The Mackenzie Printery offers a once in a lifetime hands on experience for visitors to learn about and operate various antique printers and printing presses, one of which being the oldest press in Canada. They will also be able to learn about William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor and a major rebellion leader.
When open, the Mackenzie Printery features unique hands on experience for visitors to try using a working linotype and eight operating heritage printing presses, one of which is the rare Louis Roy Press. This printing press is the oldest press in Canada and one of the last wooden presses in the world.
The Mackenzie Printery is the restored home of the publisher William Lyon Mackenzie. He was a publisher, Toronto's very first mayor, and above all a rebellion leader. In 1837, William led a small group of people against the Family Compact which was a group of men who held largely conservative views and dominated many places of power in Upper Canada. This home is where William lived and worked and features 500 years of printing technology for visitors to educate themselves on.
Many other memorials surround the property of the Mackenzie Printery like the one pictured above. This is because the property is located right at the tail end of the trails that lead up to Queenston Heights. Many of these memorials tell the tale of battles passed from the War of 1812, including the one pictured which states that this memorial was erected near the spot where Sir Isaac Brock finally fell during his battle.
Importance Within NPC
Not only does this location greet its visitors with a vast sense of knowledge on how printing has worked and evolved over many years but it also brings the importance of William Lyon Mackenzie and his grandson. The Niagara Parks Commission established a joint venture in 1990 for the printery and its equipment and has been educating people on Canada's history for years now. This place is important for the NPC because not only did William Lyon Mackenzie help push Upper Canada further towards a better democracy with his rebellion, but it also holds the equipment that was used to print Ontario's first newspaper and Canada's crucial first laws (this included the Act Against Slavery). William's legacy lived on through his grandson William Lyon Mackenzie King who eventually became the longest serving prime minister in Canada. This location offers some crucial pieces in Canadian history for the NPC to share with visitors.
Niagara Parks Commission
| Phone: | 905-262-5676 |
Mackenzie Printery is closed for the season. Please visit https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/macken... for further information on reopening and seasonal schedules.
This location is NOT wheelchair accessible.
Accessible
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