Based at the historic Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, the Mackenzie Print Group helps preserve and celebrate more than five centuries of printing history. Housed in the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie, the museum offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the evolution of printing technology within the atmosphere of a traditional nineteenth-century print shop.
Among the museum’s most significant treasures is the Louis Roy Press, recognized as the oldest printing press in Canada and one of the few surviving original wooden presses in the world. The collection also includes working Linotype and Ludlow hot-metal typecasting machines, as well as eight operational heritage presses, making the Printery a rare fully functioning printing museum where visitors can experience historic printing methods firsthand.
Since 1990, the Mackenzie Print Group has partnered with the Niagara Parks Commission to support the preservation, operation, and interpretation of historic letterpress printing equipment. The Museum is open to the public for tours from May to October.
As a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, the Print Group is dedicated to keeping the craft and history of letterpress printing alive for future generations.
What Do Print Group Members Do?
Every Saturday morning, members of the Mackenzie Print Group gather at the Museum to maintain equipment, improve our workspace, sort inventory, and discuss all things print-related. You can even join our Discord server and chat with the group. Don't worry if you've never worked with a press before. We'll teach you! Once trained, members can work on personal projects or work collaboratively on print projects for upcoming events during our monthly "Print Party".
We welcome new faces and encourage anyone with an interest in letterpress to join! If you have any questions please contact us via our Contact Form. To join, simply click on the Membership Application button below.
Help us preserve the art of letterpress printing! The membership fee is just $20.00 per calendar year.
Saturday mornings (except holiday weekends)
9am-12pm
1 Queenston St
Queenston, Ontario
Our Board of Directors
The Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum's Print Group is sustained by a dynamic team of dedicated volunteers. Through their passion, expertise, and hours of service, they help preserve and promote the historic craft of letterpress printing. Their combined efforts ensure that traditional printing skills, knowledge, and equipment are maintained, shared, and celebrated, inspiring new generations to appreciate and carry forward this important part of our cultural heritage.