Support Our Mission
Help Preserve Our Heritage for Future Generations
Donation & Giving Opportunities
Here are the ways you can support:
Membership through Friends of ECNHS
The site's non-profit partner, Friends of Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, is a charitable organization that supports the site's services, events and ongoing restoration work. Membership benefits typically include free admission for members, gift-shop discounts, and advance notice of events.
Personalized Engraved Brick
The site offers an opportunity to purchase an engraved paving brick (in memory or as a recognition gift) on the "Walkway and Wall of History". This is a tangible way to leave a lasting mark while supporting the site's heritage mission.
Volunteer Time
While not strictly a financial donation, the gift of time is valued. The site reports thousands of volunteer hours supporting its work. Volunteers help in tours, events, collections-care, gardening, housekeeping and more.
Donations
For donors of historical materials, the site has a policy for donations to its collection: an object must meet collection criteria, be approved by the Curator and Historic Sites Board, and once accepted, becomes property of the site.
How You Can Show Your Support
The site is home to two of the oldest stone buildings in Ontario northwest of Toronto (the Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse).
Its mission is to preserve, interpret and present these heritage assets for the community and visitors, offering educational programming, exhibits and events.
Funds held in the trust for the projects are intended for preservation.
Supporting this historic site does more than preserve old buildings - it helps connect the community and visitors with foundational stories of the region: fur trade, early settlement, the War of 1812 era, and industrial heritage tied to Sault Ste. Marie. The buildings themselves ("living history") provide tangible links to those eras.
Your donation helps keep that connection alive for future generations.
By donating, supporters help ensure:
The Heritage Discovery Centre added exhibition space, a theatre, storage and improved visitor access (supported through federal investment). Your support enables the site to run large public heritage events (e.g., the "Fall Rendezvous") which open the site to the community and raise awareness.
Building Care & Restoration
The continued care, restoration and maintenance of the historic buildings and grounds
Educational Programs
Educational programs and public events that bring the site's stories to life
Improved Access
The ability to expand access, improve visitor amenities and maintain the collections
Practical Steps for Donors
1. Contact the Site
Reach out to the Curator or site administration to express interest in contributing.
2. Select Your Form of Giving
Choose from membership with Friends of ECNHS, financial donations (tax receipts available), engraved brick purchase, in-kind/artifact donation, or volunteering your time.
3. Follow Through
Complete the necessary forms and payment. For brick purchases, include your inscription. For artifacts, complete the gift form and await approval.
4. Stay Engaged
You'll receive newsletters, event invites, and member benefits (if applicable) which help you see the impact of your support.
Friends of ECNHS
The Friends of ECNHS is a non-profit, charitable group affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society. It was formed in 2010 through volunteers and members. They provide support to the Historic Site - helping with events, education programming, restoration projects, and exhibits.
They contribute volunteer work: seasonal decorating, special events, collections management, crafts/sewing, volunteer coordination, and more. They help run and organize major events. In particular, the annual Fall Rendezvous festival each September at the heritage site - celebrating local history, heritage re-enactments, educational programming, and community engagement.
Through events and programming, they support school visits, curriculum-linked history education, community outreach, and bring attention to the cultural and historical significance of the Site. Their support is essential in maintaining heritage preservation, running educational programs, and keeping the Site accessible to the public. Without them, many events, restoration efforts, and community-oriented initiatives might not be possible.
They help connect the community with local history, making heritage relevant and lively through re-enactments, festivals, and interactive programs. By engaging schools and students, they help educate younger generations about local and Indigenous history - building awareness and respect for the region’s heritage.
If you join Friends of ECNHS as a member you receive:
- Free admission to the Site for a year.
- 10% off merchandise in the Site’s gift shop (consignment items excluded).
- Advance notice of upcoming events and ticketed programs.
Note: Download and fill out the membership form and drop it off at the Heritage Discovery Centre with your form of payment to claim your membership card.