There are many arts and heritage organizations in St. Catharines to get to know. The following section offers links to many of the professional and volunteer-based arts and heritage organizations working and playing in St. Catharines.

Arts
Brock University Film Society (BUFS)
Canadian Authors´ Association - Niagara Branch
Carousel Players
Centre for the Arts, Brock University
Chapel Singers
Chorus Niagara
Niagara Dance Company
Gallery Players of Niagara
Garden City Productions of Niagara
IMPULSE Choral Project
Mercredi Musique
Niagara Artists’ Company
Niagara Music Forum
Niagara Symphony
Niagara Youth Orchestra
The Peninsula Orchestra
Rodman Hall Arts Centre
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
School of Fine & Performing Arts (SFPA)
St. Catharines Art Association
St. Catharines and Area Arts Council
St. Catharines Singing Saints
Theatre Beyond Words

Heritage
British Methodist Episcopal Church, Salem Chapel
Children´s Discovery Centre
Friends of the Carousel
Historical Society of St. Catharines
Mayhome FoundationNiagara Folk Arts Festival
St. Catharines Museum

Arts

Brock University Film Society (BUFS)
For over 35 years, the Film Studies Program, in the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and Film, has been bringing critically acclaimed films to the Niagara Region. BUFS is a member of The Film Circuit, a project of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, a non-profit charity.

All films are screened on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the David S. Howes Theatre, Brock University, between September and April every year. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members. Students with valid Brock University or Niagara College ID pay $6.

For more information about film schedules or memberships, check our web page: www.brocku.ca/cpcf/ (Click on COMMUNITY, BUFS link on the left) or call 905-688-5550 ext. 3553.

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Canadian Authors´Association - Niagara Branch
Based on the motto of "Writers Helping Writers," the Canadian Authors Association (CAA) is a national non-profit organization that supports experienced and aspiring writers alike. During its regular meetings, the CAA´s Niagara Branch features guest speakers who discuss areas of particular interest to writers. The branch also holds regular critiquing nights where members can bring their work in progress and get suggestions about their writing and possible markets.

During the year, the Niagara Branch runs regular writing workshops as well as all-day workshops that are open to the public and offer in-depth instruction from writing and publishing professionals. In addition, the Niagara Branch holds two annual poetry and fiction anthology contests that are open to all members and writers across Ontario. Regular branch meetings take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month and visitors are always welcome.

For more visit www.canauthorsniagara.org or call Evan Kenney at 905-734-7180 or e-mail at tweed@allstream.net. 

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Carousel Players
Carousel Players is an award-winning, professional theatre company for young people based in the Old Court House in downtown St. Catharines. Using professional actors and production teams, Carousel Players has been touring innovative and entertaining productions into theatres, festivals and schools across Southern Ontario, Canada and internationally for over 30 years. The company regularly offers public and school performances of their touring productions in the Sullivan Mahoney Court House Theatre. 

During the summer months Carousel Players runs a series of theatre camps for children aged 5 through 16. Carousel Players manages the professionally-equipped Sullivan Mahoney Court House Theatre and a rehearsal hall, both of which are available for rent to other professional organizations in the community. 

For more information visit www.carouselplayers.com or contact Jane Gardner at 905-682-8326 or info@carouselplayers.com.

From the Carousel Players production of Where the Wild Things Are with Blair Keyzer as Max. Photography by Kevin Argue.

Centre for the Arts, Brock University
From music and theatre to dance and family shows, Centre for the Arts offers a great variety of entertainment. As Niagara´s cultural centre we present professional national and international artists in the intimate theatre at Brock University. With past performances from Diana Krall, Anne Murray, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Roch Voisine, Just For Laughs and Jann Arden, there’s great entertainment to suit all styles and taste. As the “home” to several community organizations including the Niagara Symphony and Niagara Youth Orchestra, the Centre is proud to support Niagara’s rich cultural traditions. For more information visit www.arts.brocku.ca or contact the Centre for the Arts Box Office at 905-688-5550 extension 3257.

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The Chapel Singers
TThe Chapel Singers is a non-denominational, 90-voice community choir devoted to singing sacred and secular music in the Niagara Peninsula.  Founded by Henry Goerzen in 1976, the group performs in churches, halls, auditoriums, and seniors’ villages throughout the region.

The choir also showcases its various and diverse talents through the creation of smaller Chapel groups.   The Youth Choir, Heaven Scent, and an annual musical variety show with Curtains Up, provide a broader range of music for the community.  New singers and volunteers are welcome.

For more information on concerts or how to participate please contact: Marinus Koole at 905-682-0091, brucdale@canada.com.

Members of Chorus Niagara, May 2002Photo Credit: Thies Bogner (MPA)

Chorus Niagara
This 100-voice choir is the major choral arts organization in the region and draws its members from Burlington, Dundas and across the Niagara Peninsula to Fort Erie, Dunnville and Lewiston, N.Y.  Under the artistic direction of Robert Cooper, its members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to choral music and established an unprecedented standard of excellence.

The Chorus celebrates the human spirit, its strength and the way in which humanity is transformed by great choral works.  With a diverse repertoire of music from Bach to Verdi to the modern era of Durufle, Orff, Brubeck and Lloyd Webber, Chorus Niagara has consistently sung to capacity audiences and critical acclaim.

Community residents are welcome to audition by calling Pam Gilmore at 905-357-1616. For further information visit www.chorusniagara.ca, or contact Johanna Cotte at 905-371-1518, cnadmin@becon.org.

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Niagara Dance Company
The Niagara Dance Company is a professional contemporary dance company founded in August, 2006 by Kathleen Martinez-Hughes and Mary Jo Mullins to increase awareness and access to this art form. Located in the heart of the Niagara Region, they are dedicated to creating a repertoire of original dance work, performing and presenting Canadian dance, and bringing a diversity of aesthetic styles to the stage.

The Niagara Dance Company provides season performances, commissions Canadian dance artists, and offers a Choreographic Performance Workshop Series and Music & Dance Improvisation Jams. A goal includes establishing an Artist-in-Residency program in the area. Our affiliate, The School of Niagara Dance Company offers classses in Graham-based technique and Contact Improvisation and a variety of workshops. A unique mentorship program to enrich the emerging dance artist through training and performance with the Niagara Dance Company is currently in development. Auditions upon request. Visit www.niagaradancecompany.com or e-mail info@niagaradancecompany.com for more information.

The Gallery Players of Niagara
The Gallery Players of Niagara present a professional chamber music season annually in the Niagara Region in traditional and non-traditional venues. For the past 10 years the company has focused on informal presentations that aim to invite audiences in, removing barriers to the experience of classical chamber music, by demystifying the art and integrating the joy of small-scale music-making in people´s daily lives. In each season from 1993 to present, Gallery Players of Niagara has performed four different chamber music programmes at Rodman Hall Art Centre in St. Catharines, and since 2000, they have repeated the programmes at St. Mark´s Anglican Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake, making a total of eight concerts/season.  New members and volunteers are always welcome.

For more information visit www.galleryplayers.ca or contact Margaret Gay at 905-468-1525 or info@galleryplayers.ca.

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Garden City Productions
Garden City Productions began in 1956 when the Operatic Society of Grantham United Church performed The Pirates of Penzance in a church basement. Today, the company has produced over 70 shows, including two musicals annually at Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College and the summer production of Shakespeare in the Vineyard at Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery.

GCPs mandate is to promote interests and skills in the arts of the theatre through the presentation of plays and other performances. GCP supports its volunteer members with top Canadian and US directors, technical directors, costume designers, and set designers who provide instruction and give demonstrations in the arts of the theatre. The company also undertakes a variety of public educational projects.  Garden City Productions has produced many firsts in Southern Ontario and continues its proud tradition of staging premiere shows and unique revues for its audiences. New members with a passion for theatre are always welcome.

For more information visit www.gcp.ca or contact Jean Wesley at 905-682-1353.

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IMPULSE Choir
The Impulse Choral Project was founded in 2006 by Rachel Rensink-Hoff. Impulse is dedicated to promoting an appreciation for various styles of choral repertoire ranging from early to contemporary sacred and secular works.  The concert season includes three major performances as well as regular collaborations with local artists and community organizations across the greater Niagara region. 

For more information contact Rachel R. Hoff at rrensink@uwo.ca or 905-685-6624 for an audition.  Ability to read music is required.  

Mercredi Musique
Mercredi Musique Chamber Orchestra
Mercredi Musique Chamber Orchestra, under conductor H. Paul van Dongen, presents chamber works in the Niagara Region. The group welcomes members who have experience playing at an intermediate or advanced level. Weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesdays in St. Catharines. Contact Mr. H. Paul van Dongen at 905-646-3418 or visit www.home.cogeco.ca/~mercredimusique/.

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Niagara Artists’ Company
The Niagara Artists´ Company (NAC) is a charitably registered artist-run centre, the only organization of its kind in the peninsula. Founded in 1969, it is also one of the oldest in Canada. The 280 members of the collective are committed to presenting and supporting the creation and
exhibition of contemporary visual art. Located at 354 St. Paul Street in downtown St. Catharines, NAC has two exhibition venues. NAC´s main exhibition space is devoted to the presentation of challenging, interdisciplinary contemporary art installations and exhibits by local, national and international artists selected by our membership. The Dennis Tourbin Members´ Gallery is provided to members for special projects and exhibitions of their work.  Additional activities at NAC include a publication of an annual compilation of critical writing, prose, poetry, photography and graphic work, and hosting of music performances, film screenings, theatre productions and workshops. NAC provides computer and video equipment, workspace and a resource library of contemporary art periodicals, catalogues and films for its members and provides a social network for artists to share and develop ideas.  NAC’s motto is "artists come first."

New members are welcome, annual membership fee is $25. Most exhibits and many events at NAC are open and free to the public, please inquire. Gallery hours are Wed - Fri from 10am - 5pm, Sat from 12nn - 4pm. Wheelchair accessible.

For more information visit www.nac.org or contact Stephen Remus at 905-641-0331 or director@nac.org.

Viscera In Situ by Catherine Kozyra, an installation at the Niagara Artists’ Company.

Niagara Music Forum
The Niagara Music Forum (NMF) www.niagaramusicforum.com is back by popular demand. For the 2nd year NMF will bring the music industry’s best and brightest to Niagara. Check out the brand new website and register online to hear from industry experts who are at the top of their game, and connect with musicians and music industry professionals from across Ontario and New York.
· All registered attendees will receive the complete contact list of all attendees and speakers to help further build contacts and connections to other markets.
· There will be a lunch hour and the lunchroom will be opened for the NMF attendees to purchase lunch. A snack shop will also be opened during the course of the day.
· We will be hosting a social event for all attendees after the speakers present, so bring you’re A game, business cards, etc.
· Ask a speaker a question on the website to ensure your question gets answered at the event on October 17th. See the "Speakers" section on the website to ask a question.
· Feel free to access anything in the "Media" section of the website to post on your Facebook, website or send to friends.
· Register today and secure your spot for the Music industry’s most unique event: Niagara Music Forum: The Ultimate event to connect with musicians and music industry professionals.

Niagara Symphony
The Niagara Symphony Association enriches the quality of life for residents and visitors of Niagara by providing professional quality orchestral music programs and educational activities.

Established in 1948, the Niagara Symphony’s Pops and Masterworks concerts are performed between October and May in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre as orchestra-in-residence at Brock University.  During the summer months the orchestra performs at festivals, forts and wineries throughout the region.

Every July more than 300 children aged 4 to 14 participate in the symphony’s Summer Music Camp held at Ridley College.  Symphony education and outreach activities also include a popular Youth Club, Composer in the Classroom program, Musical Encounters and pre-concert talks and lectures. 

Music lovers from the community are welcome to volunteer with the symphony as ushers, at special events and fund raisers, providing artist hospitality, or helping with driving and deliveries.

For more information visit www.niagarasymphony.org or at 905-687-4993 or info@niagarasymphony.org.

Woodwinds of the Niagara Symphony. Photo credit: The Welland Tribune, Kevin Argue

Niagara Youth Orchestra
For over 39 years, the Niagara Youth Orchestra Association has been offering musical training for young musicians in the Niagara region, through professional coaching, orchestra rehearsals, concerts, exchanges and tours. Approximately 130 musicians, ages 8 to 22, participate in one or more of the Junior Niagara Youth Orchestra, the Niagara Youth Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra. Each orchestra has its own annual series of concerts which are usually held in the Sean O´Sullivan Theatre at Brock University and at St. Thomas´ Anglican Church, St. Catharines. The musicians rehearse as a full orchestra and in string, woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles. Membership demands discipline and responsibility from every member, creating a valuable educational experience for all. Admission to the orchestra is by audition held in late spring. The Niagara Youth Orchestra Association supports the Suzuki Niagara program and also works closely with the Niagara Symphony.

For more information contact Linda Warrell at 905-704-0559 or nyo@vaxxine.com.

Woodwinds of the Niagara Symphony. Photo credit: The Welland Tribune, Kevin Argue

The Peninsula Orchestra
The Peninsula orchestra was established as a branch of the Peninsula Music Club in 1978. The Club was an "umbrella" organization for amateur music-making which originally comprised a concert orchestra, country-and-western group, and recorder consort. Over time the C&W and Recorder groups disbanded, with only the orchestra remaining stable and functioning effectively. Subsequently the name of the group was changed to the present "Peninsula Orchestra".

The orchestra currently has around thirty members making up standard symphonic instrumentation and rehearses weekly on Monday evenings. Occasional concerts are presented for churches, seniors´ residences, community fund-raisers and recently in Simcoe Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Competent amateur players of standard orchestral instruments are always welcome; there are no auditions required nor restrictions as to age.

For more information contact Rodger Swinton at 905-935-9654 or rswinton@becon.org.

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Rodman Hall Arts Centre
Rodman Hall Arts Centre enters a new era with Brock University’s acquisition of the facilities, enhancing art and culture for the community and the region of Niagara. Rodham Hall serves the community of St. Catharines with a public art gallery housed in the historic Thomas Rodman Merritt House, and grounds that include the Walker Botanical Gardens. In existence since 1960, Rodman Hall is one of Niagara’s premier art galleries, presenting the works of local, national and international artists in a series of year-round exhibitions.

Housing a permanent collection of works of art, Rodman Hall also offers art education programs for children and adults as well as serving as a local resource for artists and art patrons with its art rentals, gift shop and art library. Volunteers and members are welcome to participate in the year-round activities at Rodman Hall, and members of the community are encouraged to attend new exhibitions or stroll the grounds. Gallery hours are Tues - Sun from 12 noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday until 8 p.m.  Wheelchair accessible.

For more information visit www.brocku.ca/rodmanhall or contact Marcie Bronson, Assistant Curator, at mbronson2@brocku.ca.

Rodman Hall Arts Centre, sketch by A.R. Cooke

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
The Society is an umbrella organization headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland for the worldwide Scottish Country Dance community.  Founded in 1923, its aims are to protect and promote the standards of Scottish Country dancing, a traditional dance of Scotland.

The St. Catharines Branch of the RSCD holds dance classes as well as participation dances throughout the year. It also sponsors Dancing in the Park, an annual event held every Tuesday evening in June at the pavilion in Montebello Park, featuring dancers performing traditional Scottish jigs, reels and strathspeys. New dancers are always welcome - no experience necessary!
The Society is an umbrella organization headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland for the worldwide Scottish Country Dance community.  Founded in 1923, its aims are to protect and promote the standards of Scottish Country dancing, a traditional dance of Scotland.

The St. Catharines Branch of the RSCD holds dance classes as well as participation dances throughout the year. It also sponsors Dancing in the Park, an annual event held every Tuesday evening in June at the pavilion in Montebello Park, featuring dancers performing traditional Scottish jigs, reels and strathspeys. New dancers are always welcome - no experience necessary!

For more information contact Peter Coyle at 905-295-1234 or e-mail at patcolye@sympatico.ca.

School of Fine & Performing Arts (SFPA)
The School of Fine and Performing Arts at Brock University is an  interdisciplinary centre for creative and scholarly activities relating to the arts. Established in July 2002, the school is made up of the Departments of Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts, the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture, as well as Dance courses in the Department of Physical Education and Kinesiology.

The School is affiliated with a range of professional cultural organizations throughout the Niagara Region including the Centre for the Arts at Brock University, Chorus Niagara, the Niagara Artist´s Company (NAC), the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra-in-Residence, Brock University), Theatre Beyond Words (Brock´s Resident Theatre Company) and Rodman Hall Arts Centre. These links, along with small class sizes and an experienced faculty, offer students an enriched and personalized educational experience. The school presents a regular program of performances, exhibitions and guest lectures which community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For information visit www.brocku.ca/finearts or contact Marie Balsom at 905-688-5550 extension 4765 or mbalsom@brocku.ca.

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St. Catharines Art Association
The St. Catharines Arts Association was founded in 1951 and is the oldest organization in the district devoted entirely to artists and the promotion of visual art in all its forms.

Meetings open to the public are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, September through June (except December) at the St. Catharines Centennial Public Library at 7:30 p.m. Activities involve two major art shows and several smaller ones each year where members can display and sell their work. Meetings offer lectures, demonstrations, workshops, trips, and critique nights, together with a social period. In addition we publish a newsletter which is open to all artists, amateur and professional alike, or anyone with an interest or love of art.

The St. Catharines Art Association is a nonprofit organization that is entirely self-supporting. For more information visit www.stcatharinesart.com or contact Anthony Marlow, President at 905-934-9378.

The St. Catharines and Area Arts Council
TThe St. Catharines and Area Arts council is a not-for-profit organization working to facilitate communication, collaboration and programmes among artists, arts organizations and the community with the goal of enhancing cultural life. Programming includes an annual workshop series and recent topics have included Developing Community Art Practices and Entrepeneurship for Visual Artists & Artisans.  It co-produces Art of Peace Festival with its partners, the City of St. Catharines and Project Ploughshares Niagara. An electronic newsletter keeps members informed on events and issues. New members are always welcome - please join with us in building culture in our community.

For more information call Elizabeth Chitty at 905-984-8880 or email at artscouncil@bellnet.ca.

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St. Catharines Singing Saints -- Barbershop Harmony Society
The Singing Saints provide a venue for young and old gentlemen who enjoy singing a cappella music in the barbershop harmony style.  Now in their 55th year of activity, the Saints perform on request throughout the community. Monies raised from these performances support community projects such as Harmonize for Speech, which in turn supports the speech pathology programs offered through the Niagara Health Services.

The Saints’ music team will happily assist prospective members to learn the four part harmony of the barbershop style.  Meetings are held Tuesday evenings at 8pm at the CAW Hall, 124 Bunting Rd. Guests are welcome as “The Saints” experience fun, fellowship and the joy of music in order to Keep The Whole World Singing!

For more information contact George Nicholson at 905-682-4663 or email gnbshs@sympatico.ca.

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Theatre Beyond Words
Theatre Beyond Words is Canadas premier internationally acclaimed visual theatre company and  is theatre-in-residence at Brock University. Since its inception in 1977, Theatre Beyond Words has played to over 2 million people worldwide. Creating original works for young and adult audiences, their performances transcend cultural barriers and incorporate the innovative uses of mask, mime, puppetry, vocalization, gesture, music and sound.

The company previews its work in St. Catharines prior to its national and regional touring each season. In addition, the Company offers credit courses in visual theatre at Brock University and provides community, business and post-secondary workshops in such areas as visual storytelling, clowning and non-verbal communication. Theatre Beyond Words has a rehearsal hall and office facility in downtown St. Catharines at 145 King Street.

For more information visit www.theatrebeyondwords.com, call 905-687-4696 or e-mail at tbw@theatrebeyondwords.com.

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Heritage

British Methodist Episcopal Church, Salem Chapel
The British Methodist Church, Salem Chapel was built in 1855 by African American freedom seekers. The church is a Provincial and National Designated Historic Site, recognizing its association with the famed Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, who lived in St. Catharines from 1851 to 1858. The Church was an important centre of 19th century abolitionist and civil right activity in Canada. The BME Church congregation and friends welcome interested visitors and volunteers, and will provide group tours if booked in advance.

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Children´s Discovery Centre of Niagara
The Children´s Discovery Centre, located in the historic Buchanan House on 5 acres of green space in the heart of St. Catharines, officially opened in December 2003.  The Centre encourages learning and community involvement by helping children and their families explore the past, present and future, the environment and cultural diversity.  This exciting and innovative facility is a unique addition to St. Catharines and region, offering year-around activities and programs for children of all ages.

Experience the hands-on, interactive galleries and exhibits; visit the magnificent Dinosaur Gallery or fun-filled Early Years Exploratorium; discover nature outside in the educational gardens, arboretum or Walker´s Creek; learn about science and the environment in the exciting educational galleries.  The Centre is open 7 days a week year-round.

For more information visit www.childrensdiscoverycentre.org, call 905-687-4696 or e-mail at discoverycentre@becon.org.

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Friends of the Carousel
Dedicated to the restoration of the Lakeside Park Carousel in Port Dalhousie, the Friends of the Carousel seek to ensure that this historic jewel maintains its former elegance so that young and old can enjoy this wholesome entertainment for years to come.  The Friends of the Carousel is a not-for-profit organization associated with the Niagara Woodcarvers and the City of St. Catharines. To date, they have fully restored and returned to the Carousel over 35 animals and two chariots, and gifted a new, hand-carved lion to the carousel.  The Friends work out of a studio on Academy Street in downtown St. Catharines.  Members of the public who are interested in the project are welcome to contact the Friends to participate or to view their work in progress.

For information visit www.friendsofthecarousel.org or contact Bob Banbury at 905-646-1675.

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One of the Friends of the Carousel works on restoring one of the Lakeside Park Carousel’s handcarved animals.

Historical Society of St. Catharines
The Historical Society of St. Catharines was founded in 1927, and is affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society.  Their mission is to increase the knowledge and appreciation of the history of St. Catharines and vicinity.

The society meets on the 4th Thursday of the month in the Burgoyne Room at the St. Catharines Museum and features guest speakers.  Additional activities of the Society include a newsletter, walking tours, student award program, annual bus tour, research projects and more.  New members and guests are welcome. 

For more information visit www.stcatharineshistory.wordpress.com/ or email David Sharron at david_sharron@hotmail.com.

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Mayholme Foundation
Mayholme Foundation Genealogical and Historical Research Centre opened it´s doors on the 16th of October, 2004, in the City of St. Catharines and is located on approximately 3 acres of land at the corner of Ontario Street and Regatta Drive.  Many old and rare books are available for research and more will be shelved in the future, along with papers and collections from local genealogical researchers.  The Mayholme Foundation is based in the historic May homestead AMayholme@ after which the foundation was named.

Anyone wishing to research their family roots or to obtain historical information, mostly for the Niagara Region, is welcome to visit.  The facility is open to the public each Friday, (except on holidays) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and help will be available from knowledgeable genealogists at this time.  Research time is also be available by appointment on any other day, including Saturday or Sunday. 

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The Niagara Folk Arts Festival

The Niagara Folk Arts Festival celebrates its 38th annual festival in May, 2006. Begun in 1968 as a showcase for St. Catharines’ ethno-cultural groups, the festival’s continued success has made it one of Canada’s oldest heritage festivals. With expansion throughout the Niagara region to include over 30 different ethno-cultural groups, the exchange of customs, traditions and education about one another grows every year. The Niagara Folk Arts Festival provides an opportunity to discover new traditions through the sampling of foods, dance, music, arts and crafts from different cultures from around the globe.

Most festival events are free to the public, and community residents are welcomed as visitors and volunteers for the two-week celebration as well as for the ongoing activities at the Folk Arts Council.

For information visit www.festivalsniagara.ca or call the Festival Office at 905-685-6589.

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Visitors to the Discovery Room at the St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3

Welland Canals Lock 3 Tourist Information Centre and the St. Catharines Museum
The City of St. Catharines owns and manages the Welland Canals Lock 3 Tourist Information Centre and St. Catharines Museum.  New for 2005 is the Welland Canals Interactive Centre.  This addition provides hands-on learning about the history of the Welland Canal for all ages.  The St. Catharines Museum continues the experience with exhibits on the history of our great city including “Follow the North Star,” the story of the Underground Railroad for black freedom seekers, the story of the four Canals and how the city was built around them, and the First Nations story of lacrosse in the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

The facility also provides the outdoor Discovery Park, the Lock 3 Observation Deck, and Merritt’s Mercantile, a gift shop specializing in Canal publications, Canadiana souvenirs and giftware.  Local heritage organizations such as the St. Catharines Historical Society, the Welland Canals Ship Society and the Canadian Railroad Association hold their regular meetings at the Centre and welcome interested individuals to become members.

Facilities are available for meetings and functions and the St. Catharines Museum offers a variety of membership and volunteer opportunities for those interested in the rich history of our community.  

For more information visit www.stcatharineslock3museum.ca or call 905-984-8880. 

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