Step Into the Past and Discover Brockton’s Secrets at Doors Open 2024

Doors Open Brockton happened faithfully every two years until the pandemic hit, but after being away since 2018, the Municipality of Brockton’s Heritage Committee is raring and ready to share hidden treasures again! Join the fun at Doors Open Brockton 2024 which will be happening on this Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring team is thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Sarah Johnson, Deputy Clerk and Secretary of the Brockton Heritage Committee for the Municipality of Brockton. Read on for exclusive insights!

We love sharing Doors Open events because they are thrilling occasions where attendees get a rare chance to explore behind the closed doors of some of the heritage sites that may be too fragile for regular visitors. This event is part of the larger, provincewide Ontario Heritage Trust program, which celebrates and promotes the preservation of Ontario's rich cultural heritage. At Teachers on Call, our online and in-person tutoring service has compiled everything you need to plan an exciting journey into history! We also had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Johnson, Deputy Clerk and Secretary of the Brockton Heritage Committee, to get the inside scoop.

Read on to discover what Brockton has in store for you this weekend, straight from a local expert!

How to Plan for Doors Open Brockton 2024

This Saturday, Brockton offers visitors a rare glimpse into the secrets hidden inside of the Brockton community and township. Brockton’s Doors Open will feature a diverse range of historical sites, museums, and landmarks found in Brockton, Cargill, and Walkerton. 

This year, 9 of the locations will be in Walkerton, and with only one day to visit, you may want to check which locations are highest on your to-do list. Every location will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of the Walkerton Jail—one of the most popular attractions. The Walkerton Jail’s doors will close at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2024, so plan accordingly!

Sarah Johnson also recommends that people make sure to pick up a brochure available at the Municipal Office and join the self guided tours. You can also find the brochure online here!

List of 12 Participating Sites for Doors Open Brockton 2024

Visitors can enjoy guided tours, self-guided explorations, and family-friendly activities at each site, with many locations offering special presentations on local history, architecture, and community stories. This year’s theme highlights the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, demonstrating how these structures have evolved to serve modern purposes while retaining their historical significance!

Here's a list of all 12 participating sites by town:

Brockton

• Brockton Heritage Committee Archives - 248 Concession Road 10, Brockton, ON N0G 2V0  

Cargill

• Bruce County Bookstore - 203 Cargill Road, Cargill, ON N0G 1J0  
• Cargill Museum - 201 Cargill Road, Cargill, ON N0G 1J0  

Walkerton

• Bruce County Walkerton Patrol Shop - 94 Bruce Road 2, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Flach Family Homestead - 2430 Highway 9, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Hammond Power Solutions Inc. - 15 Industrial Road, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Saugeen Masonic Lodge - 206 Durham Street West, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• St. Paul's United Church - 303 Jackson Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Victoria Jubilee Hall - 111 Jackson Street South, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Walkerton Agricultural Society - 206 Durham Street West, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Walkerton Clean Water Centre - 20 Ontario Road, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  
• Walkerton Jail - 209 Cayley Street, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0  

You can learn more about the Brockton locations at the Doors Open Ontario site.

An Interview with the Organizers Behind Doors Open Lambton County

Sarah Johnson, Deputy Clerk and Brockton Heritage Committee Secretary, Municipality of Brockton, answered our top questions about the event. Find her answers below!

How many visitors are expected this year?

Since there has been a six-year hiatus between the last Doors Open event in 2018, the attendance may be different than our previous years. In previous years the total number of site visits ranged from approximately 1,000 – 9,000. 

How does Doors Open Brockton highlight the city’s cultural heritage? Are there any special themes this year?

This year’s tour features historical and unique sites in Brockton’s community, some of which align with Doors Open Ontario’s 2024 theme of Adaptive Reuse. 

Any standout experiences visitors shouldn't miss?

The Walkerton Jail is always a popular site to visit at Doors Open! The Jail operated for almost 144 years and closed in 2011. The Jail is open for a shorter time period than the rest of the sites this year, so you may wish to check it off your bucket list first as its doors will close at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, while the rest of the sites remain open until 4:00 p.m.!We are fortunate to have the Bruce County Bookstore and Cargill Museum on Doors Open for the first time, which provides visitors and local residents with the history of Cargill, the Greenock Swamp, Brockton, and Bruce County! The Bruce County Bookstore and Cargill Museum host events throughout the year and have been a champion in celebrating our local heritage. 

Visitors can also take a peek at the Brockton Heritage Committee’s archive collection, which features various memorabilia and donations from community members, as well as artifacts, photographs, and documents of local historic value. 

Beyond the local area, where are you expecting your Doors Open visitors to come from?

In previous years, we have had visitors travel from over 2 hours away, visitors from different Provinces and Territories, and some visitors from international countries, such as Australia, Scotland, Italy, and Amsterdam.

What important facts should people know about the sites being featured?

This year, nine of the sites are located in the Town of Walkerton, and three sites are located in the Village of Cargill, which just celebrated its 150th Homecoming this summer! Many of these sites hold heritage value or are pivotal businesses and landmarks of our community. 

Are there any special educational sites or activities that should be highlighted for visiting families with younger children?

• The Bruce County Bookstore, Cargill Museum, and Victoria Jubilee Hall feature educational information, events, and performances throughout the year. 
• The Walkerton Agricultural Society is celebrating their 170th Anniversary this year, and hosts community events throughout the year, including the Walkerton Little Royal Fair which is coming up October 18-20, 2024! 
• Visit Hammond Power Solutions Inc. to learn about the manufacturing industry and many of the upgrades that have taken place in the facility.
• See the various equipment used by Bruce County staff to maintain our roads at the Walkerton Patrol Shop!
• The Walkerton Clean Water Centre is a Provincial agency that provides education and training for water-system owners, operators, operating authorities, and First Nations communities.

What local restaurants or coffee shops do you recommend for visitors looking to take a snack or lunch break during the event?

We have a wide range of dining establishments in the Town of Walkerton. A full listing of dining establishments in Walkerton is featured in our Doors Open Brockton Brochure. 

During the summer, the Mill Pond Gallery/Café (located within the Bruce County Bookstore and Cargill Museum) is open and features tasty treats and homemade lunches! 

What is your best tip for attendees to make the most of their Doors Open Brockton experience?

We welcome everyone visiting the Municipality of Brockton to tour these historic and unique sites. We encourage you to visit a few locations on the self-guided tour and support our local businesses during your visit!

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If you’re located nearby in Collingwood, Guelph, Kitchener, or London, you may want to make the trip to enjoy these historical treasures practically on your doorstep. Even if you can’t make it during the Doors Open event, there’s educational fun to be found throughout the year. We hope you enjoy this opportunity with your family to spark your children’s curiosity and inspire a lifelong love for discovering history!