Who We Are

About ECNHS

The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site is a year-round cultural attraction for residents and visitors to Sault Ste. Marie. The Site consists of an interactive Heritage Discovery Centre and two of the oldest stone buildings, located northwest of Toronto – the Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse.

The Ermatinger Old Stone House has been fully restored to depict the domestic and professional life of Charles Oakes Ermatinger, as well as other respected residents who lived in the House between 1808 and 1896. The story of the Ermatinger family weaves into Canada’s history with regards to the early settlers, voyageurs, soldiers, writers, and artists. Prior to the completion of the transcontinental railway, Sault Ste. Marie was the gateway between the eastern settlement of Canada and the Western boundaries of exploration.

Charles Oakes Ermatinger was born in Montreal in 1776. He was of Swiss decent and was the son of the wealthy Lawrence Ermatinger and Jemima Oakes. Members of Charles’ extended family had been involved in the fur trade and naturally he followed suit.

Mandate

The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site provides visitors to, and residents of Sault Ste. Marie with an opportunity to experience the history of our community through the preservation and historic interpretation of artifacts related to the Site; within the Ermatinger Old Stone House, the Clergue Blockhouse, the Heritage Discovery Centre, including the heritage gardens and grounds and through related festivals and events.

Mission

At the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, our mission is to facilitate dialogue, engage, and create an atmosphere that tells our stories steeped in stone, where cultures meet.

Governance

The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site is owned and operated by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, under the management of the Historic Sites Board, an appointed Board of Council. The 2024 Board comprised of six Council-appointed citizens and one Council member.

The Historic Sites Board By-law mandates the responsibilities of the Board in overseeing the operations of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, on behalf of Council.

In 2018 and 2019, the Historic Sites Board reviewed and revised their strategic plan and governance policy to reflect the direction of the Ontario Museum Association, Ontario Cultural Plan, City of Sault Ste. Marie's corporate strategic plan, and the SSM Downtown Association plan. The strategic plan was updated and revised in 2024 to reflect the operations and directions to 2029. Outcome based goals, timelines and resources assigned are the next steps within this governance document.

The Historic Sites Board along with the Curator, ensure that each year, the Ontario standards for Museums are met and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.

ECNHS maintains the annual membership with the Ontario Museums Association, and the Canadian Museums Association. Membership with the Ontario Historical Society is maintained through the Friends of ECNHS.

The staff and management of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site fall within the corporation of the City of Sault Ste Marie through the Community Services and Enterprise Services, Recreation and Culture Division.

Kathy Fisher

Curator

Ian Ganton

Programmer

A

Alma Kasch

Chef

Anastasiia Pavlivuk

Office Assistant

Anna DeGroot-Maggetti

Teacher/Interpreter

B

Bradley Klein

Historical Interpreter

Olivia Reid

Interpreter

J

John Enriquez

Intern – Digital Tourism

Our Partners

The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site is strengthened by the dedicated support of community partners who help preserve, interpret, and celebrate our shared heritage. Through collaboration with cultural organizations, local businesses, educational institutions, and the Friends of ECNHS, also funded by the Government of Canada, we create meaningful programs, engaging events, and enriching experiences that connect visitors to the stories that shaped Sault Ste. Marie.