Purpose

The purpose of The Parkwood Foundation is to preserve the Parkwood Estate, and to operate this National Historic Site as a museum and heritage garden for the education and enjoyment of all Canadians and visitors, to foster an understanding and appreciation of Parkwood's architectural and landscape features, its collection of art and furnishings, and of the life, times and accomplishments of R.S. McLaughlin, one of Canada's foremost industrialists and philanthropists.

About THE PARKWOOD FOUNDATION

The foundation preserves the magnificent built-heritage resources, collections and archives, to keep alive their stories about achievement, the lives and lifestyle of a prominent family and a large household staff, Canadian pioneers in architectural, interior and landscape design, and a vanished era in Canadian history.

One of Canada’s finest and last remaining grand estates, featuring architectural, landscape and interior designs of the 1920’s and 1930’s, Parkwood was home, from 1917-1972, to auto baron R. Samuel McLaughlin (founder of General Motors Canada)and his family. Parkwood is praised by Canada’s Historic Site and Monuments Board as “a rare surviving example of the type of estate developed in Canada during the inter-war years, and is rarer still by its essentially intact condition, furnished and run to illustrate as it was lived within.”

Once a private enclave, Parkwood is accessible to all, offering year round guided tours, educational programs, special events and visitor services. Through an educational partnership begun in 2012 with Durham College, Parkwood's historic gardens and greenhouse complex also provide classroom and lab space for students of the Horticulture Technician Program.

The Parkwood Foundation has successfully raised over $ 6 million to date, for conservation and preservation of this magnificent estate. Your support will help us continue to preserve this important heritage site, for the education and enjoyment of all. Daily operations are supported by a small dedicated staff and scores of community volunteers.

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History & Heritage