Workers Arts and Heritage Centre - Historic Places Days

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

Hamilton, Ontario
Type
Cultural Heritage Centre
Address
51 Stuart Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Get directions
Hours
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Phone
(905) 522-3003

The Workers Arts and Heritage was conceived in the late 1980’s by a dynamic group of labour historians, artists, and union and community activists who gathered together to discuss the need for a place where workers’ history could be celebrated. In 1996, after intense work by a volunteer board of directors, the (Ontario) Workers Arts and Heritage Centre purchased the historic Custom House on Stuart Street in the north end of Hamilton. The building is ideally situated in the heart of a working-class neighbourhood.

The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre aims to preserve, honour and promote the culture and history of all working people. But we also hope to learn from the past towards challenging the future – for future generations. The contributions of working people – not only in Canadian history but worldwide – are showcased in art, exhibits, and performances. Their labour and advocacy has made this country a fair and vibrant place to live and work, and we acknowledge these struggles. Without them, Canadians would not be living in a country ranked among the best in the world.

The Custom House, built in 1860 to handle trade flowing through Hamilton Harbour and fanning out into Upper Canada, found itself in a period of transition after the Customs Department left in 1887. Over the years many different companies have used it. The Custom House stood deserted until WAHC was able to purchase it. Over a $1.5 million went into the restoration of this majestic historic building. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate edifice to provide the backdrop for the pursuit of our ideals in a number of ways: through research and development, educational programs, assisting with the documentation of histories, and by staging cultural events. WAHC is much more than a museum – it’s that, but it’s also a contemporary multi-disciplinary arts centre. Ours are collaborative ventures.

Amenities

  • Family-Friendly
  • National Historic Site
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Wheelchair Access

Location

51 Stuart Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Get directions

Nearby Places

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church

Hamilton, Ontario
Preserved Victorian Gothic Church opened in 1857.
View Place | Get Directions

HMCS Haida National Historic Site

Hamilton, Ontario
A starboard side view, HMCS Haida National Historic Site
View Place | Get Directions

Whitehern Historic House & Garden NHS

Hamilton, Ontario
Built in 1848 -McQuesten family home for three generations, from 1852-1968
View Place | Get Directions

The Hamilton Military Museum

Hamilton, Ontario
Burlington Heights, where Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum now stand, was o…
View Place | Get Directions

Popular VisitLists Including "Workers Arts and Heritage Centre"

Erland Lee Museum Hamilton VisitList

Hamilton, Ontario 9 places
The Lee shares its home in Hamilton with many other amazing museums. Check them out here!
View VisitList

Museums and Galleries in Canada – Places for Discovery

Hamilton, Ontario to 3 places
A personal reflection on museums and galleries. Featuring three Ontario sites.
View VisitList

Register A Place

Create an account to add your historic place.

Make a VisitList

Welcome! To get started on a VisitList, you’ll need to have an account with #HistoricPlacesDays.


Already have an account? to sign in.
We use your contact information to process your registration and correspond with you about the National Trust and its programs. You can unsubscribe at any time. We care about your privacy. Read our privacy statement.

Sign In

Sites that participate in #HistoricPlacesDays need to have an account.

Welcome! To get started on a new VisitList or to edit an existing one, you’ll need to have an account with #HistoricPlacesDays. Sign in below!


Not registered? Click here to create an account.

Forgot Password

Enter your email address to request a password reset.


to sign in.

Get the latest scoop on everything #HistoricPlacesDays – join our e-newsletter and never miss a beat.