As we celebrate the 8th annual Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties event, our team at Teachers on Call is excited to share this enriching experience with you! Since its inception in 2017, in partnership with the City of Cornwall, this event has blossomed into a must-see attraction for families, students, and history enthusiasts alike. Join the community on August 17-18, 2024, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, for two days of exploration and discovery across 26 fascinating sites. Read our interview below with organizers from the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry for the inside scoop on this year’s event.
If you’re visiting for the first time, Cornwall and SDG Counties are located just off Highway 401 and are easily accessible from nearby cities like Ottawa, Kingston, and Brockville. SDG stands for Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, three historic counties in Ontario established in the late 18th century. These counties were named after prominent British figures and have a rich history tied to the early settlement of Loyalists and the development of Eastern Ontario. As part of the provincewide Ontario Heritage Trust program, Doors Open is a fantastic opportunity for families and students to engage with local history and culture in a meaningful way. The event is organized by a dedicated team including Cory Hagen, Karina Belanger, and Kevin Lajoie, who have worked tirelessly to bring this celebration of heritage to life. Whether you're familiar with the area or visiting from out of town, this event offers something special for everyone.
How to Plan for Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties:
Our in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call encourages you to plan your Doors Open experience ahead of time. Start by selecting the sites that most interest you and check for any special tours or activities that might be offered. Many locations provide guided tours and hands-on experiences that are perfect for students and families alike. Don't forget to bring along your curiosity, a camera to capture the memories, and comfortable shoes for a full day of exploration.
List and Schedule of 26 Participating Sites for Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties 2024:
1) Aultsville Theatre
St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, ON, K6H 4Z1
Hours: Saturday only, 10am – 3pm
2) The Bishop’s House of Glengarry
20019 County Road 18, St. Raphael’s, ON, K0C 2J0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
3) Carman House Museum
5895 Carman Rd, Iroquois, ON, K0E 1K0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
4) Christ Church Seaway
2 Bethune Avenue, Long Sault, ON, K0C 1P0
Hours: Saturday only, 10am – 3pm
5) Cline House Gallery & Studio
204 Second Street East, Cornwall, ON, K6H 1Y6
Hours: Saturday only, 10am – 4pm
6) Cornwall Community Museum
100 Water Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6J 1A1
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 4pm
7) Cornwall Historic Walking Tour
100 Water Street East, Cornwall, ON, K6H 6G4
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
8) Cornwall Public Library
45 Second Street East, Cornwall, ON, K6H 1Y2
Hours: Saturday only, 9:30am – 5pm
9) Glengarry County Archives
28 Kenyon Street East, Alexandria, ON, K0C 1A0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
10) Glengarry Nor’Westers & Loyalist Museum
19651 County Road 17, Williamstown, ON, K0C 2J0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
11) Glengarry Pioneer Museum
1645 County Road 30, Dunvegan, ON, K0C 1J0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
12) The Heritage Centre
14 Victoria Street, Chesterville, ON, K0C 1H0
Hours: Saturday only, 10am – 4pm
13) Historic SDG Jail
11 Water Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6J 1A1
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
14) Judy Neville British Home Child Museum
13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
15) Lost Villages Museum
16361 Fran Laflamme Drive (Ault Park), Long Sault, ON, K0C 1P0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
16) Martintown Grist Mill
18544 County Road 18, Martintown, ON, K0C 1S0
Hours: Saturday 8am – 12pm, Sunday 10am – 3pm
17) Nativity Co-Cathedral
300 Montreal Road, Cornwall, ON, K6H 1B9
Hours: Saturday only, 10am – 4pm
18) Priest’s Mill Arts Centre
16 Mill Square, Alexandria, ON, K0C 1A0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
19) Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre
2500B Second Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6H 5R6
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am – 5pm
20) Sir John Johnson Manor House
19692 William Street, Williamstown, ON, K0C 2J0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 3:30pm
21) St. Andrew’s United Church
5793 Church Avenue, Williamstown, ON, K0C 2J0
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
22) St. Columban’s Church
36 Fourth Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6J 2T4
Hours: Saturday only, 9am – 3pm
23) St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church
20788 South Service Road, South Lancaster, ON, K0C 2C0
Hours: Saturday only, 10am – 3pm
24) St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
2500B Second Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6H 5R6
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am – 5pm
25) Trinity Anglican Church
105 Second Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6J 1G4
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
26) Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary
5591 Morrison Road, Ingleside, ON, K0C 1M0
Hours: Saturday only, 9am – 3pm
An Interview with Organizers Behind Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties:
Get an inside preview on this year’s Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties event in our interview with organizer, Cory Hagen, from the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
What can first-time guests expect to experience at Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties?
First-time guests at DoorsOpen Cornwall and SDG Counties can look forward to a unique and engaging experience. Our two day event, from August 17-18, offers an opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse culture of SDG Counties and the City of Cornwall. Visitors can expect to tour a variety of heritage buildings, including museums, churches, and cultural sites that are not always open to the public. Each location provides a glimpse into the area's past, showcasing its architectural beauty and historical significance. Many sites feature guided tours, exhibits, and informative displays that tell the stories of the people and events that shaped the region.
Can you describe the geography of SDG Counties for anyone unfamiliar with the area?
The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG Counties) and the City of Cornwall are located in Southeastern Ontario, conveniently off Highway 401, between Montreal and Ottawa. A significant feature of the area is the Akwesasne reserve, a unique community that spans both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, along the banks of the St. Lawrence. The reserve is home to the Mohawk Nation (Kanienʼkehá:ka) and is divided into two main areas: the northern portion which is in Ontario, known as Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island), while the mainland extends south into the American side. This cross-border community adds a rich cultural dimension to the region, with a blend of traditions and languages. It is one of the few First Nation communities in Canada that share these unique geographical features.
SDG Counties and Cornwall is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. SDG Counties feature a mix of rolling farmlands, lush forests, and scenic waterways. The region is largely rural, with agricultural fields, meadows, and wooded areas. The landscape provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. SDG Counties are bordered by the St. Lawrence River to the south, offering stunning views and access to water-based activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
SDG Counties is also home to several parks and conservation areas, including the Raisin River Conservation Area, and St. Lawrence Parks Commission. These areas provide opportunities for camping, picnicking, and exploring nature. The region has a rich history, reflected in its well-preserved historic sites, buildings, and museums. It is an area with deep Indigenous, Scottish, French, and Loyalist roots.
Cornwall is the largest urban center within the region. It is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and serves as a hub for commerce, culture, and education in the region. The city has a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. Cornwall boasts beautiful waterfront parks, including Lamoureux Park, which offers walking trails, a marina, and the Cornwall Civic Complex. The city's waterfront is a focal point for community events and recreational activities. The Waterfront Trail is an incredible route that you can walk or bike, and takes you along the beautiful St. Lawrence River. Cornwall also has a rich industrial history, and visitors can explore landmarks such as the Cornwall Canal and the Cornwall Community Museum.
Overall, SDG Counties and Cornwall offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The region is ideal for those looking to explore the outdoors, learn about history, or enjoy the tranquility of small-town life with the amenities of a city nearby.
Are there new sites participating this year?
Yes! We are so excited to have a handful of new sites participating in this year’s Doors Open. Every year, we are growing a little bit more. To name a few… this year we have:
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders — Cornwall Armouries
505 Fourth St. E, Cornwall, ON, K6H2J7
This is a recognized federal heritage building, associated with the expansion of Canada's militia between the First and Second World Wars. People choose to become a reserve soldier to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and serve their country. The site still houses the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Militia, as well as the Cadet Corps.
5793 Church Avenue, Williamstown, ON, K0C2J0
This storybook church is set in a village steeped in Celtic tradition, century homes, wrap-around porches and — most importantly — residents who are actively, and proudly, involved in the community. Since 1787, St. Andrew's United Church has played an integral part in the community of Williamstown. With roots running deep in Celtic heritage, this congregation has evolved with the times.
The Bishop’s House of Glengarry
20019 County Rd 18, St. Raphaels, ON, K0C1L0
This stone landmark across from the St. Raphael’s Ruins was initially a presbytery for Father Alexander Macdonell, chaplain of the Glengarry Fencibles Light Infantry during the War of 1812, and later the first Bishop of Upper Canada. In 1924, symmetrical wings were added to each side of the presbytery in its transition to the renowned girls’ boarding school, Iona Academy.
14 Victoria Street, Chesterville, ON, K0C1H0
The Heritage Centre, originally the Winchester Township Town Hall, served as a courthouse, drill hall, movie theatre, firehall and many other things. The Chesterville and District Historical Society took over the building in 1984 and has been collecting artifacts and researching local history since. The building is now maintained by the Township of North Dundas.
2 Bethune Avenue, Long Sault, ON, K0C1P0
This Anglican church was built in 1959 after the St. Lawrence Seaway Project. The project displaced the residents of what are now known as the Lost Villages, a group of communities located on the banks of the river. In the process, 17 churches were moved or destroyed.
Judy Neville British Home Child Museum
In collaboration with the Parks of the St. Lawrence, the Ontario East British Home Child Family operates a museum on weekends during the month of August through to Labour Day. Located inside the Aultsville Train Station are artifacts and information on British Home Children who came to this country between the 1860s and the 1930s as indentured servants.
Do you have any educational sites to recommend that are geared towards students and families?
For Doors Open 2024, we have a fantastic array of educational sites perfect for students and families. These include The Historic SDG Jail, where visitors can learn about local history and justice, and tour the old jail; the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre, which offers insights into our local state-of-the-art hydroelectric power; the Cornwall Community Museum, rich with artifacts and stories of our past; and the Judy Neville British Home Child Museum, which tells the moving stories of the British Home Children.
The Lost Villages Museum provides a fascinating look at communities displaced by the St. Lawrence Seaway project, while the Glengarry Pioneer Museum showcases early settler life. The Glengarry Nor'Westers and Loyalist Museum dives into the region's fur trade and Loyalist history, and the Cornwall Library offers resources and activities for all ages. Sir John Johnson House offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure in our history. Lastly, the Cornwall Armoury provides a unique glimpse into our military heritage.
Each of these sites offers a unique and enriching experience, ensuring there's something to learn and enjoy for everyone.
Beyond Cornwall and SDG Counties, where do your Doors Open visitors come from?
Our Doors Open visitors come from a wide range of areas beyond Cornwall and SDG Counties. We see many guests from just over the border in New York, as well as from nearby Quebec. Ottawa is also a significant source of visitors. These diverse regions bring a mix of people who are eager to explore our rich cultural and historical sites, making Doors Open a truly inclusive and wide-reaching event!
Are there volunteer opportunities available? For students? If yes, what are the next steps to get involved?
If you are a student looking for volunteer hours, you can shoot me an email at chagen@sdgcounties.ca. Our work site is home to the Historic SDG Jail, and it’s not uncommon if we need an extra helping hand here!
What impact do you hope Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties has on the local community?
Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties aims to have a significant positive impact on our local community by fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of our rich cultural heritage and diverse history. We hope to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore and discover the unique stories and sites that make our area special. By opening the doors to these educational and historical locations, we aim to strengthen community pride, support local tourism, and provide educational opportunities for students and families. This event also helps to stimulate the local economy by attracting visitors to our region, who in turn support local businesses and services. Overall, we hope Doors Open inspires a renewed connection with our community's heritage and a greater engagement in preserving and celebrating it for future generations.
What other community events are coming up next in Cornwall that we can look forward to?
After Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties, there are MANY exciting community events to look forward to in our region. I highly recommend keeping up to date with our event calendars on our respective websites!
To name a few things going on in our region, we have:
August 15 - 18, 2024
2967 Lough Rd, South Mountain, Ontario K0E 1W0
The Mountain Township Agricultural Society has been proudly hosting the annual community fair for 132 years, attracting over 10,000 visitors every third weekend in August. Located in the charming village of South Mountain, Ontario, the fair offers a weekend packed with fun for the entire family. Enjoy a variety of events, including a baby contest, live entertainment, and music, as well as the thrilling demolition derby!
August 21, 2024
Come enjoy a local 10-day event where local restaurants put their unique spin on a classic poutine! During the 10 days, the community is encouraged to try as many as possible and vote for their favorite. We also select local judges to sample and vote for their favorite, awarding JUDGES and PEOPLES CHOICE awards!
August 24, 2024 from 9:30am - 11:00pm
Lost Villages Brewery, 16133 Stormont, Dundas, And Glengarry County Rd 36, Long Sault, ON K0C 1P0
The Lost Villages Brewery hosts and runs the Lost and Sound Festival. Sitting just minutes away from the beautiful St. Lawrence River in the village of Long Sault, join us for a day of craft beer and local music. Lost & Sound Fest aims to be a premiere festival in Eastern Ontario.
What is your favourite tip to share about your event?
My favorite tip for enjoying Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties is to plan your visit around the guided tours and interactive activities offered at many of the sites. These tours and activities provide unique insights and behind-the-scenes access that you wouldn't get on a regular visit. For instance, the Historic SDG Jail often offers guided tours that delve into its fascinating jail history, while the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre has interactive exhibits that are both educational and fun for all ages. Planning your day to include these special experiences can truly enhance your appreciation of the heritage and stories of our community. And don't forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture and scenic locations!
We hope to see you in beautiful SDG Counties and Cornwall for Doors Open 2024!
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As Teachers on Call, we are proud to be part of a community that values education, heritage, and the importance of personalized tutoring services to support student success. Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of our shared history and the stories that shape us. We hope you take this opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with the rich culture of our region. And don't forget to keep an eye out for other exciting Doors Open events this summer and fall, including Doors Open Kingston & Area, Belleville, and Barrie. We look forward to seeing you out there!
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