McCrae House Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
**McCrae House**


Established	1966
Location	108 Water Street Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1A6
National Historic Site of Canada
Designated:	1966

McCrae House is a special place in Guelph, Ontario. It's the home where John McCrae was born in 1872. John McCrae was a doctor and a soldier. He also wrote the very famous poem "In Flanders Fields" during the First World War. This house is so important that it's called a National Historic Site of Canada.

The Story of McCrae House
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The Story of McCrae House

Early Days of the House

This small house is made of limestone and was built in 1858. The McCrae family owned it for a few years, from 1870 to 1873. After they moved, other families lived in the house for many years.

Saving McCrae's Birthplace

In 1966, some people in Guelph decided to buy the house. They wanted to save it and turn it into a museum. They created a group called the Lt. Col. John McCrae Birthplace Society. This group worked hard to raise money to fix up the house.

Becoming a National Historic Site

The Canadian government, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board, recognized John McCrae as a very important person. They also named his birthplace, McCrae House, a special place for Canada. The house is also protected under the Ontario Heritage Act.

McCrae House Today

In 1983, the City of Guelph took over running the museum. It became part of Guelph Museums, which also includes the Guelph Civic Museum. McCrae House has exhibits that show what John McCrae's life was like. They also have special themes each year.

Fun Activities at McCrae House

McCrae House offers many fun activities, especially in the summer. These include events like Poppy Push and Canada Day celebrations. They also host a Teddy Bear Picnic and History Camp for kids. You can even enjoy special teas in the beautiful garden. Volunteers work hard to keep the garden looking amazing, just like gardens from the 1800s.

Theatre in the Backyard

Guelph Museums sometimes hosts plays in the backyard of McCrae House. For example, in 2019, they had a play about John McCrae's life. These shows help tell stories from the past in a fun way.