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WELCOME TO THE NORWICH & DISTRICT MUSEUM
The Norwich and District Museum is one of Ontario's longest operating
rural community museums - and one of the very best! Located in the
heart of Oxford County at the edge of the village of Norwich, it boasts
a large site and a stunning collection of artifacts relating to the
agricultural and social history of the ara. On our site are an 1889
Quaker Meeting House, a Blacksmith Shop, an 1850s saltbox
farmhouse, a large Agricultural Exhibit Barn and a barn dedicated to
the history of dairy farming in the county.
The Museum is located at the north end of the village of Norwich an
County Rd. (Formerly HWY #59) just 25 km south of HWY #401 at Woodstock.
Norwich and District Museum
THE QUAKER MEETING HOUSE
The Norwich Museum is housed in a former Friends' (Quaker) Meeting
House. Built in 1889, it is one of the few visible reminders of the
once thriving Quaker communities or the Norwich Township. From the
early 1800's to the present day, the Friends have been a part of
Norwich Society. Their story, and the stories of other settlers and
inhabitants of Norwich are told at the museum through exhibits,
artifacts, pictures and documents.
LOCAL HISTORY GALLERIES:
The Galleries located in the Meeting House include both permanent and
changing exhibits showing the past and present of the Norwich area.
Displays include exhibits on the Quakers, the settlement era, the
period room settings, and a turn-of-the-century village store.
THE NORWICH AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Both the Museum and the District Archives are operated by the Norwich
and District Historical Society. The Society holds it's meetings at the
museum on the third Monday of every month (except for December) @
8:00pm. For membership information call (519)863-3101.
AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITS
Our two-story barn houses a major collection of agricultural implements
and machinery. Many pieces are of local manufacture and range from
primitive hand tools to reapers, threshing machines, and antique
engines. Early trades are represented in woodworking, broom making and
early auto mechanic exhibits. The barn also houses a large collection
of horse drawn vehicles.
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BLACKSMITH SHOP
Few things are more evocative of our rural past then the "village
smithy". At the Norwich Museum a functional blacksmith shop displays
many of the tools and products of this vital trade. Demonstrations are
often part of educational programs and special events. Another part
of the exhibit is dedicated to carriage-making, wheelwrighting, and
harness-making displays.
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THE DAIRY BARN
Southwestern Ontario's largest collection of antique dairy farming
artifacts is now a permanent exhibit in our recently completed "Dairy
Barn". From pioneer cheese and butter making to the beginning of the
bulk tank era, this walk through display includes murals, diorama, and
artifacts from Oxford County's Dairy Heritage.
SALTBOX HOUSE
Also located on the museum grounds is an 1840's "saltbox" house which
was originally located North of the Village. Furnished as a 19th
century rural handiman's home, it is the setting for many hands-on
demonstrations during special events and school programs. Displayed
elsewhere on the grounds are a stump puller, a sweep horse power,
railway jigger,"Centaur" tractor and the steeple of Norwich's old
public school.
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Like many community museums, ours has it's share or items that can only
be described as "unique". We have a number of special pieces that
continue to be favorites with young and old alike. They include: The
bones of "Burgessville Mastodon", the world's largest broom, an
historic cannonball and the famous "Horseshoe Chair" featured on CBC
Radio.
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SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND GROUP TOURS
The Norwich Museum offers tours and programs for school classes and
other interested groups. For more information please call (519)863-3101.
Lunches ARE available by special arrangement.
HOURS OF OPERATION
| May, June | Wed. - Sat. 1:00-4:00pm |
| July, Aug. | Wed. - Sat. 10:00-4:00pm |
| Sept., Oct. | Wed. - Sat. 1:00-4:00pm |
Open for School OR Group bookings year round.
ADMISSION
Adults-$2.00 Children (6-16)-$1.00
Members and Children under 6 are free
HOW TO GET HERE:
Norwich is located 25 Kilometres South of Woodstock on Highway #59.
The museum is in the North End of the village on Stover Street
(Highway #59).
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