Niagara Park’s Historic McFarland House Reopened To Public

By Doug Draper

The two-century old McFarland House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – the oldest property owned by the Niagara Parks Commission – is reopening to the public this July 23 following extensive renovations.

A new conservatory, featuring historical exhibits, added to the back of the newly renovated McFarland House. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission.

Those renovations to this Georgian-style home, built by John McFarland and his 1800 and used as a makeshift hospital by both British and American troops during the War of 1812, is one of three sites that have been upgraded in time for the bicentennial commemorations of that war beginning in next year. The other tow sites include Laura Secord homestead in Queenston and Old Fort Erie across the mouth of the Niagara River from Buffalo, New York.

Much of the funding for the improvements to these iconic sites has come from the federal and provincial governments. Collectively, they have contributed $8.9 million to these War of 1812 projects.

“We are truly fortunate to have a functional heritage house open to visitors in the lovely community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which brings history to life by showcasing what luxury living was like two hundred years ago,” said Niagara Falls MP and federal justice minister Rob Nicholson during a kick-off ceremony for the reopening of the McFarland House this July 22. “Our investment in McFarland House demonstrates our commitment to improving cultural infrastructure projects with historical significance to Canadians, and to celebrating the upcoming anniversary of the War of 1812.”

“Our government is proud to invest in important heritage sites like the McFarland House,” said Niagara Falls’ Liberal MPP Kim Craitor. “This investment builds on our support for the upcoming War of 1812 bicentennial, will improve the visitor experience and helps ensure more people can rediscover the amazing history of this site for years to come.”

Janice Thomson, the interim chair of the Niagara Parks Commission which is the steward of lands along the Ontario side of the Niagara River, had this to add during the reopening ceremony; “Just imagine the changing landscape that has surrounded McFarland House and its hallways over the past 200 years — from a well-appointed family home symbolizing the graciousness of 19^th century life, to a hospital harbouring the sick and injured during the War of 1812. The restoration of this site serves as a lasting tribute to the soldiers, residents and warriors of both nations who lived, served and fought along these lands now protected for future generations by The Niagara Parks Commission.”

The renovations to the McFarland House, the first since the site first opened to the public in 1959, include what Niagara Parks describes as “a new historically-inspired conservatory, the installation of modern washrooms, and the renovation of interior spaces to improve accessibility.”

Starting this July 23, the McFarland House will be open daily to the public from 12  to 5 p.m.

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