COST: $10,000

The Historical Society is working on the next phase of restoring and preserving Forward House which involves adding support walls in the basement to ensure its long-term structural integrity. Before any above-ground interior renovations can begin, this foundational work must be completed to safeguard the entire structure. To maintain the building's historical authenticity and architectural compliance, we are partnering with a local contractor experienced in heritage restoration. This phase uses traditional limestone concrete specifically adapted for historic foundations, ensuring that the new supports integrate with and preserve the original elements of Forward House.
The immediate scope of work involves the strategic installation of reinforced support walls made from cinder blocks, limestone concrete, structural rebar and lumber. These new assemblies are engineered to safely bear and redistribute the load of the main floor, mitigating further settling or structural degradation. Once the foundation is secure, we can start on the next renovation stages designed to safely reopen Forward House, ultimately transforming this historic asset into a vibrant, accessible space for the education and benefit of the general public.

RATIONALE:

The full restoration of Forward House will establish a dedicated cultural and community anchor directly benefiting the residents of South Dundas and preserving the rich, vibrant history shaped by our location along the St. Lawrence River. Once the project is complete, the house will become the official home of the  South Dundas Historical Society, providing a permanent space for regular meetings and a secure, public archive for priceless local historical records and photographs. By creating an interactive space where visitors can discover regional milestones, share personal family histories, and explore beautifully preserved original home details and archival newspapers, the project ensures that our shared heritage is not only protected but actively celebrated across generations.

Beyond its role as a historical space, the revitalized Forward House is intentionally designed to serve as a practical, inclusive resource for daily community life. The main floor will be updated for public use wtih an accessible entry ramp, an accessible washroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a welcoming dining space, while the upper level will house a dedicated meeting room and historical archives. This thoughtful layout allows the general public to rent the facility for private milestones, providing an affordable, beautifully restored venue for family gatherings and holiday parties for local residents who may not otherwise have the space to accomodate their loved ones. By blending historical preservation wtih vital social infrastructure, Forward House will deliver lasting educational, social and functional value to the entire South Dundas Community.

What do you know about this organization that you wish everyone knew?: The Historical Society is not just a group of members that care about preserving History, some of them have personal stories, photos and journals from family, friends and neighbour that experienced the flooding of the seaway, hearing stories fo Dr. Locke and the work that he did, sharing about teachers that shaped the next generation and seeing businesses that have been pillars in the community for decades. At its core, sharing stories, history and generational wisdom is such an important part of our community. It perserves experiences that you won't find in a textbook. Sharing local stories helps the next generation understand where we came from and helps inspire how we shape the future of our community.