Contact Us
Admission and Hours
COVID-19 Protocols
Visitors are no longer required to wear a mask or face covering or provide proof of vaccination in order to visit the Museum and Archives.
Museum: You do not need an appointment to visit the Museum. For donation inquiries, please contact Museum Curator Hailey Johnston at 519.846.0916 x 5226.
Archives: The Archives is currently open by appointment, with a capacity of 5 researchers. Retrieval services are available. The use of personal laptops is encouraged inside our facilities, and computer, microfilm reader, and printer services are available by appointment. Please call 519.846.0916 x 5225 or email Karen Wagner to make an appointment.
General admission is by donation. Admission fees may apply to special events, programmes and guided tours.
Our regular hours of operation are:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm; Archives closed Sunday
The Museum and Archives are open daily throughout the year, except on government and statutory holidays. The 1877 Heritage Barn closes seasonally from November through April.
About Us
The Wellington County Museum and Archives is a National Historic Site located in the building that stands as the oldest remaining House of Industry and Refuge in Canada.
Built in 1877 as place for the poor, homeless, and destitute people of Wellington County, it operated as a Poor House and Industrial Farm until 1947. It then served as the County Home for the Aged until 1974, when it became the Wellington County Museum and Archives. An Archives wing was added, opening in 2010.
Our Mandate is to serve as a cultural centre, providing resources, programmes, exhibits, support and services for the historical, educational and artistic interests of the communities of Wellington County. The Museum tells the stories of the people and places of Wellington County through professionally curated exhibits displayed in nine galleries.
The Archives features a spacious public reading room with microfilm reader and printers, public computers, free Wi-Fi, and free access to Ancestry.ca - everything for the family historian or local history researcher!
Plan Your Visit
For information on activities, events and exhibit openings at the Museum and Archives, visit our Calendar of Events.
Winter visitors will enjoy the free outdoor skating rink, snowshoe rentals, and Toboggan Hill. Come into the museum and discover the history of the National Historic Site inside and out!
The trails, buildings and outdoor exhibits all help tell the story of the Wellington County Poor House.
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The Museum and Archives buildings are fully accessible. The Victorian Garden, Poor House Cemetery, 1877 Barn, Aboyne Trail and surrounding grounds feature sloping, uneven ground and stairs. Reserved accessible parking spaces in close proximity to main entrances. Accessible washrooms on the main level. Elevator access to all levels. |
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The WCMA will be CLOSED on the following days.
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General Inquiries For visitor information, reception desk, hall rentals and all other general enquiries, call 519.846.0916 x5221 Staff may be reached by entering the extension number after reaching our automated directory. T. 519.846.0916 | T.F. 1.800.663.0750 | F. 519.846.9630 Staff Directory Please click on the departments below to get a list of staff contact information.
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Directions |
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Wellington County Museum and Archives 0536 Wellington County Rd 18 Fergus, ON N1M 2W3 Canada Map: Link to Google map GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 43.692617 | Longitude: -80.403755 |
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Membership |
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Become a Museum and Archives Member today! The Wellington County Museum and Archives values the support of its members and volunteers. Individual and Family Membership privileges and benefits include:
Call, email or visit us to join today.
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The Museum and Archive's monthly CIRCA newsletter provides information about upcoming and current events, programmes, and exhibits. |
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The Wellington County Museum and Archives relies on the efforts and dedication of community volunteers. There are many ways to participate. Volunteer positions include:
Training and evaluation is ongoing throughout the year, and there are regular group training sessions and individual learning opportunities. The WCMA is pleased to recognize the efforts of their volunteers through a variety of Volunteer Appreciation events including provincial awards programmes, social events and day trips. For information about volunteer opportunities contact Activity Programmer, Kyle Smith x5224 |
