Historic Places Days 2026 - The Story of Wolseley Barracks
About this Event
View the temporary exhibition, Fascinating Redcoats, join a tour or take part in the family activities for the day. Registration is not required.
Tours
Three special tours are scheduled for the day.
- 2pm - Curated Tour:
The purchase of the property on which Wolseley Barracks stands today is a story of hands changing ownership and partisan opinions that sparked excitement and controversy within the community. This Curated Tour unravels the mystery of a three-way deal. As part of the tour, view additional topic-related artefacts.
- 4pm - Wolseley Barracks: an Outdoor Guided Tour
Join us on this guided tour when we will explore the exterior of the building and discuss how London, ON, was chosen as its location. The building was completed in 1888 and is the second oldest military construction by the Canadian Government. It has seen the city expand while maintaining its distinctive architecture.This tour is weather pending.
- 6pm - Curated Tour:
Drafting plans, notifying tenders, signing contracts and making payments were fully managed in Ottawa, on behalf of the Canadian Military. This Curated Tour examines how the community benefitted from the supervision of the works, selling supplies, and building the structure. As part of the tour, view additonal topic-related artefacts.
Family Activities
Join us for famiy activites such as a building a paper version of the west wing of Wolseley Barracks, plan your own post card message, or try to send a message using flags using semaphore. Reenactors wearing the dress of the Infantry School Corps are present.
The exhibition traces the origins and evolution of the Infantry School building – now known as “A” Block at Wolseley Barracks– on lands once part of Treaty 6 of 1792. Through archival maps, architectural drawings, photographs, and other artefacts, Fascinating Redcoats reveals how the arrival of “D” Company of the Infantry School Corps transformed the local landscape, economy, and community life.
Agenda
🕑: 02:00 PM
How the Valley at Carling’s Farm Became Wolseley Barracks
Host: Dr. Georgiana Stanciu
🕑: 04:00 PM
Wolseley Barracks: an Outdoor Guided Tour
🕑: 06:00 PM
The Infantry School Building: Central Planning and Local Execution
Host: Dr. Georgiana Stanciu
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
