Tours & Talks

An old archival photo showing the original Poor House building, front walkway, barn and tressle bridge railroad

Poor House Tours

Explore the history of the House of Industry and Refuge with our knowledgeable staff. We offer private Poor House tours year-round as well as public tours on Saturdays in July and August. Reach out for details or to book a private tour; find details on public tours on our Events Calendar.

Large stone gravestone reading "In memory of the pioneers of this 1877 to 1946county who died in wellington home

Self Guided Cemetery Tours

Walk the boardwalk trails and staircase leading to the Poor House Cemetery all year long and at your own pace. Educational plaques mark points of interest, and facts, along the way. In October, leading up to Hallowe'en, we also offer public tours of the Cemetery, exploring the real, sometimes unsettling, history of the House of Industry and Refuge (ages 14+). Find details on upcoming Cemetery Tours on our Events Calendar.

Cropped shot of a woman delivering a presentation during a meeting

Let Us Visit You

Looking for an interesting addition to your meeting or event? We love to tell the stories of Wellington County's past - virtually or in person - and can adapt content to fit your needs. Our standard presentation is 1 hour long and showcases images from our Archives. Available topics listed below, if there is a topic not listed that you are interested in, let us know and we can build something for you!

Cost: $50.00 +HST

Presentation Topics

If These Walls Could Speak: Explore the social history of the Poor House and the stories of the men and women that worked and lived here.
All Things Scottish: Explore the Scottish traditions brought to Wellington County and how they have changed and evolved over the years.
Bells are Ringing: Take a walk down memory lane as we explore the local history and changing traditions of weddings and marriage.
Call the Doctor: The Poor House housed some interesting people and Dr. Abraham Groves is one of them. Take a walk-through medical history both in the Poor House and County wide.
Canada, Fall In: Like many Canadians, Wellington County residents would accept the call to war multiple times. From the American Civil War to Peace Keeping in Afghanistan, hear the personal stories or our veterans both on the home front and on the front lines.
Christmas in Wellington County: Explore the history of Christmas in the County and all its decorating, gift-giving, and food traditions.
Fabulous 50s and Sensational 60s: have a groovy time as we look back at some of our favourite fashions, trends, and music of the 50s and 60s.
Freedom Fighters: our first non-indigenous settlers were in fact refugees and feed peoples from the slave trade. Take a moment to hear their harrowing stories of running to find freedom and a new home.
Hats, Handbags and Handkerchiefs: Travel through time and take a look at our changing fashion trends and styles (and what may be coming back).
Hearth is the Heart of the Home: Explore the evolution of our homes, kitchens and recipes.
Life on the Farm: Much of Wellington County is made up of farming country; explore what it takes to be a local farmer in the past versus now and the trials that families encountered.
School Days: Discover how education has changed both in Ontario and in Wellington County - starting from the one-roomed schoolhouses of the past, a lot has changed!
Seasonally Speaking: Choose the season that most interests you and discover Wellington County's beauty with museum staff.
Storm's Comin': Discover how Wellington County has been affected by intense weather over the years and what it took to protect resident safety and well-being.
Township Specific: Our history is rich and each Township has stories to tell.
Wicked Wellington: Discover the more macabre history of Wellington County through both Poor House and resident stories.

There are many other topic options - if there is a topic you are interested in that is not in this list, please reach out for a custom presentation.