ermatinger-clergue national historic site

At certain times in life, when the opportunity presents itself, the wisest choice maybe to seize the moment, and enjoy the experience. This national historic site is steeped in history with links to the United States, Europe and beyond. With ties to pivotal military battles, the wax and wane of financial empires and life on the raw edge of civilization this has all the elements of an engaging story.My wife and I had the distinct pleasure of sharing an evening with some close friends while enjoying the hospitality of Cathy and the staff at the Old Stone House. Enjoying delicious appetizers, we strolled through the newly opened interpretative centre, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the learning experience. Then on to the kitchen, seated by the open hearth with the fire radiating warmth and atmosphere. We enjoyed a hearty meal, prepared with produce grown on site in the vegetable garden. Good friends, hearty delicious food, a glass of wine and excellent conversation rounded out our dinner. All of the food is prepared on site by a very accomplished culinary team. Once over the staff, dressed in period costume, ushered us back to the interpretative center to enjoy coffee, tea and absolutely wonderful dessert. Much to our surprise we joined the other diners, in the on site theater, to be entertained by a trio of delightful singers accompanied by live music. If you enjoy good food, unique dining experiences, an opportunity to experience a glimpse of history brought to life, this is worth looking into!Would I return.......Yes!Do I suggest you try it for yourself.........Definitely!Relax and prepare to be pleased.

Interesting historic houses to visit, informative exhibits and interpreters dressed in period clothes to show you round.

The main building for this museum had good information, the hostesses were helpful and informative. The two outside buildings were not hosted. The one building, which I really wanted to go into, was locked and a little girl peeked out of the window grinning, so assume she's the one who locked the door?? A host/male did go into that house, but never let us know if it was now open to the public. There should be signs outside to say it is indeed open to the public. We felt the whole experience was a little thin.

Thought the experience was lacking. There were staff there but they did not tell you anything or encourage any interaction with them. Just walked through a house, saw a few things then left without knowing much about it.

A beautiful new interpretive center with colorful exhibits and an enjoyable and informative movie. Of course the highlight is the historic Ermatinger-Clerque house with great interpreters dressed in period costumes and ready to answer everyone's questions. Loved all the furnishings and displays. We had a great time!

The historical significance of this restored facility is impressive. The Old Stone House played a role in the war of 1812, were by some reports Canada defeated the United States. Still standing on the original site this structure has been used for a variety of purposes. With the construction of a new interpretative center the facility will be ready to welcome travelers from near and far. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable taking time to answer any and all questions posed by the curious history buff. Period reenactments find military personnel and fur traders, in period costume, occupying the grounds. With the St. Mary's river as a backdrop, it's easy to envision canoes coming and going with trade goods and bales of beaver pelts heading in opposite directions. Personally I have been fortunate to have retraced portions on the historical waterways, once plied by voyageurs and explorers, having paddled from this site south east to Old Fort St. Joseph.Treat yourself to a glimpse of our countries heritage. Stop in, look around, breath in the past, let it soak into your being. You might just like it.

The staff at the Ermatinger - Clergue historic house were VERY informative. Rather than just letting you walk through and read the picture boards they provide a thorough overview of the history of the family and Sault Ste Marie. The gentleman was very helpful in answering our questions and was very friendly. Nice way to spend some time in Sault Ste Marie.

Great staff who were very helpful and give you a private leisurely tour - very informative - lots of history of fur trading, pioneer life, and development of city, Room set up very well with furniture and displays. Kids not too interested especially after hands-on exhibits at bushplane museum.

This small site is about a 2 minute walk from the Bush Plane Museum - so the two can be easily done in an afternoon.Ther site consists of 2 historic buildings: the Ermatinger House and the Clergue Blockhouse. Both are worth a visit and have been nicely restored. Costumed docents are very happy to explain things and give you a bit of a tour. Worth a visit.

This is a self guided tour, but there are costumed docents who tell you the history of both houses. We got a good explanation of the summer kitchen, and a history of the people who have lived there. We toured the Johnston House in Sault Ste Marie, MI, and the docent there told us about this house. The Clergue House is very well maintained, and the story of Mr. Clergue is very interesting.

The homes of 2 important Sault Ste. Marie colonial families, now museums. One was an early fur trader, the other an industrialist who built the first power plant in SSM. Interesting history, well preserved stone buildings.

I came in the off season, they were preparing for the tourism. I was lucky enough to do my pre-readings which I normally do for museums. There are informative signs, but they are obstructed or otherwise obscured.I recommend that you do this and Fort Mackinac in Michigan together as they are connected in their histories.I would wish that there is more of a tactile history. I was asking difficult questions about the site and they seem to have answers for even the most obscure questions. But then again this is the year-round staff and not summer students. I lament the fact that they added an extension between the house and kitchen, yet that addition will too become apart of the history of the site.

These buildings and other like them dotted across the country bring life to the Company of Adventures and the North West Company as outlined in books such as the trilogy written by Peter C Newman. The people behind the restoration of the two buildings on this site have done the Canadian public a great service and should be part of every Canadians visit to the area. Well done.

Period costumes, fire burning in the summer kitchen on a fall day made for excellent ambiance. Staff extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. A do not miss attraction for the area.

There would probably not be a Sault as we know it if not for these two entrepreneurs and innovators. The museum guides are well informed and instructive. This is a great family experience visiting a fully restored period home and the unusual Clerque home on top of an old blockhouse. Highly recommended.