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Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site

Experience Hamilton in the 1930s

Let's Explore Whitehern

We invite you to experience Whitehern and the lives of the McQuesten family through guided tours. The home has a multilayered character that reflects changes made over three generations from 1852-1968. It is restored to 1939 when the Honorable Thomas B. McQuesten was at the height of his influence as Minister of Highways and had just opened the Queen Elizabeth Way. 

This National Historic Site provides a unique opportunity to explore the changing nature of family life, culture, health, politics and domestic technology in Hamilton.
Take a Virtual Tour of WhitehernSchool Programs at Whitehern

Visit Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site

Contact & Site Info

Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site
41 Jackson St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1L3

Call 905-546-2424 ext. 3168
Email [email protected]

Hours & Accessibility

Museum open year-round.

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Closed on Mondays, Good Friday, Canada Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Museum. Tour Times: 12:10 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm

 

Admission

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Museum.

AGE/GROUPRATE
Adult (18 to 59 years)$9.00
Senior (60+ years)$7.75
Student (13 to 17 years) with valid student ID$7.75
Child (6 to 12 years)$5.50
Infant (5 years or younger)FREE
Family (2 adults & dependent children under 18 years)     $24.75

Events at Whitehern

Upcoming events at Whitehern are featured below. For a full listing of events at all Hamilton Civic Museum sites, check out our Events page.

Hamilton Civic Museums are launching a new, refreshed online registration system for events, programs and workshops on February 3, 2025.  We thank participants for their patience during this time. Please note, as of February 3, general admission tickets will be available for purchase in-person only at the museums. We are working on a user-friendly online solution. Hamilton Public Library cards are still accepted in-person at the museums. Cardholders receive free general admission.

Our team is happy to provide support during this process. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Current Month

Discover Whitehern

Birthday Parties at Whitehern

Birthday parties are available at most Hamilton Civic Museum sites. These celebrations are very popular and space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Explore the party themes and activities offered at Whitehern Historic House & Garden below. Decor varies , please inquire at the time of booking.

Old-fashioned Ice Cream Party

Hand-churning your own delicious ice-cream and playing historic games is a great way to celebrate your Birthday! Explore the historic home and learn about the McQuesten Family through photographs, interactives and stories. Children in the past enjoyed playing games and eating ice-cream as much as the kids of today. You will:

  • Explore the family home and the cook’s quarters set in 1939
  • Visit The Stable and churn an old-fashioned bucket of vanilla ice cream (including tasting)
  • Play vintage games

Ages: 8+

Available: Year-round

Capacity: Maximum of 15 children and 5 adults

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour program + 1 hour Stable rental)

If you are interested in having more participants, please call to discuss rental options.

Facilities: Use of The Stable for food, opening gifts and playing vintage games. The Stable includes use of tables, chairs, refrigerator and microwave. Guests are responsible for providing their own food.

Number of peopleCost
First 10 children$210
Each additional child to a maximum of 15 children    $21
3 adultsFREE
Each additional adult to a maximum of 6 adults$7.50

 

Fun & Games

It’s a 1939-style birthday party! Celebrate your birthday part at Whitehern by exploring the history of fun! Explore the historic home and learn about the McQuesten Family through photographs, interactives, and stories. Spend free time testing out a variety of vintage games and toys. You will:

  • Explore the family home and the cook’s quarters set in 1939
  • Play traditional party games (games and activities will vary according to the age of participants and weather)

Ages: 5+

Available: Year-round

Capacity: Maximum of 15 children and 5 adults

If you are interested in having more participants, please call to discuss rental options.

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour program + 1 hour Stable rental)

Facilities: Use of The Stable for food, opening gifts and playing a variety of vintage games. The Stable includes use of tables, chairs, refrigerator and microwave.  Guests are responsible for providing their own food.

Number of peopleCost
First 10 children$210 (minimum price per party)
Each additional child to a maximum of 15 children    $21
3 adultsFree
Each additional adult to a maximum of 6 adults$7.50

 

Birthday Tea Party

Dress-up in your best party outfit and step through Whitehern’s grand front door. Learn about the McQuesten Family through photographs, interactives, and stories. Then about teatime traditions. Children will:

  • Explore the family home and the cook’s quarters set in 1939
  • Visit The Stable to create a tea-themed craft and try a cup of tea in a beautiful teacup of your choice (using your best manners, of course!)
  • Sample popular teas

Ages: 6 to 13

Available: Year-round

Capacity: Maximum of 15 children and 5 adults

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour program + 1 hour Stable rental)

Facilities:  Use of The Stable includes use of tea cups & saucers, tables, chairs, refrigerator and microwave. Guests are responsible for providing their own food.

Number of peopleCost
First 10 children$210
Each additional child to a maximum of 15 children     $21
3 adultsFree
Each additional adult to a maximum of 6 adults$7.50

 

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