Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum

Experience a guided tour of the architecturally stunning Sharon Temple. Completed in 1832, the Sharon Temple is the center of an open-air museum featuring nine heritage buildings on 4.5 acres of park land. Once the meeting place for celebrations, feasts, and musical performances for the Children of Peace, the museum tells the story of the group – formed during the War of 1812, influenced by the Rebellion of 1837, and instrumental in the fight for democracy in Canada! Learn how this small community of only 300 people supported each other through a network of charitable endeavours and a commitment to equality.

This unique historic site offers a glimpse into the lives of settlers in East Gwillimbury in the 1800s. It opened as a museum in 1918 and was designated a National Historic Site in 1990 because of its historic and architectural significance. The acquisition and preservation of the Temple, by the York Pioneers in 1917, was one of Canada’s first examples of historic preservation.

The Children of Peace cultivated music wholeheartedly both in and outside of the Temple recognizing its education and community-building value. They created the first civilian band in Canada and commissioned the first organ in Ontario. They played a critical role in the development of democracy in Canada through their support of William Lyon Mackenzie and opposition to the Family Compact; and by ensuring the elections of both “Fathers of Responsible Government”, Robert Baldwin and Louis LaFontaine.

The museum society continues to support the local community through a variety of events, volunteer experiences, rotating exhibits, as well as camps and programming for all ages. We are honoured to host Canadian Citizenship ceremonies on the property, carrying on the traditions of inclusivity and diversity that built the community of Sharon.