By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Curious about what’s behind some of Chatham‑Kent’s most fascinating doors? On Saturday, October 3, residents will have the chance to find out when Doors Open Chatham‑Kent invites the community to explore unique spaces across the municipality with FREE admission and rare behind‑the‑scenes access not typically available to the public.
The event is part of Doors Open Ontario, a province‑wide initiative encouraging people to explore the history, culture, architecture, and creativity of their own communities. This year, 13 sites across Chatham‑Kent will participate, each offering its own distinct experience—from heritage landmarks and museums to art galleries, animation studios, breweries, and natural spaces.
A Closer Look at the 13 Participating Sites
ARTspace Located in downtown Chatham, ARTspace celebrates local artists through exhibitions and community programming. Visitors can enjoy the current exhibit For the Love of Bugs and take part in a fall‑themed activity from 12–4 p.m.
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum A powerful centre of Canadian Black history, the Buxton site includes the museum, the 1861 schoolhouse, the Colbert/Henderson Cabin, and the Shadd Barn. Guided tours run at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., followed by trivia‑based bingo with prizes. Guests can also explore at their own pace, leave a message of resilience in the schoolhouse, and enjoy complimentary cornbread muffins.
Black Mecca Museum Open free of charge for Doors Open, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories of early Black settlers in Chatham, preserving 30 years of community history.
Bothwell Town Hall & Jim Kish Theatre Built in 1915, this Edwardian‑style heritage building features a historic opera hall with original seating and renowned acoustics. Tours run every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., accompanied by historical presentations and community displays.
Chatham Capitol Theatre Visitors can experience the Capitol Theatre like never before with behind‑the‑scenes guided tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon.
Chatham‑Kent Museum Home to over 12,000 artifacts and 100,000 archival items, the museum will offer exclusive archive tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Guests can also explore current exhibits CK in Full Colour, Out in the Open, and the Imagination Station.
Glenlochie Lodge (Dresden) For the first time ever, visitors can step inside this beautifully preserved 1883 Victorian home. Guided tours of the main floor run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcasing original architectural details and stories of the McVean family.
Josiah Henson Museum of African‑Canadian History Guided tours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tour at 3:25 p.m.). At the top of each hour, visitors can examine rarely seen artifacts and vote on which item should be prepared for a future exhibit.
Red Barn Brewing Company A family‑built farm brewery offering complimentary cornhole and open hours from 12–9 p.m. With its iconic red barn and scenic fields, it’s a can’t‑miss stop.
SheepDog Animation An internationally recognized youth animation studio offering hands‑on activities from stop‑motion stations to advanced 3D sculpting. Visitors can also play video games designed and coded entirely by students.
Sycamore Woods (Wallaceburg) A guided nature experience through a protected Carolinian forest. Tours run at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and require advance registration.
Thames Art Gallery TAG will offer exclusive tours of its permanent collection storage at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Visitors can also explore the current exhibit Cultivation Blues and the interactive ArtSpark space.
Thamesville Old Town Museum Located in the historic 1911 town hall, the museum features artifacts, local history, and a detailed 4×8‑foot model of Thamesville circa 1942, along with a Loyalist land deed from 1796.
A Day of Discovery for All Ages
Organizers say the goal is to help residents connect more deeply with the places they pass every day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun family outing, Doors Open Chatham‑Kent offers something for everyone.
Where to Learn More
Full details on participating sites and activities can be found at: www.ckculture.ca/event/doors-open-chatham-kent or www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Doors Open Ontario is administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust and sponsored by TD Ready Commitment.