The heritage of Woolwich Township is in the memories of its people and their hopes for tomorrow’s children. Included in the term ‘heritage’ are many aspects of life in our township which are worth safeguarding for the future, while enjoying them in the present. The historical roots of Woolwich hold it firmly in its ancestral place while encouraging growth and branches. A strong root system allows absorption of water and nutrients which ensure life and productivity.

Woolwich’s industries, farms, and retail communities make up its rich and varied heritage. We are blessed with the Grand and Conestogo Rivers. The rivers were the highway to development. Pioneers followed the rivers, used water to power their mills and with industry built homes, churches, schools, and communities.

Our children in the school system are now being taught local history. We must continue to preserve and document our heritage, so the children have accurate facts to study. We are teaching our young people to honour the past, which results in respect for the future.

The work of preservation in our communities has been ongoing by individuals, families, and many volunteers in groups such as the Maryhill Historical Society, Woolwich Historical Foundation, and the Women’s Institute Branch Tweedmuir Histories.

What we can do to preserve the past and safeguard the future:

• Ask a senior in your life what they think of Woolwich and if they plan on staying here.
• Form a Birthday Club to celebrate the birthdays of Woolwich neighbors 80 years and older.
• Ask a senior questions like: What fruits did you eat in the winters? What did you do for fun? How did people deal with hardships like poverty, fighting between groups, or really hot summers.
• Tell stories about the past to the younger folks around you.
• Join a group like the Sustainable Communities Group to work together planning a better future while valuing the past.
• Write mini-histories of your neighbourhood.
• Plan a "Pioneer Day" in your church, school, family, or club.
• Talk to young people about how they feel about growing up in Woolwich. What do they hope to see preserved and safeguarded?

For More Information:

Look in the historical section of a local library

Read the Women’s Institute’s Tweedsmuir Histories about Woolwich at your local library

Check out the Community Play, Quentin Martin at 664-2368 or Carrie Parker at 648-2008

Come to a Sustainable Community Group Meeting, Joy Finney at 664-3794 ext.230 or Marg Bolender at 669-2445

Contact the Maryhill Historical Society, Sheila Reinhart at 648-2824

Contact the Waterloo Historical Society - www.whs.ca