Wellington County Museum and Archives and its collection

Wellington County Museum and Archives
Source

The Wellington County Museum and Archives, located in Fergus, Ontario, is housed in the oldest surviving state-supported poorhouse in Canada. The building was constructed in 1877 and served as a poorhouse and farm until 1947, and later as an old age home until 1971. In the 1980s, the building was repurposed to house the museum and archives, providing a unique historical setting for visitors.

National Historic Site Designation

The Wellington County Museum and Archives is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada since 1995. This designation is due to the building's representation of 19th century attitudes towards poverty and the origins of Canada's social safety net. Visitors can gain insights into the historical context of social welfare in Canada.

Exhibits at the Museum

The Wellington County Museum and Archives hosts exhibits that focus on the history of the House of Industry and the local area. These exhibits provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the region's past and the role of the House of Industry in the community.

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ENWellington County House of Industry and Refuge

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house

Wellington County Museum and Archives
0536 Wellington County Rd 18
ON N1M 2W3 Fergus

Visitor information Wellington County Museum and Archives

Opening hours

Monday
9:30 – 16:30
Tuesday
9:30 – 16:30
Wednesday
9:30 – 16:30
Thursday
9:30 – 16:30
Friday
9:30 – 16:30
Saturday
11:30 – 16:00
Sunday
11:30 – 16:00

Admission

General admission is by donation

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Wellington County Museum and Archives.

Location & Map

0536 Wellington County Rd 18, Fergus

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Wellington County Museum and Archives have been found.

Wellington County Museum and Archives Reviews

Wellington County Museum and Archives has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Wellington County Museum and Archives, located in Fergus, Canada, offers visitors a comprehensive look at local history. Housed in a former poorhouse built in 1877, the building itself is a significant historical artifact. The museum showcases the area's rich past through well-curated exhibits and displays.

    Visitors appreciate the museum's dedication to preserving and presenting local heritage. The exhibits cover various aspects of Wellington County's history, including its agricultural roots, industrial development, and social changes over time. The archives section is particularly valuable for researchers and genealogy enthusiasts, providing access to a wealth of historical documents and records.

    The museum's strengths lie in its educational value and the depth of information provided. Many visitors find the exhibits informative and engaging, offering insights into the lives of early settlers and the evolution of the community. The staff are often praised for their knowledge and helpfulness.

    However, some visitors note that the museum's presentation style can be somewhat traditional, and a few exhibits may benefit from updates or more interactive elements to appeal to younger audiences. The size of the museum is moderate, which means it can be thoroughly explored in a few hours.

    Overall, the Wellington County Museum and Archives is a solid choice for history buffs and those interested in learning about the local area. While it may not have the flashy exhibits of larger city museums, it compensates with its focus on authentic local history and the preservation of important regional artifacts and documents.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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