Woodside National Historic Site of Canada

What's New

The Woodside Chronicler

Twice a year, in autumn and spring, Woodside National Historic Site of Canada publishes a newsletter, detailing upcoming events and fascinating facts related to the childhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King. Learn more about seasonal celebrations at the King household or nourish your love for antiques with our artifact spotlight, presented along with up to date information on school programs and other delightful tidbits. If you would like to be put on our mailing list, please contact Woodside.

Spring & Summer 2006

Fall & Winter 2006

Seasonal Changes

At Woodside every season has something new to offer! Come and enjoy our Victoria Day and Canada Day festivities, or drop by to see how the Kings would have celebrated Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas in the late nineteenth century. Our attractive grounds and walking trails reflect the beauty of the changing seasons, whether ablaze with fall colours, covered by a blanket of snow in early winter, or abloom with lovely gardens in spring and summer.

Woodside Whatnot

The renovation project in our basement is done. The space has been updated to accommodate our changing market. The technological advances that has been included in the renovations are meant to bring Woodside into the 21st century even though the house is set in the 19th one. We have new video equipment and displays. The theatre space includes a small stage that will improve visibility of presenters and allow for better public involvement in our interpretive programs. It will also be able to better accommodate bigger groups since the main room will be slightly larger. We encourage everyone to visit the house, the new basement and the knowledgeable interpreters who are avidly awaiting your arrival.

A Present From The Past: Woodside Discovers A Time Capsule

We all know that Woodside tells the story of the King family. There is second family that has left its legacy here and that we fondly remember – Woodside employees and volunteers. We’ve all heard the age-old expression “if these walls could talk.” Well in our case, they did. When the basement walls were torn down, the discovery of a time capsule from 1978 was made. Inside an old Zehrs bag were pictures of past staff members, a Kitchener Waterloo Record and magazines such as Ms, Macleans, Chatelaine and Newsweek. The articles delved into a variety of topics such as terrorism, problems in the Middle East, and the flourishing careers of John Travolta and Dolly Parton. It was amazing to see how many things have changed and how many have stayed the same.

When the time came to put up new drywall, we decided to put the time capsule back and to add our own one from 2004. What was included in it this time around? A Kitchener Waterloo Record, digital pictures of staff members, magazines such as Macleans and People, and a Tim Horton’s cup were added to the package. The staff also added a card, addressed to the future recipients of the time capsule wishing them all the best. What a joy it is to find such a gift hidden away, left for others to discover. Next time you renovate, why not consider including your own time capsule?