The Museum of Dufferin: Preserving the Past and Celebrating the Future | Written By: Lindsay W. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
The Museum of Dufferin preserves Dufferin County’s historical heritage while supporting the County’s future growth. Originating from the volunteer preservation work of the Dufferin Council Historical Society and the local archives in 1963, the Museum of Dufferin allows visitors to explore the stories of the past and connect with others in the community.
Built in 1993, the physical museum is a large green barn and silo, replicating the classic agricultural barns found throughout the county. Inside, there is a wide variety of art and historical displays that link the past to the present. “We take what’s in our collection and use that to tell a story,” says the Museum Manager, Jasmine Proteau. In the main area are three authentic historical buildings, Crombie Station, an old train station, The Lodge, and the Dufferin House, reflecting the typical1880s lifestyle. The silo gallery features rotating exhibitions, and the third floor houses the Corn Flower Glass gallery.
“We’re not just about showcasing what has happened, but we’re looking about what’s happening now”
Learning about Dufferin County is not limited to inside the museum. Driving tours are another way to connect with the community while exploring its history. “We are always trying to support other local businesses, so if people are coming to see us, we always recommend other places they should see as well” Jasmine says.
The silo gallery frequently hosts artisan exhibits and juried shows, inviting artists to submit their work for display. The current exhibition, titled “Unity and Diversity”, features a selection of artists interpreting their cultures and its impact on their lives. “The theme of the show is speaking to the merging of different cultures together” explains Jasmine. “While we are a museum, culture is always happening around us,” she continues.
In addition to exhibits, the Museum of Dufferin hosts a variety of events and workshops to stay active in the community, offering around 70 programs this year. These include MoD studio masterclasses, where participants can learn skills from professionals such as glass painting, crochet or soap making, as well as 19+ trivia nights, art shows and seasonal markets. “What we do is very much centered on place,” Jasmine says. “We are trying to make sure people have a reason to come here regularly.” Curriculum based school programing is also available for students to learn about Canadian history in an insightful and engaging environment.
As the museum continues to evolve with the growing community, Jasmine hopes to make the exhibitions more interactive and increase the accessibility of the facilities infrastructure to remove any potential barriers for visitors. “We need to stay true to ourselves as a historical centre, and offer experiences that are unique to ourselves,” Jasmine exclaims. Through their various educational and recreational programs, the Museum aims to engage with new people in the community.
“The Museum of Dufferin is built off of volunteer support, and we very much rely on volunteers to achieve our goals.”
In an age where there is distrust about information from different sources, Jasmine emphasizes, “It’s so vital for museums to be seen as a trustworthy and reputable source for information.” This space allows people of all ages to challenge their perspectives, especially children, inspiring curiosity and critical thinking. “Music, culture, art, history—these are things that make life interesting and bring people together” Jasmine concludes.