Historic Exhibits and Education

The following key dates relate to the need for a bridge, its construction, opening, and many milestones involved with its first 100 years of operation.

August 17, 2025, marks 100 years since the groundbreaking for the Peace Bridge.

The Town is pleased to celebrate this anniversary with a digital timeline from the "Bridge that Peace Built" exhibit.

Visit the Digital Exhibit here.

Location: Fort Erie Historical Museum, 402 Ridge Rd, Ridgeway

Information: Discover the history behind the many hamlets, villages and towns within Fort Erie. Also included in this gallery are artifacts from the 1866 Battle of Ridgeway.

Location: Fort Erie Historical Museum, 402 Ridge Rd, Ridgeway

Information: Patrick John Dearborn lived in Ridgeway, Ontario, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps to fight in Vietnam. He was killed in action on November 2, 1967, days before his nineteenth birthday. This new exhibit contains artifacts donated by the family, including:

• Purple Heart medal and other medals
• Insignia
• Photographs

Lance Corporal Dearborn's story is also told through his own voice. Selections from Patrick's heartfelt recorded message to his Mom can be listened to at the Historical Museum.

Location: Fort Erie Historical Museum, 402 Ridge Rd, Ridgeway

Information: Recreations of all 23 original watercolours by Alexander von Erichsen are now on display in the Community Gallery. These images are the most comprehensive visual interpretation of the Fenian Raid and Battle of Ridgeway.

Information: Display a piece of local history and bring recreations of these pieces to your organization. More information is available now. Contact the Museum to express your interest:905-894-5322.

Location: Fort Erie Historical Museum, 402 Ridge Rd, Ridgeway

Information: People in Fort Erie often found themselves living in a warzone or being called to fight in battles both here and abroad. Come learn about their stories and hear their voices.

Location: 100 Queen Street, Fort Erie

Information: This gallery features archaeological artifacts recovered from the Peace Bridge Site alongside Indigenous artwork. Uncover thousands of years of human history in Fort Erie.

Visit the exhibit, The Bridge that Peace Built, on the second floor. This exhibit traces the history of river crossings between Buffalo and Fort Erie.

Location: 400 Central Ave, Fort Erie

Information: Visit the 6218 Steam locomotive and the caboose. Exhibits inside Ridgeway Station include Romance and the Reality and Tourist Lines.

Note: The site will reopen for the 2024 season on May 24.

Enjoy these museum exhibits located in the community:

• The Battle of Ridgeway outdoor exhibit at the Battle of Ridgeway Memorial Park

Location: 3408 Garrison Road, Ridgeway

• Many heritage plaques produced by Fort Erie Museum Services and other individuals and organizations exist throughout Greater Fort Erie. Heritage Plaques Map.

• The Town Hall exhibit showcase features items from the Museum's collection and celebrates local historical and current events.

Location: 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie

• Fort Erie Public Library exhibit showcase, features items and stories from the Museum's collection.

Location: Crystal Ridge Branch, Ridgeway