Unfamiliar with the area? You might want to start with our brief history of Keswick Ridge.

In the spring of 1999, a group of concerned citizens formed the Keswick Ridge Historical Society in an effort to preserve and revitalize the Keswick Ridge Superior School. Built in 1887, and operational as a school until 1952, the structure had been vacant for many years, and required an immense amount of restoration. But the newly formed KRHS understood its value as not only an architectural landmark, but a vital part of the community’s history and heart. Working closely with the Local Service District (now part of Central York Rural Community) and through grants, auctions, and fundraising initiatives, the Society was able to restore the old schoolhouse to its former glory, and turn it into both a museum, and the headquarters for the KRHS. And that was just the beginning. The Society soon found itself deeply entrenched in the history and genealogy of the area, and quickly became a touch point for people interested in discovering the roots of the community.

In 2010, the Society took possession of the McKeen Corner Store, another local landmark and focal point for the community’s history that had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to successful fundraising efforts, the old store was relocated to the schoolhouse grounds, restored, and a climate-controlled artifact storage facility added. It is now a museum filled with fascinating and often surprising artifacts and memories.

Today, the KRHS continues its work to bring the history of Keswick Ridge to life, through cataloguing and displaying artifacts in its two museums, maintaining a substantial library of local interest publications, holding a regular series of talks on historical subjects, sponsoring many local events, and continuing to champion interest in the rich cultural history of the area.

Why not join us? Our members come from near and far (all the way across Canada, in fact, and into the US) and we have many opportunities to get involved. Membership allows you to sit in on our meetings and join committees (in person or virtually) and receive our quarterly news report. All you need is an interest in local history!