St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3 
Welcome to the Welland Canals Centre 
From the elevated viewing platform at Lock 3, get a close-up look at ships from around the world and experience the wonder of the Welland Canal.
Inside, watch the 15 minute video presentation Welland Canals Past and Present and learn more about the four Welland Canals in the Museum exhibits and education programs. The Museum chronicles the industrial, cultural and social history of the area with an emphasis on the Welland Canal.
Experience the rich legacy of Niagara's African Canadians in the integrated Follow the North Star exhibit. The role that St. Catharines played in the Underground Railroad is the main theme of the exhibit.
Visit Merritt's Mercantile - the Museum Gift Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Learn about Canada's oldest sport in the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum .
 
Join in the discovery. Find out more about booking a tour, becoming a member, volunteering or how to make a donation. Or, get involved in the Museum's biggest fundraising event the annual Dragon Boat Festival on the Historic Henley.
General Information
History and Growth of the Museum and Lock 3
 The St. Catharines Museum opened during Canada's Centennial Year, 1967. From that point the Museum continued to grow and expand until it relocated to Lock 3 on the Welland Canal. Moving to Lock 3 exposed the Museum to the world stage, yet the Museum still offers the services of a small community museum. The best of both worlds makes the St. Catharines Museum a very special place for people to encounter history and learn about St. Catharines, and the Canal then and now-a major link in the St. Lawrence Seaway System.
1927
The formation of the Lincoln Historical Society (now the St. Catharines Historical Society ).
1932
Official Opening of the Fourth Welland Canal, August 6 (with 8 locks).
1938
The Lincoln Historical Society expresses the need for a museum to display the artifacts they have collected.
1965
The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority builds the Viewing Platform at Lock 3 and the City operates seasonal Informational Centre.
1967
On June 4, the St. Catharines Museum is officially opened at the former Merritton Town Hall.
1990
The Museum moves to Lock 3, and the Welland Canals Centre officially opens October 25.
1991
The Museum galleries are officially opened to the public on May 18, International Museums Day.
1998
The Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum officially opens as a new attraction.
2001
The Millennium Discovery Park opens.
French Services
A number of the Museum services are available in French including tours when a French guide is available, the Welland Canals video, informational brochures, and a selection of retail items at Merrit's Merchantile the Museum Shop at Lock 3.
Funding
The St. Catharines Museum is managed by the Corporation of City of St. Catharines, and receives support from the Province of Ontario, and from earned revenues including admissions, rentals, memberships and donations.
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