The Roselawn Centre is the focal point of recognition of arts and culture in the community. Lighthouse Festival Theatre (formerly Showboat) is in partnership with the City of Port Colborne.

In the fall of 2012, when Showboat was poised to close due to financial difficulties, a group of civic & arts minded individuals including Bill Thomas, Gail Todd, Candace Turner-Smith, Ron Bodner and Dan & Kate McKinnon rallied together and created The Friends of Roselawn Centre (FoRC)to strategize the promotion of Port Colborne’s most historic cultural centre.

Following several ad hoc meetings, the FoRC officially was formed in October 2013 with the Executive : Chair-Nancy Misener, Sian Thomas -Vice-Chair, Treasurer-Pat Bowman, Secretary-Arlene Lessard and Legal Consultant-John Tuck and also attended by Gail Todd, Bill Thomas, Ron Bodner, Jeff Ballin, Carole Black Brisley, Judith Boroniec Pam Koudijs and Cheryl MacMillan.

The Board received Non-profit incorporation on Feb 18, 2014 and Charitable Status on Oct 20, 2017.

Past events included Binational Doors Open, An Evening at Roselawn Art Auctions, Henry the VIII, Paint Night, Harold Moseby Day (in gardening), members Appreciation events, An Evening with Anna Olson, Coronation High Tea Online Art Auctions and our Signature event- Christmas Makers’ Markets. Our members have also enjoyed the FoRC seasonal newsletter since 2016.

In 2018, the FoRC successfully raised & met their Capital Campaign pledge of $50,000 in conjunction with the City of Port Colborne and a grant from the Federal Canada 150 grant monies. This went to the restoration of the beautiful exterior Roselawn heritage home, surrounding lands and fencing.

FoRC has supported the Historic Mansion and buildings with financial purchases of equipment and also sponsored events such as the Museum’s “Music on the Lawn” summer series.

Since 2020, The Board has enjoyed a close working relationship with the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum staff and the Director of Museum and Culture, Stephanie Powell-Baswick and a FoRC Liaison sits on the Museum Board of Management. We look forward to a long-lasting fruitful partnership with the City and Museum Board.