved?

Volunteers, including students, play a large part in the Doors Open event by greeting visitors to the sites, and providing information about the event. To get involved, you can learn more on our website here.

What impact do you hope Doors Open Burlington has on the local community?

Our hope is that Doors Open Burlington provides visitors and members of the local community the opportunity to explore some of the City’s beautiful buildings, and the culture and heritage that they represent. 

What other community events are coming up next in Burlington that we can look forward to?

The Museums of Burlington plans a wide range of events throughout the year. This summer we have our Music from the Rooftop Series at Joseph Brant Museum (1240 North Shore Blvd E, Burlington, ON L7S 1C5). 

In the fall, we are hosting a Vintage Vehicle Show at Ireland House Museum (2168 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 5A8), and a Bees & Brews mead tasting event as well. We also offer a range of holiday events through the Christmas season, including Visit with Santa, and A Night at Ireland House. 

What are some of the most popular sites visitors should not miss in Burlington?

All of the sites participating in this year’s event have a wonderful and unique history, and an amazing team of staff members and volunteers to provide tours, activities, and more information about their sites. You can’t go wrong with any!

How does Doors Open Burlington promote sustainability and environmental awareness?

This year, the theme of the event particularly aligns, showcasing how old buildings can be adapted and reused for alternate purposes, without tearing them down and rebuilding. BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub in particular provides the largest presence of environmental programming for the Burlington community.

What is your favourite tip to share about your event?

I would definitely recommend planning a route if you’d like to visit multiple sites during the event. It will make things much smoother for the day!

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As you enjoy Doors Open Burlington, keep an eye out for other exciting Doors Open events this summer. Explore the vibrant community of Cornwall and SDG Counties, discover the rich heritage of Owen Sound, or delve into the historical treasures of Kingston at Doors Open Kingston & Area. Each of these events promises a unique and engaging experience, perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore the cultural treasures of Ontario. Plan your visits and join us in celebrating the stories and spaces that shape our communities.