2018 Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site Project Completion, Federal Infrastructure Investment Program

Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site

Built in Williamstown, Ontario, between 1784 and 1792 as part of a mill site, Sir John Johnson House is significant for its architectural design and for being one of the oldest surviving buildings in Ontario. Equally important is its historical connection to Sir John Johnson, who encouraged United Empire Loyalists to settle in the St. Lawrence River Valley after the American Revolution.

Johnson built a series of homes between 1784 and 1792; Sir John Johnson Manor House was one of these residences. Expanded in the 1820s, today the house is a remarkable documentary record of vernacular building methods of the 18th and 19th centuries in Canada.

The Sir John Johnson House was declared a place of national historic significance in 1961 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. It was acquired by Parks Canada in 1971 and became part of the nation-wide system of national parks and national historic sites.

The site is operated by the Sir John Johnson House Manor Committee, a group of dedicated local volunteers. From the 2nd week in May until the end of August, Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site is open throughout the week. Special activities include the Friday evening Williamstown History and Ghost Walk (June 15 – Halloween), the Summer Social (July 18) and the Chilly Willy Run (5 km, 10 km and half marathon) that takes place in November. During the winter months, committee volunteers welcome visitors every Monday or by appointment on other days of the week.

Federal Infrastructure Project Completion

Project name: Sir John Johnson House Exterior/Interior Repairs

Project description: Repairs to the roof, windows, doors and exterior wood siding will ensure that nature’s elements remain outside, and that the long-term tenant, the Sir John Johnson Manor House Committee, continues to have safe and secure space to welcome the public into the manor.