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The Thorold Museum and Cultural Centre

Local History
Deep dives and interesting facts about local Thorold and Niagara history, written by local historians


The Cap Gun Craze
Thorold's "last Minute MFG" exploded the 1950's with iron cap guns, which can be found in the museums collection.

Randy Barnes
Jul 22 min read


The Merritt Tunnel (The Blue Ghost Tunnel)
Rediscovered in recent decades by amateur historians, hikers and adventure seekers, the tunnel started to become an attraction. This only accelerated with internet and posting of Thorold’s “blue ghost tunnel”; apparitions having been supposedly seen, heard and/or the dark, damp, eerie tunnel.

Randy Barnes
Jun 27 min read


Thorold and the Art World
Thorold's history as the foundation for Canadian art

Randy Barnes
May 21 min read


The story of Professor William Hand
Thorold Museums blog starts off with a bang! with the story of Professor William Hand, The fireworks manufacturer in Canada

Randy Barnes
Feb 204 min read
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