Historic house in Ancaster becomes police museum

Birte Nielsen couldn't help but well up a little standing in Tisdale House, home of the new Hamilton Police Service museum.

Built around 1825, Tisdale House is believed to be the oldest standing house in Ancaster. And it was Birte's late husband John's labour of love.

A carpenter and avid community volunteer, John Nielsen oversaw the building's move to its current location at 314 Wilson St. E. Many days, he brought tools to Tisdale House to do the renovating himself.

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He died in 2003 without seeing the dream come to fruition. But at itsgrand opening on Monday, Birte was there on his behalf.

"I am just really proud this has come to actually be what John hoped it would be some day," she said. "It was his baby."

The house is the latest addition to the renewed square, which includes the library, Hammill House and tennis courts, Coun. Lloyd Ferguson said. Next year, it will see a new spray pad and expansion of the village green.

Council spent about $100,000 renovating Tisdale House, he said.

Within two weeks, the museum should be open to the public, said Pieter Ciere, president of the Hamilton Police Retirees Association.

Among the artifacts already displayed:

• a pair of leg irons allegedly used to capture Louis Riel.
• photos from the Evelyn Dick murder trial.
• old badges, hats, photos and uniforms from Hamilton and beyond.

"I just love going through this stuff," said Ciere, who has been collecting artifacts for years.

"Most often, we'll end up with a picture or two and spend the entire afternoon looking at it."

The event also served as the launch of Crime Prevention Week. Events planned include:

• Robbery Prevention Presentation at 10 a.m. Nov. 6 at the Crime Prevention Centre at 1187 Barton St. E. Unit U3
• "Sexting: What Every Parent Needs to Know" at the Crime Prevention Centre at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 (pre-register by calling Lindsay at 905-546-4900)

But for Birte Nielsen, the day was personal as she received a photo of Tisdale House to commemorate her late husband's commitment. He was so committed, in fact, that when he died, Birte had to go to Tisdale House to fetch his tools.

"I'm choking up a little over this because I know how proud he would be," she said.