"Tales of pioneer hardship and deprivation have been told many times. Yet still we remember in wonder, that people accomplished so much with so little; that men and women with simple tools, their bare hands, and their own inventiveness cleared the land, drained the swamps, made their own clothing and provided their own food. Through all these difficulties God was with them and they wanted their children educated intellectually and spritually." from Norfolk Street United Church history

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ontario Heritage Trust Assumes Operation of Two Historic Sites in Perth



PERTH, Ontario, May 16, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Heritage Trust is assuming responsibility for the operation of two historic sites in Perth - McMartin House and Inge-Va. Both sites are owned by the Trust, and were previously operated by the Town of Perth under an agreement with the agency.

McMartin House - a National Historic Site - is an 1830 Federal style building originally constructed as a residence for one of the first lawyers in Perth. The Trust assumed operation of the site on April 1, and will continue a license agreement with the Senior Craft Fellowship. The Trust has been completing conservation work and capital repairs at the site, including: re-pointing of the historic masonry, repair of the pressed metal shingle roofing on the cupola, conservation of the front marble staircase, repair of historic windows and installation of new, wood storm windows, and repair and restoration of other exterior elements.

Built in 1824, Inge-Va is the quintessential example of an eastern Ontario stone cottage. The Trust will assume operation of the site on June 1, and will continue to open it during the summer as a seasonal museum. The Trust has also undertaken conservation work and capital repairs at Inge-Va, including: replacement of the garage roof, replacement of gutters and downspouts, foundation repairs, re-pointing of above-grade stone walls and chimneys, as well as repainting of windows, porches and other wood elements.

"We are grateful for the support the Town of Perth has provided for McMartin House and Inge-Va over the years," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "We look forward to creating new partnerships within the community to support the sites and their operation. They are wonderful examples of the unique heritage of eastern Ontario."


The Ontario Heritage Trust received financial assistance for the conservation work and capital repair projects at McMartin House and Inge-Va from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, announced last year.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick facts:

...Inge-Va opens for the summer season on June 11.

...On June 18, both McMartin House and Inge-Va will be open for Doors Open Perth.

The Ontario Heritage Trust owns 25 built heritage sites and over 160 natural heritage properties across the province. More than 75 per cent of these properties are operated with partners, including municipalities, land trusts, heritage organizations and tenants.

For more information on the Ontario Heritage Trust, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.


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