Once home to prominent Upper Canada couple Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Hannah Jarvis, the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts has had many lives since the structure was built in 1834.

Twenty years ago, the Queenston heritage property began its newest journey as a place for students to learn about heritage preservation and the restoration of buildings and heritage sites.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Willowbank will host a free community event Saturday, Sept. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will feature heritage demonstrations, an artisan market, activities for children and tours of the school’s Indigenous Love Garden, where sacred medicines — tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass — are grown.

From 6 to 9 p.m., the Woodshed Orchestra will perform a ticketed mixed-genre set. Tickets cost $20.

Proceeds from the celebration will go toward the school’s restoration of the historic manor house, allowing safe access to the third floor.

Willowbank is looking to raise up to $193,000 for the project, an amount that Parks Canada has pledged to match.