Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum

Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum

Discover over 500 years of printing technology amid the authentic ambiance of a period print shop.

 Mackenzie Printery Credit Niagara Parks

Mackenzie Printery Credit Niagara Parks

Welcome to the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, the heritage museum located within the stately former home of William Lyon Mackenzie. This museum is dedicated to printing techniques from the 18th to 20th centuries, with a wide variety of equipment to observe and try out yourself.

This popular local Queenston museum holds operational antique presses perfect for hands-on demonstrations and learning, as well as a rare linotype considered to be the oldest in Canada and one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world. This linotype belonged to Mackenzie himself, who was a notable local publisher, rebellion leader, and eve the first mayor of Toronto. The press was used to print Ontario's very first newspaper, the Upper Canada Gazette.

During your visit, you will be encouraged to 'take part in a hands-on experience by learning how to hand-set moveable type and operate two heritage printing presses'. Volunteer staff work to preserve the art of letterpress by showing guests their uses and creating prints that are sold within the onsite gift shop, so be sure you visit before you go!