History & Museums
The Burlington area is rich in history and activities that celebrate our past. The many natural advantages of this area attracted Indigenous peoples long before the arrival of the first settlers along the lakefront in the late 1700s. In 1669, famous French explorer Rene Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle landed at the site where La Salle Park is currently located. Learn about Burlington’s history with our historical sites and museums.
Historical Sites in Burlington
Several Museums and historic sites showcase local heritage including:
- Joseph Brant Museum which has recently undergone a transformation and hosts travelling exhibits
- Ireland House at Oakridge Farm paints a picture of farm life through 3 periods of history
- Spruce Lane Farm located within Bronte Creek Provincial Park showcases the Victorian era
- Freeman Station, a lovingly restored train station originally built in the early 1900s
You can also enjoy self-directed walking tours of the historic downtown and participate in several festivals which celebrate our past!
Joseph Brant Museum
For visitors interested in Burlington’s local history & museums, the Joseph Brant Museum is located on North Shore Blvd. With the replica homestead of Joseph Brant ‘Thayendanegea’ (1742-1807) serving as a beacon, the facility features three permanent galleries, space for travelling exhibitions and a dedicated programming area for school groups and education programs. The Burlington Gallery tells distinct yet interweaving stories, exploring the city’s rich history and heritage.
The Discovery Gallery is a special area specifically designed for children to explore, discover and learn in a hands-on environment. They can create a picture on a giant light wall or play interactive games.
The Costume Gallery takes us back in history to when people travelled miles to see their favourite musical entertainer at the Brant Inn. It is said that when the Benny Goodman band performed the OPP had to be called in to handle the traffic jams on the highways!
Ireland House at Oakridge Farm
Ireland House at Oakridge Farm located on Guelph Line was built by Joseph and Ruth Ireland between 1835-37 and was passed down through four generations of the Ireland family. Visitors to Ireland House enjoy tours of the house, exhibits, demonstrations, special events, and participatory activities in keeping with the character and history of the House.
Spruce Lane Farm
Spruce Lane Farm House at Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a living history museum recreating a glimpse of life in 1900. The farmhouse offers educational programs to school groups, as well as a taste of history to visitors, with special events such as the Maple Syrup Festival offered each year in March.
Freeman Station
The Freeman Station is the only building in the city whose historical and architectural significance has been recognized not only locally, but also provincially by the Ontario Ministry of Culture, and nationally by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. This is Burlington’s only surviving Grand Trunk Railway station built in 1906. Now familiarly called “the Freeman Station” after the hamlet in which it was built, it was formerly signed the “Burlington Junction” or “Burlington West” Station. After moving the station to 1285 Fairview St. (next to the Central Fire Station) in 2013 the building is officially open. Recently a mural depicting the station in years gone by was unveiled. This mural adorns the exterior of the historic station and was created by local artist Claire Hall.
Significant Architecture
Burlington has a number of architecturally significant buildings including historic properties, contemporary designs and award-winning, newly constructed buildings.
Several green buildings in the city have been LEED certified, recognizing construction that has reduced the impact on the environment. The architectural list will be updated as new buildings are constructed or if we receive suggestions for other architecturally significant properties. Use this architectural list for your own self-guided tour of interesting architecture in our city. Also, Burlington celebrates architecture during Doors Open Burlington where you can visit landmark buildings that are not normally open to the public or that usually have a fee for FREE!
Researching Family Roots & Genealogy
Many visitors come to Burlington not just to see the sites but to learn more about their family ancestry and genealogy. A good first step is to research the local and provincial information available so you can plan your trip. Check these websites and enjoy your step back in time.
- Genealogy & Local History – Burlington Public Library
- Heritage Burlington
- Burlington Historical Society
- Ontario Genealogical Society Cemetery Index – search by surname or by the individual cemetery in the Halton-Peel region
- Upper Canada Militia Records from the Ontario Genealogical Society
- Archives of Ontario
Historic Tours and Resources
Stroll the historical streets of the downtown area to discover some of the first homes built in Burlington, dating back to the late 1800s. Find out more about the History of Burlington. Check out the google map of Burlington Ontario historic plaques.
We have several books on the history of the Burlington area and historic postcards available at the Visitor Information Centre for history buffs.