Belfountain Heritage Society
The Belfountain Heritage Society (BHS) was formed in 1992 to protect and preserve the heritage of Belfountain and the surrounding area.
From its earliest efforts to save the historic Melville White Church from demolition, the Society has worked to celebrate the stories, landscapes, and buildings that make Belfountain unique.
The BHS is affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society, joining a province-wide network dedicated to preserving and sharing Ontario’s history and heritage.
Explore more about the BHS:
Over the years, the Society’s work has expanded beyond preservation to include music, art, public events, historical interpretation, and community celebrations. Some significant milestones include:
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1992 — The Belfountain Heritage Society is established
The Society formed at a critical moment for the historic Melville White Church, rallying volunteers and community support to preserve the 1837 building. What began as a campaign to save one important landmark became the foundation for decades of heritage work.
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2014 onward — The Belfountain Music Festival
The BHS partnered in bringing the Belfountain Music Festival to life in 2014. What began as a week of professional and student classical music performances grew into an annual multi-day festival, bringing musicians and audiences to historic and cultural spaces throughout the area. By 2018, the festival had reached its fifth annual edition.
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2016–2017 — Celebrating Belfountain’s Group of Seven connections
The Society brought attention to Belfountain’s place in Canadian artistic history through an Everything Group of Seven Film Festival, exploring the work and local connections of artists including F.H. Varley and A.Y. Casson. The initiative helped share the story of Belfountain as a place that attracted artists drawn to its distinctive landscapes.
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2025 — Belfountain’s 200th Anniversary
The BHS led a major community celebration marking 200 years of Belfountain’s history. The October 4th celebration brought the community together for a parade, live music, heritage displays, historical re-enactments, an art show, vendors, horse-drawn wagon rides, and the unveiling of new commemorative works.
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2026 — The Olde Forge Gallery opens
The BHS entered a new chapter with the establishment of the Olde Forge Gallery in the historic Trimble building, originally opened as Trimble and Sons Blacksmith and Garage in 1924. The gallery provides a space to showcase local art, interpret Belfountain’s history, and bring together artists, residents, and visitors in celebration of the community’s heritage.
