The Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of printing technology and the legacy of William Lyon Mackenzie, a prominent political figure and early Canadian newspaper publisher. Located in Queenston, Ontario, the museum operates within the former home of William Lyon Mackenzie, where in 1824 he launched the independent newspaper The Colonial Advocate. Mackenzie was known for his outspoken opposition to the political establishment of his time and his efforts to educate citizens through his publication.

The museum is notable for housing Canada’s oldest wooden printing press, the Louis Roy Press, one of only seven wooden presses remaining worldwide. This press printed Ontario’s first newspaper, The Upper Canada Gazette, and important early Canadian legal texts, including the Act Against Slavery of 1793. The collection features a range of fully operational heritage presses, including a working linotype and eight other presses, which are maintained and demonstrated by trained staff and volunteers.

Visitors to the Mackenzie Printery can engage in hands-on experiences such as learning to hand-set movable type and operate printing presses. The museum also produces prints for sale in its gift shop, preserving the traditional art of letterpress printing. The facility serves as both a historic site and a functioning print shop, with volunteer groups meeting regularly to maintain equipment and develop educational programs.

The site has been a historic museum since 1950 and is owned by the Niagara Parks Commission, which staffs the museum seasonally from May to October to conduct tours. In 1990, a volunteer non-profit Printery Committee was formed in partnership with the commission to ensure the preservation of the printing equipment and to support ongoing educational activities.

The Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum attracts visitors from around the world interested in Canada’s printing and political history, providing a unique window into over 500 years of printing technology and its role in shaping public opinion and society.

Key Points:

• Founded in the former home of William Lyon Mackenzie in Queenston, Ontario
• Houses Canada’s oldest wooden printing press, the Louis Roy Press
• Offers interactive printing demonstrations and hands-on learning
• Operates as a historic museum and active print shop with volunteer support
• Owned by Niagara Parks Commission; volunteer non-profit committee preserves equipment
• Open seasonally for tours and educational programs
• Highlights Mackenzie’s political activism through publishing

Business Registration Number: 890825391RR0001

[1] https://mackenzieprintery.org [2] https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/mackenzie-printery/ [3] https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/historic-sites/mackenzie-printery-newspaper-museum-in-queenston [4] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155009-d3320068-Reviews-Mackenzie_Printery_Newspaper_Museum-Queenston_Niagara_on_the_Lake_Ontario.html [5] https://www.tworestlesshomebodies.com/letterpress-lovers-dream-visiting-mackenzie-printery-newspaper-museum/