A recent tour of the Dufferin Historical Museum offered Grade 6 and 7 students from Elm Creek School a glimpse into the lives and lessons of generations past.
Board volunteer Dennis Young, said he hopes the museum helps visitors appreciate the way people lived—and how far society has come.
“Hopefully some can recall days of old and relate or become aware, while others learn how difficult, yet eloquent life was then,” Young said in an interview.
The museum, located in Carman, is home to thousands of artifacts spanning local agricultural, domestic and military history. Students were especially curious about the Boyne School building on site and, unexpectedly, the vintage typewriter collection.
“The majority seemed very interested, especially the Boyne School and, for some reason, the typewriter section in the museum,” Young said.
Young said the Dufferin Historical Museum regularly invites schools within its catchment area, including Carman, Miami and Roland, to take part in tours. This year, Elm Creek and Carman Home School responded.
Among the most striking displays, Young pointed to two in particular.
“It’s hard to pick just one, but the wartime exhibit shows the aged weaponry those who fought for our freedom had to use. And the daily ‘appliances’ women used in their homes years ago really shocks one today.”
The museum continues to evolve. New this year is a piece of Carman history that once stood high above town.
“We just added the town whistle! It was taken down when the water tower was, and we grabbed it,” Young said. “It’s now on display outside. Inside, we also had a miniature replica of the tower donated to us.”
Opening day for the season is set for June 21. A vintage wedding dress display will be unveiled on the museum’s new “Wall of Fame,” and staff will also take part in Carman’s town-wide garage sale.
Young emphasized the importance of local history, especially for younger generations.
“In my opinion, the next generation seems to be more concerned with their own daily events than their past—and that’s too bad,” he said. “They need to sit down and ask their parents and grandparents questions about that past. I know I didn’t, and I still regret it.”
As for why he volunteers his time at the museum, Young said it connects with his passion for stories and nostalgia.
“I’ve always been a nostalgia or alumni nut—arranging reunions, writing stories—and this takes it to a whole new level,” he said.
He added the museum plays a vital role in preserving the region’s identity.
“You don’t have a future without knowing your past,” he said.
Visitors are welcome all summer. Tours can be booked by email at dufferinhistoricalmuseum.ca or by calling 204-745-3597. Admission this year is by donation.
“It’s free!” Young said. “For this year, it’s by donation only—so no excuses now,” he added with a laugh.
For more information, visit the museum’s newly launched website at www.dufferinhistoricalmuseum.com.
