Teachers on Call Celebrates Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville

Have you been reading our Doors Open Ontario series? Between April to October, participating cities across the province open normally closed doors to the public at no cost during pre-scheduled weekends. Our tutoring team loves opportunities to learn, explore and connect with the local community, which is why we are big fans. There are all sorts of interesting places to visit and volunteers to learn from! In this blog, we’re featuring Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville, which is taking place on Saturday, June 3, 2023, with 15 in-person Doors Open buildings and sites.

At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team have always been fans of family field trips filled with teachable moments. This is a unique opportunity for students (and the adults who love them) to experience history, culture and architecture in their very own city, or take a road trip somewhere new. In this blog, we’re featuring Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville. Participation is easy! All you have to do is see what Doors Open sites are available, when they are open, and plan your trip to show up!

What is Doors Open Ontario and how does it work?

Hello Ontario! Are you looking for a fun weekend activity filled with adventure and learning. The Ontario Heritage Trust has invited communities across Ontario to open the doors, gates and courtyards of special historical and modern sites which are not normally open to the general public.

Over the next few months, our tutoring team at Teachers on Call will be featuring all the festivities. Did you read our last feature on Doors Open Ottawa, taking place the same weekend? If not, catch up here.

Read on to learn about Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville!

How to Plan for Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville

Even though there are 15 places open, it’s unlikely to be able to visit all locations in one day. The Teachers on Call online and in-person tutoring service recommends reviewing the list together as a family to map out your weekend plans with the sites you want to visit most. You may try for a target of five buildings per day for in-person trips.

A List of In-Person Sites for Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville

Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre - 16389 Highway 48, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 7X4

An impressive LEED platinum-certified building known for creating more energy than it actually uses. This education centre was built with recycled materials and acts as the hub for York Region Forestry’s educational programming. As a bonus for Doors Open visitors, pollinator seed packs and bird-feeding materials are available!

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto - 159 Sandiford Drive, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 0Y2

St. Thomas Christians can trace their origins to the arrival of St. Thomas on a lagoon in Malankara, India. Built in 2017, this 2,137-square-metre building contains a beautiful 750-seat sanctuary, seniors’ recreational room, youth room and spectacular chandeliers. Take a guided tour, browse exhibits to learn about faith, beliefs and rich cultural heritage, and stop by the food sale.

Holy Theotokos Convent/Joyous Light Candles - 4369 Faulkner Avenue, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 2R4

Holy Theotokos is a Greek Orthodox convent that not only follows the traditional order but also manufactures pure beeswax candles. During Doors Open, visitors can explore the chapel and the candle factory. You are also welcome to buy lunch at the Greek souvlaki and pastry tent to learn how food and culture is influenced by tradition, religion and family!

Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site - 99 Reeves Way Blvd. Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 0J8

The Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site was home to a remarkable late-16th-century ancestral Wendat community. Of all the sites in Southern Ontario that have been almost completely excavated, it is considered one of the largest and most complex. Explore and learn about this amazing archaeological site with self-guided tours and a staffed interpretation table.

Latcham Art Centre - 2 Park Drive, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 4K1

The Latcham Art Centre is Stouffville's only public art gallery. Join curator Tyler Durbano for tours of the current exhibition What We Tend by Emmanuel Osahor. Or create your own picnic basket, food and flowers with a variety of art materials for the Garden Picnic project. Also speak with professional artists about the process of showing/curating shows in professional galleries.

Lemonville Community Centre - 13453 McCowan Road, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 7X5

The Lemonville School is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It was constructed in 1923 as S.S. #9 and enlarged in 1959 by adding a second classroom. The school was closed in 1969 and reopened as the Lemonville Community Centre in 1972. Doors Open visitors can view a pop-up exhibit and chat with volunteers about the building’s fascinating history.

Lemonville United Church - 13523 McCowan Road, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 7X5

The initial services of the Lemonville Methodist Church began in 1854 in a frame schoolhouse. In 1856, the original church building was constructed on the present site. During Doors Open, visit Lemonville United for refreshments, guided tours, historical displays and information, and speak to members of the congregation about its social and architectural significance.

Nineteen on the Park - 19 Civic Avenue, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 1G5

Built in 1896 and originally designed as a market and concert hall, this building has enjoyed many uses over time. This year, during Doors Open, join musician and educator Joy Lapps-Lewis for an engaging workshop to explore the rich history of the steelpan. Then play musical instruments — including skinned drums and tamboo bamboo — the cornerstones of steelpan history.

Office of Morra Caruso Law - 6060 Main Street, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 1B8

This designated heritage home, built in 1885 for the village veterinarian, currently houses the office of Morra Caruso Law. It features the original dining room pocket doors, crafted wood baseboards and plaster crown molding. Take a staff-led tour and enjoy refreshments and a presentation of photos in the boardroom that will showcase historical features and the history of the building.

Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre - 16586 Woodbine Avenue, Stouffville, Ontario, L3Y 4W1

Celebrate 150 years of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society! The society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across the province. During Doors Open, join an educational tour of the Animal Centre. There will also be a vendor market and lots of animal interaction opportunities.

Richardson Masonic Lodge No. 136 - 279 Second Street, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 1C5

The Richardson Masonic Lodge, built in 1955, prides itself as a well-established institution dedicated to the cultural, social and moral development of men 21 years of age and older. During Doors Open, the building will offer self-guided tours, presentations of the history of the hall, giveaways and light refreshments.

Richmond Hill Live Steamers - 15922 McCowan Road, Stouffville, Ontario, L3Y 4W1

This location is only open to the public once per year! Adults and children alike come to Richmond Hill Live Steamers to ride on one of their miniature railways. This outdoor model railway, run by hobbyists and engineers, features several gauges of trains running on steam, gasoline and electric power, based on real engines dating back to the 1820s.

Wesley United Church - 15296 Woodbine Avenue, Stouffville, Ontario, L0H 1G0

Built in 1881, this Gothic-style church contains beautiful stained-glass windows and other unique features — including boards from the original log church. Enjoy recorded organ and piano performances by the church's Minister of Music, take tours of the building and the neighbouring cemetery, and view an ivory scrimshaw carved into a piano key.

Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre - 14732 Woodbine Avenue, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 2K9

Located in the hamlet of Vandorf, the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre has preserved the town's rich heritage since 1971. During Doors Open, join outdoor expert Jonathan Thompson to learn about Indigenous fire-making techniques — including demonstrations on flint and steel, bow drill, two-person bow drill, hand drill and modern techniques. Visitors can also explore the museum's buildings and galleries.

Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library - 2 Park Drive, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 4K1

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library traces its history back to 1877 when it was first established in Allan's Jewelry Store, then as the Mechanic's Institute, and finally as a free public library in 1899. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the library's automated material handler, food-themed button making, 3D printer demonstrations, and a cookbook display.

We hope you enjoy learning about Doors Open Ontario and wish you a great and educational excursion in Whitchurch-Stouffville with your family. Stay tuned for our next feature on Doors Open Loyalist Township.