Programs & Events

Annandale National Historic Site offers programs throughout the year to help visitors of all ages learn more about the history of Tillsonburg. 

Explore upcoming programs and events

Programs for Children

Annandale NHS offers interactive camps and classes that help children explore history and culture. We also offer presentations and workshops suitable for school and community groups.

To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.

Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.

Enjoy a fully guided, in-depth tour of Annandale House. Tours can be tailored to meet a wide range of curriculum needs. Explore topics such as the aesthetic art movement, life in Victorian times, sustainability and genealogy.

Date Offered Age Cost
By appointment Grades K-8 $3.00 per student

That 70’s Camp

Come and celebrate “All Things 70s” with cooperative games, competitions, crafts, outdoor adventures and so much more! Time to get your “Groove on!”

Date Offered Time Offered Age Cost
July 17th to July 21st 9am to 3:30pm Ages 6 to 12 $125.00 per Child, per Week

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

Island Hopping Summer Camp

Come and join us for a summer filled with fun, history and adventure as you hop on rafts and head to the islands! Each day will be inspired by a new island nation from around the world!

Date Offered Time Offered Age Cost
August 14th to August 18th 9am to 3:30pm Ages 6 to 12 $125.00 per Child, per Week

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

Family Halloween Party

Come to the Museum in your Hallowe’en Costume to celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, treats and your very own pumpkin to take home! It’s F-U-N for
the whole family!! Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Saturday, October 28 1-3pm $25.00 per family ($5.00 for additional pumpkin)

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

*For group booking details, please call 519-842-2294. Visit our Resources for Teachers page for additional workshop topics.

Programs for Adults

Annandale NHS offers a variety of adult learning opportunities including workshops, lunch and learn sessions and special guest lectures. To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.

Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.

Join us for High Tea on the lawn in celebration of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary. 

Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Wednesday, August 23rd  2pm $30.00 + Taxes

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

1920's Fashion Lunch and Learn

Enjoy a catered lunch followed by the lecture “1920’s fashions from the Collection” presented by Patricia Phelps.  

Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Thursday, September 28th 12-2pm $30.00 + Taxes

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

Happy Fall Y’All Tea.

Enjoy seasonal goodies, followed by the creation of a fall wreath for your door. 

All supplies and instructions included. 

Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Wednesday, October 25th 1:30-3pm $30.00 + Taxes

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

Have a guided tour of the Faux Christmas Tree exhibit in the Pratt Gallery and Annandale House decorated for the season, followed by tea and Christmas goodies.

Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Wednesday, December 20th 1:30-3pm $15.00 + Taxes

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

Special Events

Join us for family-friendly community events and activities, and celebrate special holidays with us.

To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.

Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.

Pizza Party & Outdoor Movie

Cowabunga Dude! We’re having a party on our lawn.  Enjoy pizza, pop, popcorn and a showing of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie (1990.)  Bring your appetite and a blanket or lawn chair to the museum’s lawn as we welcome back Turtlefest.  Pizza & pop will be available for purchase starting at 8 pm, continuing while supplies last. Proceeds from the sales will go to the Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom Area of Annandale Public School. There is no charge for the movie which has a running time of 1 hour 33 minutes.

Movie to begin at dusk (approx. 9:01pm)

Date Time Cost
Friday. June 16th  9:00 p.m. By Donation

Pizza Party

DATE TIME EVENT SPONSOR AND/OR PARTNER
Friday. June 16th  8:00 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. (Approx.) Friends of Annandale P.S. Kindergarten Classes & Recreation, Culture & Parks Department

TurtleFest on the Lawn

Join in the fun on the museum’s lawn as we celebrate the return of Turtlefest to Tillsonburg! We will be having games, crafts, tours of the house and so much more!  

We are excited to be working will Scale Nature Park, Torolug (Lego), Skunk Haven of Dragon’s Lair and author, Jan Everett this year!

Date Time Cost
Saturday. June 17th  10am to 3pm By Donation

 

EVENTS LOCATION EVENT SPONSOR AND/OR PARTNER

Lego Fun on the Lawn

Get your brick on with the Toronto Lego Club (ToroLUG). Come see the Lego Turtle and other displays that the club has created just for Turtlefest. Play with Lego and while supplies last pick up a free kit to build your own small Lego turtle, complaints of the Tillsonburg and District Historical Society

On the Lawn

ToroLUG and The Tillsonburg & District Historical Society

Live Turtle and Snake Display

Come see turtles and snakes native to Ontario and join the staff of Scales Nature Park to learn all about them.

 Special 30 minute presentation by staff at 11 a.m.

On the Lawn

Scales Nature Park and

Annandale NHS

Information Booth & Live Animal Display

Did you ever wonder about skunks and other animals that live in our area?  Come to the museum’s lawn to talk with the “Skunk Lady” and her friends to find out all about our animal neighbours.

On the Lawn

Skunk Haven of Dragon’s Lair

Turtle Tales Fun

Do you have a favourite Turtle Story?  Our story tellers do and they are inviting you to join them on the green blanket for a story or two.

On the Lawn

Annandale NHS

Children’s Book “Never Give Up”  by Jan Everett

Can’t get enough of Turtle Stories – don’t miss Jan Everett reading her very own Turtle Tale and showing us how to help our turtle friends.

On the Lawn

Jan Everett

Annandale Kindergarten Story Walk® and Lemonade Stand

Have fun walking around the lawn of Annandale House as you discover the story of Mossy by children’s author Jan Brett – end your walk at the lemonade stand where you can buy a glass of delicious lemonade and  support the Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom Area of Annandale Public School

Around the Lawn

Friends of Annandale P.S. Kindergarten Classes

Turtle Games

Come to the lawn and have some “Turtle-ly” fun playing games and winning prizes for FREE.

While supplies last

On the Lawn

Annandale NHS

Turtle Crafts

Bring out your inner artists by painting your own small ceramic Turtle to take home. All materials supplied at no charge – while supplies last.

On the Lawn

Oxford Creative Connections Inc.

Temporary Tattoo

Did you ever want a tattoo of a turtle? Come get your very own temporary tattoo of the Turtlefest Mascot George T. Turtle – no charge – while supplies last

On the Lawn

Annandale NHS

Turtlefest Balloon

Hold on tight to your helium filled balloon. It’s green and features George T. Turtle

By donation – while supplies last

On the Lawn

Annandale NHS

Get a “Green Posy” for George Tillson’s Grave

Turtlefest is based on a legend about our Town’s Founder George Tillson returning one day as a Turtle.  Honour George today by picking up a green flower to put on his resting spot in the Pioneer Cemetery. Directions to his resting place provided

On the Lawn

Annandale NHS

Turtle Find & Count

Can you see the turtles – Can you count the Turtles? Have fun going through Annandale House to find & count our turtles (don’t worry their not real).  A prize to the one who finds them all.

Throughout Annandale House

Annandale NHS

Tillson Trails Walking Tour

Stroll the streets where it all began with a guide who’ll tell you all about the George Tillson and his family, their homes and businesses.

Please Note:  Involves some hills

 Tours are at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Leaving from the lawn of Annandale NHS

The Tillsonburg & District Historical Society

Join Museum, as they gives a guided tour of the exhibits they have designed for the Museum's Anniversary year.  Tours offered at 10 am, 2 pm and 7 pm.

Pre-registration required, regular admission rates apply. (TDHS members are FREE)

What’s Your Sign? Exhibit Tour- Wednesday, March 29th What’s Your Sign? Exhibit Tour- Wednesday, April 19th

Golden Treasures Exhibit Tour-Monday, June 26th

Golden Treasures Exhibit Tour-Thursday, July 20th 

Golden Treasures Exhibit Tour-Monday, August 21st

Faux Christmas Tree Exhibit Tour-Thursday, December 21st 

Cost  Tour Times

Senior: $6.05

Adults:$7.35

Students: $3.70

Child:$2.60

TDHS Member: Free

10 a.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

Join museum Curator, Patricia Phelps for a 5-part series of Show & Tells of her favorite things from the collection. Show & Tell starts at 1:30 in the Corner Gallery. Light refreshments will be served and pre-registration is required. Cost $5.00 per program or $20.00 for a series pass

Part I-10 Wonderful Things- Thursday, May 18th

Part II - 10 Delightful Things- Thursday, June 8th

 Part III - 10 Superb Things- Thursday, September 7

 Part IV - 10 Wicked Things-Thursday, October 19th

 Part V - 10 Precious Things -Thursday, November 2nd 

Cost Time
$5.00 per program or $20.00 for a series pass 1:30 p.m.

Get crafting with museum program coordination, Kathleen Watkin, as she brings the unique crafts from the 1970’s back to life.  Workshops begin at 1:30 with all materials and instruction supplied. Pre-registration is required. Cost $20 per workshop or $80.00 for a series pass

Macramé Madness- Wed. April 12

Flower Power; paper flower bouquets- Wed. May 10

String Art Tangle- Wed, June 14

Hooked on Latch Hook Rugs- Wed. September 13

Digging Decoupage- Wed. October 11

Cost Time
$20.00 per program or $80.00 for a series pass 1:30 p.m.

“Golden Treasures" Exhibition Opening

Your are invited to join staff & volunteers as we open our new exhibition celebrating the Museum’s 50th Anniversary with over 50 interesting artifacts from the museum’s 50 years of collecting.

Light Refreshments will be served.

Date Times Cost
Sunday, June 4th 1pm to 4pm By Donation

50th Anniversary Party

Join museum volunteers and staff for cake and ice cream as we celebrate the museum’s 50th Anniversary. 

Date Time Cost
Thursday, June 29th 1pm By Donation

Canada Day Open House & Fun Fair on the Lawn

Come celebrate Canada’s Birthday by touring Tillsonburg’s National Historic Site and taking in the fun on the lawn. Games, crafts, cake and much more.

Date Time Cost
Saturday, July 1st 12:30 to 3pm By Donation

Join us for High Tea on the lawn in celebration of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary. 

Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Wednesday, August 23rd  2pm $30.00 + Taxes

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

“Small Wonders Art Show & Sale" Exhibition Opening

Your are invited to join staff & volunteers as we open our new exhibit showcasing the artistic talents of members of Oxford Creative Connections Inc.

Light Refreshments will be served.

Date Times Cost
Friday, September 8th 7pm to 9pm By Donation

50th Anniversary Quilt Unveiling

Join the members of the Tillsonburg Quilters and Fibre Artists Group as they unveil the 50th Anniversary Quilt their group has made for the museum. 

Light refreshments served.

Date Time Cost
Sunday, September 17th 1:30pm By Donation

 

Monumental Monument Cemetery Walking Tour

Come join the walk as we learn the stories of the largest headstones in the Tillsonburg Cemetery.  

MEET at the Tillsonburg Cemetery Office!

Date Time Cost
Thursday, September 21st 1pm By Donation
Saturday, September 23rd 1pm By Donation

Family Halloween Party

Come to the Museum in your Hallowe’en Costume to celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, treats and your very own pumpkin to take home! It’s F-U-N for
the whole family!! Pre-registration is required.

Date Time Cost
Saturday, October 28 1-3pm $25.00 per family ($5.00 for additional pumpkin)

Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.

Watch as the Service Club Christmas Garden is all lit up for the season! Then come inside and enjoy visiting Annandale NHS all decorated for Christmas and our seasonal exhibition, "Faux Christmas Tree." 

Date Time Cost
Friday, November 24th 7pm By Donation

“Faux Christmas Tree" Exhibition Opening

You are invited to join staff & volunteers as we welcome the Christmas season to the museum with the opening of “Faux Christmas Tree” in the Pratt Gallery and Annandale House decorated for the holidays. 

Light Refreshments will be served.

Date Times Cost
Friday, November 24th 7pm to 9pm By Donation

Christmas Open House

Come tour the museum decorated for the holiday season by local volunteers and take in the exhibit, "Faux Christmas Tree" in the Pratt Gallery.

Date Time Cost
Friday, November 24th 7-9pm By Donation
Saturday, November 25th 10am- 3pm By Donation
Sunday, November 26th 1-4 By Donation
Scroll to top