Founded in 1998, Heritage Port Stanley is a not-for-profit organization led by dedicated volunteers who share a deep respect for our village’s unique past. From the days of steam trains and shipbuilding to beachside summers and community traditions, we work to preserve and celebrate the stories that define Port Stanley.
In collaboration with Heritage Central Elgin and under the Ontario Heritage Act, we advocate for the protection of historic sites, collect artifacts and archives, and bring history to life through murals, plaques, tours, and public programs. Our goal is to connect the past with the present so that future generations can appreciate the rich heritage that makes Port Stanley truly special.
At its heart, Heritage Port Stanley is a community-driven celebration of identity and memory. We believe that understanding where we come from helps guide where we are going.
Our Mission
At Heritage Port Stanley, we are committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories, photographs, maps, artifacts, and oral histories that reflect the cultural and social development of our lakeside village from the early 1800s to today.
As a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organization founded in 1998, we strive to capture and celebrate the essence of Port Stanley—its people, places, and progress. From early Indigenous presence and European settlement to our village’s days as a fishing port, railway hub, and beach destination, every chapter matters.
Through archives, interpretive plaques, publications, walking tours, and community events, we connect past to present and ensure Port Stanley’s rich heritage continues to inspire future generations.
What We Do
Heritage Port Stanley is dedicated to preserving and promoting our village’s unique past through a variety of engaging initiatives. From commemorative projects and historical collections to guided tours and community programs, our work invites everyone to explore and appreciate the stories that shape our community.
Our Key Activities:
Historical Plaques & Murals: Marking significant sites with interpretive signage and public art
Archival Collection: Preserving photos, maps, documents, books, and newspaper clippings
Publications & Media: Creating booklets, DVDs, and resources highlighting local heritage
Walking Tours: Offering guided and self-guided tours of historic areas and landmarks
Community Engagement: Hosting monthly meetings, talks, and heritage-themed events
Monthly Meetings
Our monthly meetings aren’t just about looking back; they’re about coming together. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or just arrived, you’re invited to join us for an afternoon of stories, conversation, and community connection.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM in the Harbourview Room at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, a perfect setting to explore the rich history that surrounds us.
What to Expect:
Engaging talks by guest speakers and local historians
Presentations or pop-up exhibits on fascinating village topics
Lively Q&A sessions and storytelling
Friendly faces and light refreshments
Bring your curiosity or a story of your own. There’s always room for more voices at the table.
