The restored home of rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie reveals 500 years of printing technology, amid the authentic ambiance of a period print shop. Rarest in the museum's collection is the Louis Roy Press, oldest in Canada and one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world! A hands-on experience is encouraged with a working linotype and 8 operating heritage presses. A joint venture was established in 1990 between The Niagara Parks Commission and a volunteer non-profit Printery Committee concerned with the preservation of printing equipment. Originally this was the former home of "responsible government," where firebrand editor William Lyon Mackenzie began his publishing career with his newspaper, dedicated to political reform. The building is reconstructed from ruins by The Niagara Parks Commission, the home of William Lyon Mackenzie was opened in 1938 by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Mackenzie's great grandson. - Qualified staff provide guided tours of the site, interesting demonstrations and opportunities to "try it yourself". Working hot metal typecasters will cast type before your eyes.
The Best Hands-on Museum in Upper Canada Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum in Queenston is a place that played a brief, but important role in Canadian history. The beautiful limestone building was the home of William Lyon Mackenzie and from here he began his career as publisher and agitator for political reform. His dislike for the malpractice of the Family Compact, as the ruling political clique of the time was called, led him to cast aside his mercantile pursuits for that of publishing and politics, in an effort to right these political wrongs.
Location: Queenston, Ontario, just a 15 minute drive north of the Falls on the scenic Niagara Parkway.
This historic building is not wheelchair accessible.
Admission: Adults $5.00, Children (6 to 12 years) $3.75 (Canadian $ before taxes) Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!
Group Tours available: call 1-877-642-7275 ext.2 to pre-book.
