Classes and camps
Programs & Events
Annandale National Historic Site offers programs throughout the year to help visitors of all ages learn more about the history of Tillsonburg.
Explore upcoming programs and events
Lunch & Learn, Classes
Seasonal celebrations
Programs for Children
Annandale NHS offers interactive camps and classes that help children explore history and culture. We also offer presentations and workshops suitable for school and community groups.
To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.
Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.
Enjoy a fully guided, in-depth tour of Annandale House. Tours can be tailored to meet a wide range of curriculum needs. Explore topics such as the aesthetic art movement, life in Victorian times, sustainability and genealogy.
| Date Offered | Age | Cost |
| By appointment | Grades K-8 | $3.00 per student |
That 70’s Camp
Come and celebrate “All Things 70s” with cooperative games, competitions, crafts, outdoor adventures and so much more! Time to get your “Groove on!”
| Date Offered | Time Offered | Age | Cost |
| July 17th to July 21st | 9am to 3:30pm | Ages 6 to 12 | $125.00 per Child, per Week |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
Island Hopping Summer Camp
Come and join us for a summer filled with fun, history and adventure as you hop on rafts and head to the islands! Each day will be inspired by a new island nation from around the world!
| Date Offered | Time Offered | Age | Cost |
| August 14th to August 18th | 9am to 3:30pm | Ages 6 to 12 | $125.00 per Child, per Week |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
Family Halloween Party
Come to the Museum in your Hallowe’en Costume to celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, treats and your very own pumpkin to take home! It’s F-U-N for
the whole family!! Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Saturday, October 28 | 1-3pm | $25.00 per family ($5.00 for additional pumpkin) |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
*For group booking details, please call 519-842-2294. Visit our Resources for Teachers page for additional workshop topics.
Programs for Adults
Annandale NHS offers a variety of adult learning opportunities including workshops, lunch and learn sessions and special guest lectures. To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.
Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.
Join us for High Tea on the lawn in celebration of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary.
Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, August 23rd | 2pm | $30.00 + Taxes |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
1920's Fashion Lunch and Learn
Enjoy a catered lunch followed by the lecture “1920’s fashions from the Collection” presented by Patricia Phelps.
Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Thursday, September 28th | 12-2pm | $30.00 + Taxes |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
Happy Fall Y’All Tea.
Enjoy seasonal goodies, followed by the creation of a fall wreath for your door.
All supplies and instructions included.
Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, October 25th | 1:30-3pm | $30.00 + Taxes |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
Have a guided tour of the Faux Christmas Tree exhibit in the Pratt Gallery and Annandale House decorated for the season, followed by tea and Christmas goodies.
Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, December 20th | 1:30-3pm | $15.00 + Taxes |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
Special Events
Join us for family-friendly community events and activities, and celebrate special holidays with us.
To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.
Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.
Pizza Party & Outdoor Movie
Cowabunga Dude! We’re having a party on our lawn. Enjoy pizza, pop, popcorn and a showing of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie (1990.) Bring your appetite and a blanket or lawn chair to the museum’s lawn as we welcome back Turtlefest. Pizza & pop will be available for purchase starting at 8 pm, continuing while supplies last. Proceeds from the sales will go to the Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom Area of Annandale Public School. There is no charge for the movie which has a running time of 1 hour 33 minutes.
Movie to begin at dusk (approx. 9:01pm)
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Friday. June 16th | 9:00 p.m. | By Donation |
Pizza Party
| DATE | TIME | EVENT SPONSOR AND/OR PARTNER |
| Friday. June 16th | 8:00 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. (Approx.) | Friends of Annandale P.S. Kindergarten Classes & Recreation, Culture & Parks Department |
TurtleFest on the Lawn
Join in the fun on the museum’s lawn as we celebrate the return of Turtlefest to Tillsonburg! We will be having games, crafts, tours of the house and so much more!
We are excited to be working will Scale Nature Park, Torolug (Lego), Skunk Haven of Dragon’s Lair and author, Jan Everett this year!
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Saturday. June 17th | 10am to 3pm | By Donation |
| EVENTS | LOCATION | EVENT SPONSOR AND/OR PARTNER |
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Lego Fun on the Lawn Get your brick on with the Toronto Lego Club (ToroLUG). Come see the Lego Turtle and other displays that the club has created just for Turtlefest. Play with Lego and while supplies last pick up a free kit to build your own small Lego turtle, complaints of the Tillsonburg and District Historical Society |
On the Lawn |
ToroLUG and The Tillsonburg & District Historical Society |
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Live Turtle and Snake Display Come see turtles and snakes native to Ontario and join the staff of Scales Nature Park to learn all about them. Special 30 minute presentation by staff at 11 a.m. |
On the Lawn |
Scales Nature Park and Annandale NHS |
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Information Booth & Live Animal Display Did you ever wonder about skunks and other animals that live in our area? Come to the museum’s lawn to talk with the “Skunk Lady” and her friends to find out all about our animal neighbours. |
On the Lawn |
Skunk Haven of Dragon’s Lair |
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Turtle Tales Fun Do you have a favourite Turtle Story? Our story tellers do and they are inviting you to join them on the green blanket for a story or two. |
On the Lawn |
Annandale NHS |
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Children’s Book “Never Give Up” by Jan Everett Can’t get enough of Turtle Stories – don’t miss Jan Everett reading her very own Turtle Tale and showing us how to help our turtle friends. |
On the Lawn |
Jan Everett |
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Annandale Kindergarten Story Walk® and Lemonade Stand Have fun walking around the lawn of Annandale House as you discover the story of Mossy by children’s author Jan Brett – end your walk at the lemonade stand where you can buy a glass of delicious lemonade and support the Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom Area of Annandale Public School |
Around the Lawn |
Friends of Annandale P.S. Kindergarten Classes |
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Turtle Games Come to the lawn and have some “Turtle-ly” fun playing games and winning prizes for FREE. While supplies last |
On the Lawn |
Annandale NHS |
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Turtle Crafts Bring out your inner artists by painting your own small ceramic Turtle to take home. All materials supplied at no charge – while supplies last. |
On the Lawn |
Oxford Creative Connections Inc. |
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Temporary Tattoo Did you ever want a tattoo of a turtle? Come get your very own temporary tattoo of the Turtlefest Mascot George T. Turtle – no charge – while supplies last |
On the Lawn |
Annandale NHS |
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Turtlefest Balloon Hold on tight to your helium filled balloon. It’s green and features George T. Turtle By donation – while supplies last |
On the Lawn |
Annandale NHS |
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Get a “Green Posy” for George Tillson’s Grave Turtlefest is based on a legend about our Town’s Founder George Tillson returning one day as a Turtle. Honour George today by picking up a green flower to put on his resting spot in the Pioneer Cemetery. Directions to his resting place provided |
On the Lawn |
Annandale NHS |
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Turtle Find & Count Can you see the turtles – Can you count the Turtles? Have fun going through Annandale House to find & count our turtles (don’t worry their not real). A prize to the one who finds them all. |
Throughout Annandale House |
Annandale NHS |
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Tillson Trails Walking Tour Stroll the streets where it all began with a guide who’ll tell you all about the George Tillson and his family, their homes and businesses. Please Note: Involves some hills Tours are at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. |
Leaving from the lawn of Annandale NHS |
The Tillsonburg & District Historical Society |
Join Museum, as they gives a guided tour of the exhibits they have designed for the Museum's Anniversary year. Tours offered at 10 am, 2 pm and 7 pm.
Pre-registration required, regular admission rates apply. (TDHS members are FREE)
What’s Your Sign? Exhibit Tour- Wednesday, March 29th What’s Your Sign? Exhibit Tour- Wednesday, April 19th
Golden Treasures Exhibit Tour-Monday, June 26th
Golden Treasures Exhibit Tour-Thursday, July 20th
Golden Treasures Exhibit Tour-Monday, August 21st
Faux Christmas Tree Exhibit Tour-Thursday, December 21st
| Cost | Tour Times |
Senior: $6.05Adults:$7.35Students: $3.70Child:$2.60TDHS Member: Free |
10 a.m.2 p.m.7 p.m. |
Join museum Curator, Patricia Phelps for a 5-part series of Show & Tells of her favorite things from the collection. Show & Tell starts at 1:30 in the Corner Gallery. Light refreshments will be served and pre-registration is required. Cost $5.00 per program or $20.00 for a series pass
Part I-10 Wonderful Things- Thursday, May 18th
Part II - 10 Delightful Things- Thursday, June 8th
Part III - 10 Superb Things- Thursday, September 7
Part IV - 10 Wicked Things-Thursday, October 19th
Part V - 10 Precious Things -Thursday, November 2nd
| Cost | Time |
| $5.00 per program or $20.00 for a series pass | 1:30 p.m. |
Get crafting with museum program coordination, Kathleen Watkin, as she brings the unique crafts from the 1970’s back to life. Workshops begin at 1:30 with all materials and instruction supplied. Pre-registration is required. Cost $20 per workshop or $80.00 for a series pass
Macramé Madness- Wed. April 12
Flower Power; paper flower bouquets- Wed. May 10
String Art Tangle- Wed, June 14
Hooked on Latch Hook Rugs- Wed. September 13
Digging Decoupage- Wed. October 11
| Cost | Time |
| $20.00 per program or $80.00 for a series pass | 1:30 p.m. |
“Golden Treasures" Exhibition Opening
Your are invited to join staff & volunteers as we open our new exhibition celebrating the Museum’s 50th Anniversary with over 50 interesting artifacts from the museum’s 50 years of collecting.
Light Refreshments will be served.
| Date | Times | Cost |
| Sunday, June 4th | 1pm to 4pm | By Donation |
50th Anniversary Party
Join museum volunteers and staff for cake and ice cream as we celebrate the museum’s 50th Anniversary.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Thursday, June 29th | 1pm | By Donation |
Canada Day Open House & Fun Fair on the Lawn
Come celebrate Canada’s Birthday by touring Tillsonburg’s National Historic Site and taking in the fun on the lawn. Games, crafts, cake and much more.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Saturday, July 1st | 12:30 to 3pm | By Donation |
Join us for High Tea on the lawn in celebration of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary.
Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, August 23rd | 2pm | $30.00 + Taxes |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
“Small Wonders Art Show & Sale" Exhibition Opening
Your are invited to join staff & volunteers as we open our new exhibit showcasing the artistic talents of members of Oxford Creative Connections Inc.
Light Refreshments will be served.
| Date | Times | Cost |
| Friday, September 8th | 7pm to 9pm | By Donation |
50th Anniversary Quilt Unveiling
Join the members of the Tillsonburg Quilters and Fibre Artists Group as they unveil the 50th Anniversary Quilt their group has made for the museum.
Light refreshments served.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Sunday, September 17th | 1:30pm | By Donation |
Monumental Monument Cemetery Walking Tour
Come join the walk as we learn the stories of the largest headstones in the Tillsonburg Cemetery.
MEET at the Tillsonburg Cemetery Office!
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Thursday, September 21st | 1pm | By Donation |
| Saturday, September 23rd | 1pm | By Donation |
Family Halloween Party
Come to the Museum in your Hallowe’en Costume to celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, treats and your very own pumpkin to take home! It’s F-U-N for
the whole family!! Pre-registration is required.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Saturday, October 28 | 1-3pm | $25.00 per family ($5.00 for additional pumpkin) |
Pre-registration is required. You can registrar via your Connect2Rec Account https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com/ or by calling the Museum at 519-842-2294.
Watch as the Service Club Christmas Garden is all lit up for the season! Then come inside and enjoy visiting Annandale NHS all decorated for Christmas and our seasonal exhibition, "Faux Christmas Tree."
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Friday, November 24th | 7pm | By Donation |
“Faux Christmas Tree" Exhibition Opening
You are invited to join staff & volunteers as we welcome the Christmas season to the museum with the opening of “Faux Christmas Tree” in the Pratt Gallery and Annandale House decorated for the holidays.
Light Refreshments will be served.
| Date | Times | Cost |
| Friday, November 24th | 7pm to 9pm | By Donation |
Christmas Open House
Come tour the museum decorated for the holiday season by local volunteers and take in the exhibit, "Faux Christmas Tree" in the Pratt Gallery.
| Date | Time | Cost |
| Friday, November 24th | 7-9pm | By Donation |
| Saturday, November 25th | 10am- 3pm | By Donation |
| Sunday, November 26th | 1-4 | By Donation |