Museum and Archives - About Us

The Castle in the Bush

The community museum for the Town of St. Marys is located in a lovely heritage home sitting on a hilltop in Cadzow Park at 177 Church Street South. It was constructed from locally quarried limestone in 1854. When George Tracy, an early settler to St. Marys, built it for his family, it was by far the largest home in the small village of log shanties. Almost immediately, it was nicknamed the Castle in the Bush. It has been the location of the St. Marys Museum since 1959.

Visitors interested in 19th-century construction are welcome to visit at any time throughout the year. They will see exhibits and materials on local history and can also explore the interior of the house itself. Although it has not been restored to any fixed historic period, it contains a great number of original features from 1854: pine flooring, four fireplaces, plaster crown moldings, high ceilings and strange sets of small rooms off larger chambers.

The St. Marys Museum promotes understanding and enjoyment of local heritage through archives, collections, exhibits, programming and events.

Enjoy exploring our heritage limestone house and discovering the rich history of St. Marys and area. Or become a member and join an energetic community of historians!