Macaulay Heritage Park
Picton
Experience/Attraction
Macaulay Heritage Park is an attractive historic site featuring many points of interest: Macaulay House, built in 1830 and restored to the mid 1850s; the historic former Church of St. Mary Magdalene, now a museum; the old St. Mary Magdalene Parish Cemetery; the Heritage Gardens and the Carriage House. The museum is home to a permanent and evolving exhibit entitled “A Path Forward”, which speaks to reconciliation efforts in the County, and is co-curated with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, as well as the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
Reverend William Macaulay was originally sent to this area as a missionary. In 1823 he organized the Parish of Hallowell, donating the land for the church and paying for much of its construction from his own personal wealth. Reverend Macaulay’s contributions to the community were not only spiritual, but civic—donating his property for the construction of both a school and a courthouse; the latter has been in use since 1831. Macaulay was also instrumental in the naming of the town of Picton.
Admission by donation. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 1-4pm (September 1 through mid December, 2024).
Grounds are also available for rental.