SAVE OUR HERITAGE ORGANIZATION

The Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic sites in the Brighton, Ontario community. Established by concerned local citizens, the organization played a pivotal role in saving the Proctor House Museum, a significant Victorian-era heritage property, from demolition in the early 1970s.

History and Mission

The origins of SOHO trace back to the early 1970s when the Proctor House, a historic mansion built in 1853 and expanded in 1867, faced neglect and the threat of destruction. A group of Brighton community members rallied to form the Save Our Heritage Organization with the goal of preserving the house as a local historic monument. Thanks to their fundraising efforts and volunteer work, the Proctor House underwent extensive restoration and was opened to the public as a museum in 1976.

SOHO’s mission centers on conserving and celebrating the historical legacy of Brighton by maintaining the Proctor House Museum as a living history site. Through this stewardship, the organization aims to educate residents and visitors about the area's rich cultural heritage and the lives of early settler families.

Proctor House Museum

The Proctor House Museum is the flagship project of SOHO. Located in Brighton, Ontario, the museum is a Victorian home exhibiting Italianate Villa architectural style. The house was originally constructed by Isaac Proctor, a descendant of United Empire Loyalists, in the early 1850s. His son, John Edward Proctor, significantly expanded the property in 1867, reflecting the family's prosperity from their involvement in local trade and business.

The house is preserved as a historical snapshot of 19th-century life in the region, featuring original kitchens, pantries, bedrooms, and period furnishings. It serves both as a memorial to the Proctor family—particularly two brothers who died in World War II—and as a monument to all pioneering families who helped build the Brighton community.

Beyond the museum, SOHO also oversees the Barn Theatre, a reconstructed barn adjacent to the Proctor House that hosts theatrical productions and cultural events. This addition enriches the historical narrative by providing educational and entertaining programming related to Brighton’s heritage.

Community Impact and Volunteerism

SOHO operates primarily through volunteer efforts and community fundraising, reflecting strong local engagement with heritage preservation. The organization continues to seek volunteers and support to maintain the upkeep of the museum and expand programming to keep the site vibrant and accessible for future generations.

The Proctor House Museum and SOHO’s work form a vital part of Brighton’s cultural landscape, offering residents and tourists alike an opportunity to connect with the town’s history through tours, events, and live performances at The Barn Theatre.

Registration

Save Our Heritage Organization is registered as a nonprofit Canadian entity with the business registration number 119141968RR0001.

This nonprofit exemplifies community-driven heritage preservation, ensuring that historical landmarks like the Proctor House remain enduring symbols of local identity and collective memory.