Ridge House Museum open June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024.
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Thursday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm (admission by donation)
Address: 53 Erie Street South, Ridgetown, Ontario N0P 2C0
Email:
ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca
The Ridge House Museum is a restored 1875 Victorian home in the charming town of Ridgetown, Ontario. A part of the Arts and Culture division of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Located in the original residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Mulholland, the modest middle-class family home in Ridgetown was constructed in 1875 for $200. As most were built in rural areas at this time, the house was designed as a typical Gothic revival home with a symmetrical floor plan, front and side porches, and a single front gable above the centre front door.
As Ridgetown was gearing up for the town's 1975 centennial celebration, the Ridgetown Rotary Club purchased the house as their centennial project. With the guidance of the Ridgetown & District Historical Society, the Ridge House Museum was born.
Established to collect and preserve artifacts and specimens significant to the area represented by Ridgetown and the former Howard Township, the Ridge House Museum presents and promotes the history of this region.
Discovery Den
Let your kid's imagination grow in our fun-filled, interactive, totally hands-on, innovative, and creative space at Ridge House Museum. Have fun with the whole family while exploring the history of Ridge House.
From light-up tables to magnet walls, there is much to keep everyone engaged with each visit. Enjoy time together in this natural-themed space by making new monthly crafts, and playing with different building materials and games. Features include a
magnetic wall,
light tables, craft tables,
games and a kitchen playset.
Creative Kids
Mornings in Santa's Workshop
Saturday, December 7 & 14, 2024 | 10:00 - 11:00 am | Ages 6-12 | FREE - Sponsored by Salus Mutual
Spend a fun-filled festive morning with Santa's Elves at the Ridge House Museum. Decorate your own Christmas cookie, create some holiday decorations, and visit one on one with Santa's Head Elf, so that they can pass on your requests to the jolly man himself. Then gather around to hear a classic tale and sing some festive songs.
Regiser for Mornings in Santa's Workshop
Festive Days at the Ridge
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 2024 | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm | FREE
This holiday season, drop by the Ridge House Museum to learn how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century. String some popcorn, play some parlour games, and make a traditional holiday craft.
School Programs - Book a Field Trip
History comes to life in inspiring and exciting ways at the CK Municipal Museums. Our engaging education programs are designed to support and enhance the lessons taught in your classroom. Email our program coordinator at ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca for more information.
Information & Services
Parking: Parking is provided free of charge. The parking lot is located on Oak Street.
Amenities: Climate controlled for your comfort and for the protection of our artifacts.
Accessibility: The museum is not currently wheelchair accessible. We would be pleased to accommodate you in any way we can, please contact the museum to arrange alternative access.
Tour Groups
The Ridge House Museum welcomes bus tours as well as church, school, and special interest groups year-round by appointment. Please call at least three weeks in advance to book your tour. Cost: $5.00 per person (minimum 10 people per tour). Refreshments are available for an additional fee.
Explore Ridge House Museum with a guided tour as you take in what life was like in 1875. Get creative in our hands-on interactive space, the Discovery Den, as you make crafts, play games, or design on our magnet wall or light table. There is something for everyone at the Ridge House Museum! Call 519-360-1998 or email ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca.
Advisory Committee
This committee's primary responsibilities are to ensure that the collection entrusted to the museum's care is adequately housed, conserved and documented. Visit
Committees of Council for meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.
Collections & Research
A collection of artifacts or archival materials is the foundation for every museum. The Ridge House Museum collection includes approximately 4,000 artifacts, photographic images, documents, and correspondence. These artifacts and archival materials are the basis of museum exhibitions, research, and programming. Please contact the museum with your research inquiry. Reproductions of archival materials may be acquired by following these How to Obtain Reproductions.
Volunteers
The museum is committed to providing meaningful volunteer opportunities including advisory committee members, curatorial assistants, museum attendants or program assistants. To learn more about these positions or the recruitment process, please email us at
ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca.
