Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage
The Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage is a nonprofit organization (Business Registration Number: 886501865RR0001) dedicated to preserving and promoting the agricultural history of rural Ontario. Located within Farmtown Park in Stirling, Ontario, the museum focuses on the cultural and technological evolution of farming practices in Hastings County and surrounding regions.

History

The museum’s origins trace back to the 1986 International Plowing Match in Stirling, where the concept emerged to document local agricultural heritage[4]. It later became part of Farmtown Park, which serves as its primary facility, featuring historical exhibits and interactive displays[1][4].

Collections and Exhibits

The museum’s collections highlight themes such as early cheesemaking, mechanized farming, and rural education. Key features include:

• Heritage Village: A recreated 1930s–1940s rural Ontario town with period-accurate buildings[1][5].
• Discovery Centre: Showcases toy trucks, tractors, and agricultural memorabilia[1].
• One-Room Schoolhouse: Demonstrates early 20th-century education practices[5].
• Quinte Agricultural Wall of Fame: Recognizes leaders in agriculture and food production across four counties[1][2].

Programs and Activities

The museum hosts seasonal events and workshops, often supported by federal programs like the New Horizons for Seniors Program[2]. These initiatives aim to preserve traditional skills, such as butter-making and crop harvesting, while engaging visitors of all ages[1][5].

Operations

The museum operates seasonally from May to September, with admission fees applied to support its educational mission. While details of its registration (886501865RR0001) are not publicly described in depth, the organization functions as a charitable entity focused on community-based agricultural preservation[1][3][5].

Significance

As a cultural hub, the museum emphasizes the role of farmers in sustaining local food systems and rural economies. Its exhibits and archival materials provide insights into Ontario’s agricultural development, from early manual labor to modern mechanization[1][4][5].