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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 Whitehern

Discover Whitehern

Events at Whitehern

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

Current Month

Visit Whitehern

Contact & Site Info

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

Call 905-978-1443
Email [email protected]

Admission
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
Hours & Accessibility

Museum open year-round.

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

Tour Times: 12:10 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.

Create & Celebrate

Programs & Workshops

Hamilton Civic Museums is proud to offer a variety of different programs and workshops - from curriculum based learning adventures, to group tours and specialized experiences for Scouts, Guides and community groups. 

For curriculum based school programs, click here

For group tours, click here

Check out our events listings for guided tours, workshops and other museum experiences. For museum events, click here

Venue Rentals

Weddings & Event Venue Rentals

Nationally renowned cultural sites provide distinctive settings for your special event. The revitalization of heritage buildings at some of the city’s finest historic sites has resulted in the creation of indoor and outdoor gathering places like no other. Presented in varying styles from the early 1800s to modern day, each venue exudes its own charm and appeal. Locations include:

  • a Coach House on the estate of Canada’s pre-confederation ‘Prime Minister’
  • a former Stable converted to a cottage-style retreat in the very heart of the city
  • a modern Cellar beneath a Gage family homestead built in 1818
  • an 1859 Woodshed with old-growth wooden beams and gracefully arching trusses
  • one of the finest pieces of stone architecture in Ancaster built in 1871
  • a classical pavilion crowned by a cupola
  • Expansive green spaces, tended gardens and captivating landscapes 

Click here to learn more

Birthday Parties

Birthday parties are very popular and space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Decorating varies from site to site, please inquire at the time of booking.

Click here to learn more

Photography

The purchase of a $205 permit is required for all outdoor photography involving 10 or more people. Please call the museum to book your time.

Let's stay connected!

There are three ways to reach Hamilton Civic Museums

1. Sign up for “The Linc”, the Hamilton Civic Museums newsletter, to learn more about upcoming programs and events.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: City of Hamilton - Hamilton Civic Museums, 28 James Street North, 2nd Floor, Hamilton L8R 2K1, CA, http://www.hamilton.ca/museums. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the Unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

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3. Share a story of Hamilton’s history.

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