Contact Us
SERVICE UPDATES
The County of Wellington is working hard to develop protocols that keep everyone safe and comply with Provincial legislation and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health guidelines. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
When in our facilities, visitors will be required to wear a face covering and respect physical distancing protocols. Screening tables will be set up at all entrances, and all visitors will be required to sanitize their hands and complete a visitor form when entering the facility.
Effective Monday, July 13, 2020, the Wellington County Museum and Archives will resume regular business hours (Monday - Friday from 9:30 am - 4:30pm, Saturday - Sunday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm). Please note, mandatory screening procedures will be in place at the entrances of all County buildings, and visitors will be required to wear a face covering and respect physical distancing protocols at all times inside our facilities.
The Heritage Barn and some Museum galleries (including interactive and high contact exhibit components) will remain closed, and all WCMA programmes, tours, events, and rentals will remain cancelled through to August 31, 2020. Donations to the WCMA collection can be made by appointment.
Museum: A maximum of 20 visitors will be allowed inside the Museum at once. Group appointments to visit the Museum, with 10 people or less from the same household or social circle, can be made by calling 519.846.0916 x 5221. Please note that these are NOT appointments for Museum tours.
Archives: A maximum of 7 visitors will be allowed inside the Archives at once. Retrieval services will be available, but the public will not be permitted to browse the collection at this time. The use of personal laptops is encouraged inside our facilities, and computer and microfilm reader printer use will be available by appointment by contacting 519.846.0916 x 5225 or emailing karenw@wellington.ca
Admission and Hours
General admission is by donation.
Admission fees may apply to special events, programmes and guided tours.
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
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.
Accessibility |
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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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Holiday Hours and Closures |
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Contact Us |
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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:
Download the Membership Brochure for more information. Call, email or visit us to join today. |
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Newsletter |
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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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Volunteer |
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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 |
