Explore the World of Peter Rindlisbacher’s “The Golden Years, 1885”

The events of Rindlisbacher’s painting take place approximately 5 years before the Kingston Dry Dock (the Marine Museum’s home!) was constructed. However, shipbuilding was happening here before the dry dock was constructed, and following the dry dock’s completion shipbuilding continued to occur until 1968 when operations ceased.

The Marine Museum opened its doors in 1976.

Murney Tower is one of several Martello Towers here in Kingston, and was built in 1846 (four decades before the events of this painting!). It opened as a museum in 1925 and became a National Historic Site in 1930. It can be seen in the right-hand side of Rindlisbacher’s painting.

Originally built as a fortification during the War of 1812 to help protect the Royal Navy Dockyards, Fort Henry is now a National Historic Site and living museum. Visitors can enjoy historical reenactments and even take part in some themselves. Fort Henry is also home to a goat mascot named David.

Fort Henry is also included in the Rideau Canal’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Frontenac County Schools Museum is housed in an 1800s one-room schoolhouse. A small group of retired educators spent many hours researching schools, photographing sites, collecting books and artifacts, and microfilming hundreds of school records. In the schoolroom visitors can be tested on their 3 “R”s (reading, writing, and arithmetic). Don’t worry, you can also just sit back and relax and do a craft, practice writing with pen and ink, or browse through our extensive book collection. You can even play piano or play dress up!

Situated right across from Kingston Pen (a 19th century prison that Charles Dickens once visited!), the Penitentiary Museum highlights the history of Canada’s Correctional Service, and is located in what used to be the Kingston Penitentiary Warden’s residence.

Bellevue House is an example of a 19th century home and is notable for being the residence of Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir John A MacDonald from 1848-1849. Visitors can enjoy guided tours at this National Historic Site and view a restored 19th century home.