The Newcastle Village and District Historical Society, in Newcastle, Ontario was formed by a group of citizens in 1981 to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the former Village of Newcastle and its immediate environs. Today, we have an extensive collection of artifacts, documents and photographs and offer help with research into the history of the area, including its businesses and families.

We are located in the former public library in the Newcastle Community Hall. We have permanent and special displays in the historical room and are open to the public. We are a registered charity, supported by our almost 200 members, local sponsors and donors, with some additional assistance from the Town of Clarington and the Government of Canada (Canada Summer Jobs). We welcome all new members and donors!


News & Events

Newcastle Village and District Historical Society table displaying artifacts at Orono Fair

Come see us at the Fair!

The historical society will be at the Orono Fair from Friday, September 8, to Sunday, September 11. Fair grounds are located at 2 Princess St., Orono. Follow signs to gates and parking.

NVDHS hours at Orono Fair:

  • Friday: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Victorian Garden Tea

NVDHS 1890s Garden Party

Saturday, August 13
1-4 p.m., in the park behind the Library

Get your tickets today and join us in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Newcastle Village and District Historical Society at an 1890s Garden Party, complete with 1890s prices. Dress up and compete in 1890s attire – or come as you are.

Enjoy 1890s Refreshments, Children’s Games, Costume Contests (men, women, children), Music by the Orono Town Band and Displays by the Culinary Historians of Canada, & NVDHS at 1890s prices! Adults: 25¢ and Children: 10¢

Myno van Dyke + Jean Rickard

July 1, 2022 Celebrations Part 2

100th Anniversary of the Laying of the Newcastle Community Hall Cornerstone Photo Gallery

The July 1 celebrations continued into the afternoon, centred around the Newcastle Community Hall and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the Hall’s cornerstone in 1922. Events featured special displays by the NVDHS in the Historical Room and in the Centennial Room of the hall, demonstrations by the Soper Valley Model Railroad Association, a BBQ fundraiser by the Newcastle Lions, period music from the Dave Climenhage Band, cake and refreshments, and speeches from event MC Myno van Dyke and Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Canada Day Parade

July 1, 2022 Celebrations

Drive-by Parade Photo Gallery

Opening the festivities on July 1, was Newcastle’s drive-by parade of antique vehicles, Jeeps, tractors, trucks – and of course, Thomas the Tank Engine! The parade wound its way through the Port, Bond Head, and the main part of the village. Afterwards, some vehicles were on display on King Ave. between North and Mill Streets, which was closed to traffic for the afternoon.

Photos by Willie Woo

July 1 poster image - cornerstone laying at community hall

July 1 – Community Hall Celebration

Join us on Friday, July 1 for the start of a year of fun celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Newcastle Community Hall. 

Events on July 1 include a drive-by parade of antique vehicles (throughout Newcastle), a BBQ, music from the Dave Climenhage band, and a re-enactment of the laying of the cornerstone. The Historical Society will be open throughout, with special displays relating to the Community Hall and Massey family. King Ave. between Mill and North Street will be closed for the event.

Newcastle Community Hall

Summer 2022 Newsletter Excerpts

Newcastle Community Hall turns 100! In 1919 Chester D. Massey decided to give to the citizens of the Village of Newcastle a secular and non-institutional hall that would contain many of the facilities included in his son Vincent’s recently completed project – U. of T.’s Hart House. The same architects, contractors and skilled tradesmen were … Read more
Saturday morning at NVDHS

We’re reopening! (again)

Come join us on Saturday, June 4, 2022, as we re-open from 9:30 to noon. For the time being, we’ll be open on Saturdays only. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone after two long years!

We are also open by appointment, so please contact us if an appointment is required.

Bonathon's Store

Spring 2022 Newsletter Excerpts

The Legends of Newcastle As we ramp up for the Newcastle Community Hall’s 100th Celebration, it is important that we reflect on the history ofNewcastle and the residents who have contributed to the success of the historical building – and the village community. The Newcastle Community Hall, located in the heart of Newcastle, will celebrate … Read more

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Subscribe to our NVDHS YouTube channel
https://m.youtube.com/@nvdhs for FREE!

As a subscriber you will gain new insights and you will receive notifications about new content from our channel at no additional cost.  Happy streaming!

FREE BOOK TALK📕📚
Save the date - Olive Wilmot and Mary Magdalene a talk by
Judith Clapperton and James Breech

Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m.
Newcastle Community Hall

Had They But Known Her is a work of historical fiction by former resident of Newcastle, Judith Clapperton, about the life of Olive Wilmot.

Judith corrects the false information of Olive and Mary Magdalene in the magnificent Tiffany stained glass window in the chancel of St. George’s Church, Newcastle.

Dr. James Breech is New Testament scholar and will talk about the Tiffany window.

Admission is free but donations to the NVDHS are always appreciated.

Free refreshments following the talk
... See MoreSee Less

FREE BOOK TALK📕📚
Save the date - Olive Wilmot and Mary Magdalene a talk by
Judith Clapperton and James Breech

Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m.
Newcastle Community Hall

Had They But Known Her is a work of historical fiction by former resident of Newcastle, Judith Clapperton, about the life of Olive Wilmot.

Judith corrects the false information of Olive and Mary Magdalene in the magnificent Tiffany stained glass window in the chancel of St. George’s Church, Newcastle.

Dr. James Breech is  New Testament scholar and will talk about the Tiffany window.

Admission is free but donations to the NVDHS are always appreciated.

Free refreshments following the talk

🍂🍁October 5, Newcastle Harvest Festival 🍁🍂

The NVDHS will be participating in the festival from 9:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon. We'll have a mini-garage sale and offer books for sale. Drop by and see us - if it's nice, we'll be outside in front of the Community Hall - if it's raining, we'll be inside. The Historical Room will also be open.
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🍂🍁October 5, Newcastle Harvest Festival 🍁🍂

The NVDHS will be participating in the festival from 9:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon. Well have a mini-garage sale and offer books for sale. Drop by and see us - if its nice, well be outside in front of the Community Hall - if its raining, well be inside. The Historical Room will also be open.

Newcastle Village and District Historical Society Annual Potluck and BBQ returns!

Sunday, September 15, 2024
12:30 p.m. 27 Boulton St
RAIN OR SHINE

Come meet and socialize with your board and fellow NVDHS members, and learn more about our upcoming events and activities.

All members & family welcome. Hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob & drinks will be provided.

RAIN OR SHINE

Check your emails to RSVP or email ac.la1728000844cirot1728000844sihel1728000844tsacw1728000844en@ni1728000844mda1728000844

We hope you’ll join us!
... See MoreSee Less

Newcastle Village and District Historical Society Annual Potluck and BBQ returns! 

Sunday, September 15, 2024
12:30 p.m. 27 Boulton St
RAIN OR SHINE

Come meet and socialize with your board and fellow NVDHS members, and learn more about our upcoming events and activities.

All members & family welcome. Hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob & drinks will be provided.

RAIN OR SHINE

Check your emails to RSVP or email admin@newcastlehistorical.ca

We hope you’ll join us!

Then…1924 photo of the Newcastle Community Hall taken by Thomas Hayden when construction was ending. Now…2024 photo taken in June.

#thenandnow #101st #celebratinghistory #heritage #heritagebuilding
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Newcastle United Church 🔔 photo taken on June 15 1990.

📸: Jack Gordon
... See MoreSee Less

Newcastle United Church 🔔 photo taken on June 15 1990.

📸: Jack Gordon
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