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September 27-28, 2008: Jelinek's Ontario showroom The Cork House participated in Doors Open Ontario with hundreds of visitors stopping by to learn about the region's oldest home. The Amos Biggar House / The Cork House was built in 1816 and is a good example of a Loyalist farmhouse. It is one of a few from that era that remain in the region.

The first Doors Open Day (La Journée Portes Ouvertes) took place in France in 1984. The idea soon spread to neighbouring countries, including the Netherlands, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Scotland. In 1991, these events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe. In 2003, all 48 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention participated in European Heritage Days. In 2000, the City of Toronto launched the first Doors Open event in North America. In 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Doors Open Ontario, the first province-wide event of its kind in Canada. The Doors Open concept continues to spread across North America with events now being held in Newfoundland, Alberta, Massachusetts, Western New York State, New York City and Denver.