Beginning this Saturday, May 28, you can be transported back to Newmarket’s early days by visiting downtown Newmarket and participating in a self-guided virtual tour to learn more about Newmarket’s rich history and heritage.

"Two things that residents consistently tell me they love about Newmarket are the downtown and the Town's history,” says Newmarket Mayor John Taylor.  “Virtual Main Street marries the two, bringing the history of many of Main Street's landmarks to life in an engaging and approachable way. In bringing the history out onto the street and into the palm of your hand, these vignettes give shoppers and diners more reasons to visit, explore and stay downtown."

The self-guided tour pairs local artists’ inspiring works with videos that will take you back in time to learn more about 17 historic buildings on Main Street.

How it works:

• While visiting your favourite shops and restaurants in downtown Newmarket, keep your eye out for the Historic Main Street experience window decals (See map above)
   
• Check out the unique artwork from local Newmarket Group of Artists and hover your phone over the QR code on the window decal.
   
• A portal will open where you will meet members of our community telling stories of Main Street's past, brought to life with historical imagery. You will also learn more about our fabulous artists! 

This initiative is a collaboration with several community groups and local businesses who help to narrate the stories of Newmarket's past. Special thanks to the Newmarket Main Street BIA, the Elman Campbell Museum, Newmarket Group of Artists, Newmarket Historical Society and Neighbur who came together to bring this initiative to life.

Newmarket Group of Artists Pop-up Art Show
On June 22, 2022 the Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South) will celebrate its 40^th Anniversary with a mini art show from 1 – 3 p.m. The community is invited to meet the participating artists from the virtual Main Street tours and check out their unique and creative artwork. Celebrate this milestone anniversary at our celebration with live music, art, and explore the many new exhibits in our refurbished Museum.

For more information, please visit newmarket.ca/virtualMainStreet