EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS

While the permanent collection is exhibited in the context of a private home, a special exhibit is featured in the museum’s gallery each year. Local residents say the museum’s Open House in early December is the official start of St. Andrews’ event-filled Christmas season. Volunteers spend literally hundreds of hours decorating every room in the museum, and serving home-baked cookies and mulled cider to visitors.

ST. ANDREWS’ CULTURAL COMMUNITY

When the king’s surveyor mapped out the town of St. Andrews in 1783, he divided it into sixty perfectly square blocks. The Ross Museum is located in the centre of the original town, an easy walk along wide tree-lined streets to other cultural attractions such as the Sheriff Andrews House, the Charlotte County Archives (housed in the Old Gaol) and Courthouse, Kingsbrae Garden, the Library and several fine early churches — not to mention the many interesting shops, galleries and restaurants of Water Street.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

The Ross Museum is also well-known and much-loved for its annual Christmas programme. Held Thursday through Sunday, the first weekend in December, the event attracts approximately 2,000 visitors and school children. The success of the programme is due to the generosity of literally hundreds of volunteers, from decorators to bakers, hosts to entertainers.

As visitors stroll from room to room, taking in the stunning decorations, they may come across the festive sound of a harp, flute, guitar or voice. The scent of hot mulled cider lures them to the lower level Meeting Place, where dozens of home baked Christmas cookies and squares are served as friends old and new enjoy a visit. No wonder locals look forward to this event which many consider the start of the Christmas season in St. Andrews!

The whole museum is decorated by our wonderful volunteers, home-baked sweets and hot cider are served to one and all, and terrific local music fills the house. Join us to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in beautiful St. Andrews.

Visitor Comments

“Loving virtue, wonderful spirit, generous and kind community” New Brunswick
“Wonderful—beyond words! What a treasure for St Andrews.” Alberta
“A great experience. Very friendly guide!” Pennsylvania
“Wonderful history and a testament of love for each other and life” Ontario
“My daughter wanted to move in straightaway” Germany
“The Rosses would be proud!” Manitoba
“What a love story. Very impressed!” Nova Scotia
“Beautifully displayed furniture in a lovely home. Such generosity!” England
“A wonderful collection and a beautiful story” New Jersey
“St Andrews is very fortunate to have this collection” Riverview NB
“An absolutely fantastic display” Vernon, BC
“We truly loved the beautiful spirit of the Rosses and their generosity” Maryland