Amherst Island's Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre opened its doors as a museum in 2004. The Museum is volunteer-run and dedicated to collecting, interpreting and exhibiting the past. It reflects the life and times of Amherst Island with exhibits depicting early schools, industrial tools, family life, natural history and transportation. Items also include the MV Amherst Island ship's wheel, bell and logs.
The museum property also hosts an internet café and shares its space for the Weasel and Easel - a fine arts and crafts shop.
Learn more about the Museum with a virtual stroll. Explore the space and look forward to a real visit!
Hours of Operation
Please see the Museum's hours for current information.
Admission is free - with donations gratefully accepted!
Location
5220 Front Road, Stella Amherst Island. Amherst Island is a short 17 minute ferry from the mainland. See the Loyalist ferry service for details of crossings. The Museum is about a kilometer from the ferry dock. Exit the ferry and turn left at the stop sign. The Museum will be on your left.
Accessibility
Please note that as an historic site, the space does have some physical barriers.
History of the Museum
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, the museum building itself is also an exhibit having once been owned by James S. Neilson, an island grain merchant who opened his first general store in 1873. His store remained in the Neilson family for more than a century.
The Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre is owned by Loyalist Township and operated by a Museum Board. The Board was established by local volunteers as a non-profit, charitable organization with a mission to acquire, preserve and make accessible, historical artifacts and documents pertaining to the history of the area.
Contact
Visit the Neilson Store Museum or email the museum.
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