wellington county museum & archives

One of my favourite little museums!Always something special going on. Great place to learn about local and Canadian History.

When you visit this place, it really shows you just how large the holes in our social safety net used to be. This used to be the county poorhouse. It can be overwhelming at times to think of how easily you could've ended up in a place like this, not even 100 years ago. There are other exhibits there that change regularly, but the most powerful part of the experience is the poorhouse. It's not only fine for kids to visit this place, but it gives them something valuable to think about, as opposed to another theme park visit. Museum is free by donation, & it is worth the drive! Pop down the road a short piece for lunch in Elora or Fergus while you are in the area.

#1. The building is architecturally stunning and has been restored to excellent condition #2. We were greeted by a welcoming and knowledgeable staff member. #3. Entrance is by donation. #4. There is no pressure - stay as long as you want, see what you want to see. No staff hovering, hurrying you along. #5.The displays will blow your socks off! What an educational and impactful afternoon. I wanted to explore every corner, see every exhibit, read every word on every framed wall hanging, experience every display up close. We learned so much and left very impressed by what the building represents in the history of this area. We live not 40 minutes away, and had no idea what a gem this is. I feel like we were all changed by knowing more of what went on in this building over the years. Additional displays are equally well curated and displayed. Your emotions will run wild on you as you read, see, watch and learn. This place is an absolute gem and a must see. Every time I have guests visiting, I will return with them to this museum.

I was expecting a museum of history of Wellington County, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the focus of the museum was on the historic use of the building itself: the Wellington County House of Industry and Refuge or the oldest identified example of a state-supported poorhouse.I found the history of the building and how it was interweaved with the back-story of the the "inmates" or residents, workers and staff.I would definitely return and recommend it to anyone interested in the history of Ontario and Welllington County.

This Museum is something to be proud of. It looks great, has really great programs and exhibits (seems supportive of the community) and the long time exhibits are very interesting.

Thanks to County of Wellington and the staff at the Museum for excellent educational programs. There is always something interesting to do at the Museum.

Spent an hour or so at this terrific museum, halfway between Elora and Fergus, on a gray chilly afternoon with my 8 & 10 year olds. The building is so interesting, and the curators have done yeoman's work in documenting its history as a poorhouse with artifacts and photographs. The story unfolds as you walk through the place. There are also very cool displays about the impact of WWi on the area, funeral rituals at the turn of the last century, toys, and even a gallery or two of local artisans' work. It's eclectic but it works, in fact, it works really well. The WWI exhibit is quite moving. There's a "walk through history" with clothes and other artifacts of the county and the country that is also quite well done. I LOVE this kind of place, and never would have found it or paid any attention to it were it not for my dear friend, Trip Advisor.

This little museum is well worth the visit, excellent displays. Very well done, they ask for a donation for admission. It is better then many museums that I have paid a considerable entrance fee. The grounds are lovely, my son held his outdoor wedding in the garden.

The history of this building is fascinating. It is the oldest remaining House of Industry in Canada which means it harbored the deserving poor and destitute souls of Wellington County until 1947. There are plaques through out the museum telling the stories of these poor unfortunates who lived and sometimes died here. There are lots of events and programs held here and of course exhibits to see. The grounds are gorgeous as is the architecture of the building. You can have your wedding here or your business seminar. You can use the archives or have a picnic lunch. They hold dog agility shows, car shows, halloween events, Christmas and March break activities...you name it. And most things are either by donation or free. Check their website for more info...you won't be disappointed.http://www.wellington.ca/en/museum.asp