Featuring archival materials and displays of furniture, textiles and household items ranging from different periods in time, and located inside a restored Loyalist home built by William Wood in 1840, the Cornwall Community Museum is quite literally a step back in time.

History of the Wood House

The museum’s stone building was built by the Wood Family. United Empire Loyalists, Jonas and Sarah Wood, arrived at the future site of Cornwall in 1784. Here, along with hundreds of other Tory refugees, they drew lots for their new homesteads, replacing the property they lost in the former 13 Colonies. In 1806, son William Wood, with his wife, Sarah Dixon, purchased 200 acres just west of Cornwall, facing the St. Lawrence River and bordering the river road. There, they first built an inn, then, around 1840, constructed the present house from stone that was either from the Cornwall Canal, or meant for a British fort that was never built. Three generations of the Wood family lived in the house until 1952 when Walter Wood, a bachelor, died. Several years later, it became Cornwall and the United Counties’ first museum. A wealth of information about the Wood family and other pioneers are housed within the museum. We invite you to come and see the unique beauty of this building. Each step you take will echo those taken by the many who lived in or visited this significant site. 

Admission: Free

Hours of Operation:
Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*The museum is open during the off-season by appointment.

Free wifi is available at the Cornwall Community Museum.

Address: 160 Water St. West, Cornwall
Phone: 613-936-0280
Email: cornwallhistory@outlook.com

Website
Facebook
Twitter