Heritage Week in Belleville

Feb. 16 to 22 is Heritage Week in Ontario – a week when Ontarians are invited to celebrate heritage in all its forms, including cultural and natural heritage, architecture, archaeology and collections, its diverse traditions and cultural expressions. Heritage Belleville, an advisory committee of the City of Belleville, uses the week to raise awareness of heritage resources in the community and to honour organizations and individuals who have worked to protect and contribute to our heritage.

In honour of Ontario Heritage Week, the committee will host a special event in Council Chambers at Belleville City Hall on Feb. 19 (Local Heritage Day), featuring a viewing of Belleville’s Heritage website and a presentation, City Hall: The Unknown Secrets by Richard Hughes. The event kicks off at noon and is free to attend.

Heritage Belleville has held its annual Heritage Revitalization Awards in alignment with Ontario Heritage Week since 2016. The awards are designed to recognize the efforts of organizations and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to restoring and revitalizing historic buildings, landmarks or culture in Belleville. Previous recipients have included Paul Dinkel, Maury Flunder, Jamie Troke, St. Michael Catholic School, Bridge Street United Church, Sir James Whitney School, Studio 237, Signal Brewing Company, We Thrive, Meyers Creek Brewing, Cogeco YOUR TV, Memorial Marketplace, and Richard Hughes. This year’s award winners will be recognized by the committee during a special presentation at the event.

“We received great nominations for this year’s Heritage Revitalization Awards – individuals and organizations that have demonstrated great passion and dedication to restoring and preserving our history,” said Karen Fisk, Chair of Heritage Belleville. “Heritage Week is the perfect time to reflect on these contributions, and those who came before them, who helped make Belleville the city it is today. We hope everyone will join us as we celebrate and honour these local icons on Feb. 19.”

In addition to the Heritage Belleville event at City Hall, Glanmore National Historic Site will hold daily heritage-themed presentations at 2 p.m. from Feb. 17 to 21, 2026. These informal presentations will highlight aspects of architecture, art, historic preservation and local history. Arrive early to explore Glanmore National Historic Site before the presentations. Regular museum admission applies, reserve your tickets at Glanmore.ca.

• Tuesday, Feb. 17 — Glanmore’s Architecture and Restoration Find out more Glanmore’s Second Empire Architecture as well as the many restoration projects that have taken place at Glanmore over the past 50 years!
• Wednesday, Feb. 18 — How to Care for your Family Treasures - Learn how to best care for your family treasures!
• Thursday, Feb. 19 — The Women of Glanmore – Discover the stories of the women of Glanmore from the original families through the generations to the servants that lived and worked here!
• Friday, Feb. 20 — Discover the Artwork of Philippa Faulkner – Glanmore recently acquired dozens of paintings by local artist Philippa Faulkner. Be one of the first to see these remarkable works by one of Glanmore's original residents.
• Saturday, Feb. 21 — Go Behind the Scenes! – Join our staff on a tour highlighting behind-the-scenes areas of the historic building. *This tour will involve use of stairs throughout the historic house. Those with mobility challenges are encouraged to contact staff before booking so appropriate arrangements can be made.