Spencerville – As the summer sun settles over the South Nation River, the historic Spencerville Mill & Museum is once again opening its doors for the season.
Starting Tuesday, July 2, the Mill will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming visitors to step back in time and discover the stories held within its 1860s stone walls.
Through guided and self-guided tours, interactive exhibits, and the steady rhythm of its working turbine, the Mill offers more than just history—it offers connection. It’s this spirit of community that shines through in the events planned for July.
On the Right Track: Railways in Spencerville and Beyond
New this season is a feature exhibition, On the Right Track: Railways in Spencerville and Beyond, open until mid-August. This immersive display explores the powerful role that rail travel played in shaping the region’s identity, from the arrival of the Bytown & Prescott Railway in the 1850s to the heyday of the Spencerville station.
With historic images, artifacts, and firsthand stories, the exhibit brings to life a time when trains ran four times daily and connected this small village to the wider world. It’s a compelling journey through the rise and quiet fade of rail in rural Ontario.
A Night to Paint by the River
On Thursday, July 17, the Mill transforms into a creative haven as it hosts an evening paint night led by Swamp Doll Studios. Guests will gather in the rustic beauty of the mill to paint a glowing firefly scene at sunset.
With canvases and brushes in hand, participants of all skill levels are invited to relax and express themselves. Those looking to nourish both body and soul can enjoy a locally prepared meal from Monday Nutrition, available as an add-on.
The workshop runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and includes all materials. Tickets are $65 and include a donation to the Spencerville Mill Foundation.
Puppets and face paint at Summerfest
On Sunday, July 20, the Mill joins in on Spencerville’s town-wide Summerfest celebration. At the heart of the festivities, the Mill will host a performance of Felicity Falls by Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre.
Tailored for children ages 4 to 10, the show shares gentle, humorous tales of stuffed animal families in an imaginary village. With floor seating for kids and chairs for adults, it’s a family-friendly experience designed to charm all ages.
The puppet show begins at 1:00 p.m., but the Mill will be bustling all day with guided tours and special guests like face-painting artist Kara Burke Gilbey, from Fun To You, delighting young visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is just $2, with free entry for children under 12.
Art with a Message: Take a Stand
On July 24 and 25, the Mill will host Take a Stand, a powerful exhibit presented in collaboration with Maison Baldwin House. Spread across the museum floor, hundreds of pairs of white jeans—each painted by local students, artists, survivors, and advocates—tell deeply personal stories of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
More than an art display, Take a Stand invites visitors to reflect, engage in conversation, and listen to the voices of those directly affected. The exhibit highlights an issue often unseen but very present in our communities, especially along the 401 corridor. The exhibit runs during regular museum hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is free, with museum admission of $2, with free access for youth and children.
In addition to the daytime exhibit, a special community night is in the early planning stages for the evening of Thursday, July 24. This gathering will provide a deeper opportunity for connection, featuring speakers, survivor stories, and resources for learning and support. More details to be announced soon.
For Director Mary Tessier, the return of the summer season is about more than keeping the doors open: “The Spencerville Mill is more than just a historic site—it’s a gathering place where stories are shared, art is created, and community comes alive. We hope people will come not just to see the exhibits, but to connect with one another and with the place itself.”
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, create a painting, share a laugh, or reflect on stories of resilience, there’s a place for you at the Mill this summer.
For full event details and updates, visit www.spencervillemill.ca or follow Spencerville Mill & Museum on Facebook.
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