The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is hosting a free Heritage Day on February 21, 2026, to celebrate local history in Chatham, Ontario. This day of activities is designed to help families learn about the community’s past through various exhibits and showcases.
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., residents can visit the Chatham-Kent Museum and the Milner Heritage House for educational programs and historical displays. Similar events are also taking place at community hubs in Wallaceburg and at Buxton (Buxton National Historic Site & Museum), highlighting the region’s diverse background, including its connection to the Underground Railroad.
In the evening, the municipality will hold the Mayor’s Heritage Awards, a ticketed ceremony. During the event, Mayor Darrin Canniff will recognize individuals and groups who have worked to preserve historic buildings and landmarks.
The event is part of Ontario’s Heritage Week and focuses on the value of keeping local history alive. The municipality has also used its historical plaque program to mark important people and locations that have shaped the area’s identity.
