Heritage & Culture - Events, Exhibitions, Programs 2026

Welcome to Norfolk County’s 2026 Heritage & Culture Guide - your gateway to exciting events, exhibitions, and programs!

EVENTS EXHIBITIONS PROGRAMS 2026

W elcome to Norfolk County’s 2026 Heritage & Culture Guide - your gateway to exciting events, exhibitions, and programs! Discover a year filled with unforgettable experiences hosted by Norfolk County Museums and Archives. From special events and hands-on workshops to concerts, children’s programs, and engaging exhibits, there’s something for everyone. Kick off the year with the Captain's Polar Bear Levee at Port Dover Harbour Museum; roll up your sleeves to make traditional Ukrainian perogies at Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre; celebrate Norfolk County’s Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees at Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum; or dive into family history at the Norfolk County Archives Genealogy Symposium. There is lots of fun in store for kids with March Break and Summer Camps and special holiday-themed programming. We also provide valuable opportunities for youth volunteers: - Earn volunteer hours and build resumes - Mentorship programs for leadership experience - Co-op placements and internships for hands-on learning Can’t visit in person? Explore thousands of records, photos and articles in our online artifact and newspaper databases at norfolkheritage.ca. Our goal continues to be to Inspire, Educate and Entertain and we hope that as you read through our 2026 Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Events, Exhibitions and Program Guide you'll find something that will do just that. Check our website and social media for updates as new events are added throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!

This guide is published once yearly by Norfolk County’s Heritage and Culture department.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Please contact us with any errors or omissions at norfolkheritage @ norfolkcounty.ca

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS THE FUTURE OF OUR HISTORY Y ou can support the work of the Norfolk County Museums and Archives with the purchase of a membership. When you purchase membership to any one of our sites, your member benefits extend to all participating sites including the Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre, Norfolk County Archives, Port Dover Harbour Museum, and the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum. That’s great value! There are 3 levels of membership support – individual, family, and corporate – and all memberships run the calendar year from January 1 to December 31. You can join our membership program online, by mail, or in-person. To renew online: www.norfolkheritage.ca/connect/memberships/ Membership Benefits include: • Electronic invitations to exhibition openings, select events, and e- bulletins • Early bird registration to select workshops and programs • 10% discount on select programs and workshops for children, youth, and adults • Subscription to our ART-I-FACTS magazine (published 3x a year) • 10% discount on gift shop purchases (some exclusions may apply) • 1 free hour of long-distance research at Norfolk County Archives • Corporate logo in ART-I-FACTS (applicable to corporate members only)

NORO O N R

ART-I-FACTS SPRING 2024

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.norfolkheritage.ca QUIRKS & QUANDARIES Where is Tinkertown?

PROMOTING DELHI’S HERITAGE CSIGA NOODLE BEE

MORE BANG FORYOUR BUCK U pgrade your membership to get access to 1000+ museums and cultural/historic facilities across North America through the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) program. You can upgrade your membership by making an additional donation to one of the Norfolk County Museums and Archives. The donation amount combined with your membership fee must total a minimum of $100. Example: $59 family membership + $41 donation = $100 and NARM privileges Contact one of our sites to learn more about this opportunity.

DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE

EVENTS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31

UKRAINIAN PEROGIES 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM • $30 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED What could be better on a cold winter day than making and eating fluffy, melt in your mouth perogies? Join us at the museum and learn how to make this traditional Ukrainian delicacy. Participants will make a dozen sweet perogies to take home, and sample many different flavours as they roll, cut, and stuff these little bites of perfection. All materials will be provided. Please bring a container to take home your culinary creations.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

ROBYN MICHAUD - JINGLE DANCING & INDIGENOUS CULTURE 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM • $10 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED The Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre welcomes Professor Robyn Michaud to the museum as she talks about the rich heritage of Canada’s Indigenous people. Robyn, who grew up in Tillsonburg, is a member of the Anishnaabe, Bear Clan from Sagamok Anishnawbek. Robyn teaches at Conestoga College and the University of Western Ontario, where she has finished her doctorate in education. Robyn will be talking about diversity within Indigenous culture and the power of dance as an expression of heritage and identity. SATURDAY, JUNE 6 MULTICULTURAL FOOD FEST 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Norfolk County celebrates its cultural diversity with style! Join us and our friends at the Multicultural Heritage Association of Norfolk for our second annual day of food, music and wonderful cultural displays. Make sure to bring your appetite!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

CSIGA NOODLE BEE 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION

Hungarian women would traditionally meet every week in February to work together making Csiga noodles for themselves and the neighbourhood. We want to channel this community spirit and gather for a traditional Csiga work bee. Join us as we mix, knead, roll, and form this iconic noodle together as a group. No prior experience needed. All ages are welcome. Aprons and take-home containers suggested.

DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 PAUL ALLEN - BRIGHT LIGHTS BLACK STARS 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION Author of When Tobacco was King brings us his latest book about diversity, struggle, and perseverance. Paul Allen has written a non-fiction book which follows the journey of Negro League baseball players in Canada's oldest baseball league. The author will be on hand to answer questions and sign books.

SATURDAYS: NOV 28 & DEC 5

LIGHT UP THE SEASON: DELHI BIA CHRISTMAS PARTY NOV 28: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM DEC 5: 3:00 – 6:00 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION The Delhi BIA presents “Light up the Season.” Come see the Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre in all its Christmas grandeur. Sip a cup of hot cocoa and try your hand at our seasonal scavenger hunt, then take a picture with olde St. Nick and tell him all your holiday wishes! See handmade decorations made by the students from St. Frances and Delhi Public School.

FRIDAY, OCT 23 & SATURDAY OCT 24 HAUNTED SAWMILL 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM • $10 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED The Quance sawmill has a dark side. Do you dare explore the interior of the sawmill and come face to face with the shadowy energy that built up over a hundred years of accidents and injury? What forces feed off the pain and survive in the blackness of the abandoned mill. Small brave groups tours will be guided through mill at designated time slots?

EXHIBITS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

VOICES OF LABOUR: STORIES FROM THE TOBACCO GANGS OF NORFOLK COUNTY The history of one of Canada’s most important agricultural crops is examined through the voices of the young men and women that flocked to Norfolk County in search of high wages and fresh starts for themselves and their families. This exhibit explores the transformation of local labour demographics and the farming experience through the oral histories of the workers from Canada, the United States, new immigrants from Europe, and foreign guest workers that make up modern job seekers in this industry.

DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE

ART EXHIBIT

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

IRMA MAKARIUNAITE OPENING RECEPTION

Mixed media artist Irma Makariunaite seeks inspiration from the materials that she uses in her artwork. She embeds fragments of hand-written letters that were sent to her from her grandparents upon her immigration to Canada. She also integrates her own childhood drawings - lovingly preserved by her grandmother - in between the layers of acrylic. Fragments of other documents and ephemera are also included in the process of creating rich textures, colour, and meaning

within her artwork. It is through these deeply personal autobiographical elements that the artist addresses her own identity as an immigrant and the impact it has had on her since her arrival in Canada.

WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

THE ART OF ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $35 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Participants will have the rare opportunity to learn the basics of traditional Arabic calligraphy using authentic tools. Led by an experienced calligrapher, this session begins with a brief introduction to the history and styles of Arabic calligraphy, including Diwani, Naskh, and Thuluth scripts. Participants will be guided through the proper way to hold the pen, prepare ink, and write the foundational shapes of Arabic letters. This workshop is open to all levels, no previous experience in Arabic or calligraphy is required.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

THE ART OF CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $35 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Calligraphy is expressive, but it is also an art of control. It is a counterbalance of order and dynamism that is manifested in all aspects of Chinese writing. Join us at the museum for instructor Michelle (Yanxue) Feng’s introductory workshop on this beautiful art form. All supplies and materials will be provided.

DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 ACRYLIC PAINTING WITH CATHERINE MURPHY 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $25 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Join Delhi native and lifelong artist Catherine Murphy for a fun and whimsical acrylic painting session, where abstract flowers bloom with creativity! Catherine brings her passion and talent to inspire painters of all levels in a relaxed, joyful environment. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! All supplies and materials will be provided.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 GEL PRINTMAKING WITH IRMA MAKARIUNAITE 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $35 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Gel printmaking is a monoprinting technique that creates one of a kind textured artwork that incorporates stencils, found objects, and printing ink to transfer designs on to paper. The process allows for layers of colour that create vibrant images. All supplies and materials will be provided

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 UKRAINIAN MOTANKA DOLL WORKSHOP 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $25 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Motankas are ancient Ukrainian family talismans. They are the symbol of prosperity, goodness and hope. The knotted dolls first appeared about 5,000 years ago and represented the unity of the family and deep connection between multiple generations. All supplies and materials will be provided.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

JAPANESE SASHIKO EMBROIDERY 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $25 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Rosey Bourne teaches Japanese Sashiko. This technique is primarily used to mend, reinforce, and embellish garments. In the past, Japanese women of rural farming communities practiced this simple running stitch using white thread on indigo-dyed fabric. Participants will draw a simple pattern onto a six-inch square of blue fabric and stitch the design. All supplies and materials will be provided.

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM EVENTS & WORKSHOPS THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 CAPTAIN’S POLAR BEAR LEVEE Celebrate the New Year at the museum! On January 1st, bring your fiddle or other instrument and join in the fun or simply sit back and enjoy the tunes and company. Doors will open at 1:00 pm and the levee starts after the Polar Bear Dip. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the food bank. Remember, this is the perfect time to renew your membership for 2026 and support your museum! DOORS OPEN AT 1:00 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

EXHIBIT OPENING WHERE THE PAST RESTS: PORT DOVER CEMETERY 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION

We will open our new exhibit on the Port Dover Cemetery with a special launch of the cemetery’s new website and unveiling of their new logo.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH

JENSEN AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT 7:00 PM • TICKETS $25 PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

COMMON THREADS 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PRE-REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED Calling all fibre artists and needleworkers! Whether your hobby of choice is knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, crochet, felting, or any other handmade piece of art worked up with needles, thread, or yarn, bring your projects and join us at the museum on the first Thursday of each month for a relaxing morning of crafting and connection. Beginners welcome. Must have your own craft supplies. NOTE: January’s event will take place on Jan. 8. There will be no gatherings in June-August.

Join Dave Jensen and his band for a night of Celtic favourites as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Dave Jensen, an ambassador of Newfoundland traditions from Screechins to squeezebox tunes is putting together an evening of entertainment with his friends, John Harris, Doug Welland, and others yet to be confirmed. Dave hails from the once outport of Belleoram and has been entertaining folks in the area for over 40 years.

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM

SATURDAYS: APRIL 18 & APRIL 25 SPRING STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP WITH INGRID ZYMA-IRVIN 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM • $60 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Make something special for Mother’s Day! Learn the basics of stained glass in this 2-day course led by local artist Ingrid Zyma-Irvin. Participants will learn to cut, grind, foil and solder glass, making at least one suncatcher. Participants must be able to attend both days of the workshop.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

SATURDAY, MAY 2

1967 STANLEY CUP SERIES 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION We hate to bring this up, but do you know the last time the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup? In 1967, the last of the Original Six era games saw Toronto beat the Montreal Canadiens in a Centennial nail biter of a series. This 27-minute colour recap with original sound – including narration by Alex Trebek – has been recently digitized at the highest quality. With play-by-play by Bill Hewitt and Danny Gallivan, it features some of your favourite players such as our own Red Kelly, Tim Horton and Henri Richard. We will start the action at the top of each hour. Last show at 3:00 PM .

WALTER LEWIS: GREAT LAKES PASSENGER TRAVEL 1:00 PM • $10 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Hear Walter Lewis speak on passenger travel on the Great Lakes. Walter is an award-winning maritime historian specializing in the history of the Great Lakes region. He is the creator of MaritimeHistoryOfTheGreatLakes.ca, widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive resources for Great Lakes research.

FRIDAY, MAY 29

THREE IN THE ROUND IN CONCERT 7:00 PM • TICKETS $25 PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Three in the Round: The Single Malt Sessions are back at Port Dover Harbour Museum! A seasoned musical trio, Three in the Round is made up of Gwen Potter, a sought-after English session musician, singer and viola d’amor player; John Harris, a gifted guitarist, mandolinist and singer from Nova Scotia; and Bob MacLean, an East Coast singer/songwriter with a penchant for Celtic guitar. For their Single Malt Sessions, the group brings together the very best folk/trad song and tune selections from the British Isles, France, and Atlantic Canada for a special performance “in the round” at PDHM. 9

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

ARBOR DOG RACES 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

NO NEED TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY THE ARBOR

Calling all Dover Dogs! Bring your four-legged best friend and join us in Riverfront Park for the Fourth Annual Arbor Dog Races! Join in or watch as wienerful dachshunds race to claim the prize of fastest hot dog around. Are your dogs a little taller? Don’t worry, we’ll have a Heinz 57 race or two for everyone else. Enter our Costume contest and parade your pup to the pier. We’ll have vendors set up too! 11:00 AM

11:45 AM Dachshund Races - $5/dog to enter 1:15 PM Heinz 57 Races (all breeds welcome!) - $5/dog to enter

Costume Contest on the Dock - $2/dog to enter (open to all breeds) 11:15 AM Costume Parade down to the Pier!

SATURDAY, JULY 11

JUBILEE BRASS CONCERT 7:00 PM • ADMISSION BY DONATION The Salvation Army Jubilee Brass Band will perform in Riverfront Park, Harbour Street. Bring your own lawn chair.

SEPTEMBER (DATE TBD)

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

CROOKED STOVEPIPE FOLK ORCHESTRA 7:00 PM • ADMISSION BY DONATION Join the Crooked Stovepipe Folk Orchestra for their usual assortment of jigs & reels, waltzes, two-steps and rags, sentimental standards, jive ditties, and singalong favourites live from Riverfront Park (Harbour St.). Bring your own lawn chair.

CONFEDERATION MARINE MODELLERS 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ADMISSION BY DONATION The Hamilton Confederation Marine Modellers will set up in Riverfront Park (or inside the museum if it’s raining). Learn more about the group and see their amazing boat models on display and in action!

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

WALTER LEWIS: PRE-CONFEDERATION LIGHTHOUSES 1:00 PM • $10 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Hear Walter Lewis speak on pre-

confederation era lighthouses. Walter Lewis is an award-winning maritime historian specializing in the history of the Great Lakes region. He is the creator of MaritimeHistoryOfTheGreatLakes.ca , widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive resources for Great Lakes research.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 ANNUAL FUN CAR RALLY 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM • $25 PER CAR 1N-PERSON REGISTRATION AT PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM 10:00 – 11:00 Port Dover’s favourite Annual Fun Car Rally is back for our 10th year. During this fun family event, support the Port Dover Harbour Museum while cruising Norfolk’s scenic country roads. Drivers, navigators and friends will travel on a secret route while answering questions about what they see along the way. See you at the finish line! Must have minimum 2 participants. Open to vehicles of all ages. Completed answer sheets must be handed in at the last stop by 3:00 pm.

SATURDAYS: NOV 28, DEC 5

HOLIDAY STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP WITH INGRID ZYMA-IRVIN 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM • $60 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Make something special for the holidays! Learn the basics of stained glass in this 2- day course led by local artist Ingrid Zyma- Irvin. Participants will learn to cut, grind, foil and solder glass, making at least one holiday themed stained glass creation. Participants must be able to attend both days of the workshop.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM • $8 PER CHILD PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Kids! Join us for the perfect pumpkin painting party. Paint your own pie pumpkin and take part in a spooky scavenger hunt. Don’t forget to grab your treat bag! Ages 3-10.

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM

EXHIBITS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 – SATURDAY, MAY 30

WHERE THE PAST RESTS: PORT DOVER CEMETERY OPENING RECEPTION ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Port Dover Cemetery stands as a quiet guard to the lives and legacies of past generations. Nestled just outside of town, this historic burial ground has served the community for a century and a half, offering a dignified resting place and a rich tapestry of local history. Still independently operated and volunteer-run, the Port Dover Cemetery remains a testament to community stewardship and historical preservation. Its continued care ensures that the stories of Port Dover’s past will endure for generations to come. See original documents including the original cemetery ledger, minute book, and a hand-drawn map all of which have been carefully restored.

2026

ECHOES FROM THE DEPTHS: THE WRECK OF THE ATLANTIC On a foggy night in 1852, the luxurious sidewheel steamer Atlantic collided with the propeller ship Ogdensburg off

Long Point. Within hours, the Atlantic had vanished beneath the waters of Lake Erie, taking with it an estimated 150 to 300 lives, many of them Norwegian and Irish immigrants seeking new beginnings in North America. The wreck - rediscovered in the late 1980s by Port Dover diver Mike Fletcher lies 160 feet below the surface, preserved in eerie silence. This exhibit invites visitors to explore artifacts recovered

from the wreck, including personal items, navigational tools, and beautiful dinnerware. Through accounts from survivors, the exhibit shares the human side of the disaster - panic in the dark, lifeboats that capsized, and immigrants who leapt into the lake, unable to understand warnings spoken in English. The Atlantic remains one of the deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, and its lore - complete with tales of treasure and experimental submarines lost in search of the wreck - continues to captivate historians and divers alike.

JUNE - DECEMBER

MEET ME ON MAIN: A WALK THROUGH TIME Explore the history of Port Dover’s beautiful Main Street. Learn the stories of the buildings still standing, and of those we’ve lost to time.

WATERFORD HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

EVENTS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

NORFOLK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME 2:00 PM The Agricultural Hall of Fame at WHAM celebrates Norfolk County’s outstanding contributions to agriculture and promotes the importance of these achievements. Join us as we formally recognize the 2026 recipients and unveil the new exhibit highlighting their accomplishments.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10:30 AM • ADMISSION $5 PER CHILD 12 YEARS AND UNDER SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS This not-to-be-missed hunt features over 8,000 chocolate eggs and multiple chances to win special prize packages. Gates open at 10:45 a.m. at the Waterford Ball Diamonds on a first come, first served basis. This outdoor egg hunt starts at 11:00 a.m.

SATURDAY, OCT 17 & SUNDAY, OCT 18 PUMPKINFEST AND MOONLIGHT & MAYHEM 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM & MOONLIGHT SHOWS: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM As part of the town-wide festivities, special exhibitions, kids’ crafts and world- famous pumpkin pie will be offered at the museum throughout the weekend. The Moonlight & Mayhem walking tours of old Waterford will also be featured on Saturday and Sunday with shows running from 6 PM to 7 PM. Full details on the website.

SATURDAYS: MAY 9 & JUNE 13

CAR BOOT SALES 8 AM - 12 PM • FREE ADMISSION CANCELLED IF RAINING

Calling all treasurer hunters! Start your Saturday morning thrifting at WHAM with this old-fashion English style flea market. Vendors selling antiques, collectables and “good junque” will be setup on the museum grounds.

WATERFORD HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM • FREE ADMISSION A festive evening of live music and holiday shopping with artisan vendors throughout the museum. Special offerings in the Bowlby Bros. Gift Shop. *Want to apply to be a vendor for the 2026 market? See the website for details and application forms.

WORKSHOPS

SATURDAYS: OCT 3, NOV 7, DEC 5

VINTAGE VENUE 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED VIA ENCORE Join guest presenters to celebrate nostalgic festive decorations from the eerie charm of vintage Hallowe’en to the opulent elegance of Victorian Christmas. This hands-on workshop includes the supplies for your own creation and an exploration of historic techniques and designs. Full details on the web.

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

THE ART OF PYSANKY: UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM • $25 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED ONLINE REGISTRATION BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 VIA ENCORE Learn the traditional methods of Ukrainian egg decorating with instructor Kiana Shabatura. Course includes instruction, supplies and material to create one fully decorated Pysanky.

WATERFORD HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

SATURDAYS: APRIL 25 & OCTOBER 3 HAPPY ACCIDENTS: A BOB ROSS PAINTING WORKSHOP 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM • $55 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED ONLINE REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 6 VIA ENCORE Join certified Bob Ross instructor, Bobbi Cosby, for a guided course on how to paint a Bob Ross original design. Instruction and all supplies provided.

EXHIBITS

RUNS UNTIL SUNDAY, MARCH 15 LEAVING THEIR MARK: FOLK ARTISTS OF NORFOLK ADMISSION BY DONATION Folk art has come to represent the storied identity of the everyday person – from the people, to the people. The naivety, in various forms and functions, is captivating, as are the makers. Leaving Their Mark showcases two centuries of diverse and notable folk art through a comprehensive assembly of uniquely Norfolk pieces.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 TO SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2027

FORGED: NORFOLK’S INDUSTRIAL MIGHT ADMISSION BY DONATION

As a powerhouse during the formative years of Upper Canada, Norfolk County produced some of the nation’s first industrial goods. This exhibition invites you to explore the furnaces, factories, and fields that powered the region, uncovering the largely forgotten story of Norfolk County's industrial might.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 EVENTS NORFOLK COUNTY ARCHIVES EXHIBITS

DIGGING UP YOUR ROOTS: GENEALOGY WORKSHOP – BEGINNER LEVEL 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM • $20 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED A workshop designed for individuals who want to begin their family history research but don’t know where to start. Learn how to find and navigate archival records such as vital statistic records, census records, property tax assessments and more!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

DIGGING UP YOUR ROOTS: GENEALOGY WORKSHOP – INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM • $20 PER PERSON PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED A workshop designed for individuals who have some experience doing genealogy research but want to dig a little deeper into their local archives’ collection. Learn how to find and navigate land records including abstracts and deeds and other archival records such as wills, legal records, family collections and more! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 6TH ANNUAL NORFOLK COUNTY GENEALOGY SYMPOSIUM 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM • $25 PER PERSON • PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED A conference style event that includes vendors, a used book sale of local history and genealogy books, and engaging sessions on family history research from various guest speakers across Ontario. The symposium offers a variety of topics geared to both beginners and avid genealogists!

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

GAME ON! A HISTORY OF LOCAL SPORTS AND RECREATION This exhibit will celebrate the rich history of local sports and recreation, from the rise of softball in the area to the captivating wrestling matches at Town Hall. Through photographs, archival materials, and artifacts, visitors will explore how sports and other recreational activities have shaped community identity and inspired lifelong participation. TUESDAY, JUNE 9 -FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 THROUGH FOLKLORE & FOG: MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF NORFOLK Step into the shadows of Norfolk County and uncover its most enduring myths and legends that have shaped local folklore. From tales of buried treasure to whispers of witches and wandering spirits, this exhibit explores how such stories take root—and what they reveal about the people and places behind them. Unearth rare artifacts, photographs, and archival material that reveal how truth and myth intertwine.

Plan Your Visit www.norfolkheritage.ca

Museums Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Archives Open: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE MUSEUMS

FRIDAY, APRIL 17; FRIDAY, JUNE 5; FRIDAY, JUNE 26

PA DAYS AT PORT DOVER & WATERFORD MUSEUMS 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM • ADMISSION BY DONATION

Learn, explore and create on your PA Days at Norfolk’s museums. We’ll have a special drop-in activity or craft ideal for grades K-4. Make something special while learning more about the museum. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 - FRIDAY, MARCH 20 MARCH BREAK AT THE MUSEUMS 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM • ADMISSION BY DONATION Parents and grandparents! Grab the kids and drop in to the museums Wednesday through Friday to make a craft. Feel free to come back each day for a new craft! Don’t forget to take a look around the museum and complete a scavenger hunt while you’re here.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

YOUTH VOLUNTEER AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ORIENTATION DAY: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSUEM WATERFORD HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

Our Youth Volunteer and Mentorship program was so successful that we are bringing it back for 2026. Youth volunteers can offer something unique to our programs, whether you have a special talent or interest or just enjoy working with kids. The Youth Volunteer and Mentorship Program is offered to youth ages 14 and older. Volunteering is a great way to begin to build a resume, earn school volunteer hours, make new friends, and develop leadership skills. Before they can begin to volunteer, all youths are required to attend an orientation day at one of the museums. This short session includes an introduction to the museum, Health & Safety and AODA training, a fun museum challenge, and a pizza lunch. After successful completion of the museum orientation, youth volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in programming. Volunteers will be scheduled based on need.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE MUSEUMS

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION STARTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 COST: $37.25 PER DAY, PER CHILD

Registration starts Wednesday, May 6. Camp runs from Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with the exception of holidays. Register for a single day or for a whole week. Full details, including what campers need to bring, are available by visiting our website. Ages 5-10, children must be 5 years old on the day of camp. Proof of age required at drop off. CANCELLATION POLICY: If there is not enough interest in a specific camp program, the program will be cancelled at the discretion of museum staff, and those who have registered will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued if the registrant chooses to no longer participate. DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE Passport to the world: July 6 - 10 Camp Critter: July 13 - 17 Christmas in July: July 20 - 24 Lost in Space: July 27 - 31 Under the Sea: August 10 - 14

Enchanted Lands: August 17 - 21

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM Inventor’s Workshop: July 6 - 10 Magical Mayhem: July 13 - 17 Game On!: August 4 - 7 Weird Wonders: August 10 - 14 WATERFORD HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

Outdoor Explorers: July 6 - 10 Creative Kids: July 13 - 17 Science Superstars: July 20 - 24 Superb Sports: August 4 - 7 Blast to the Past: August 10 - 14 Myths & Monsters: August 17 - 21

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAMPS, GO TO WWW.NORFOLKHERITAGE.CA 19

CONTACTS

NORFOLK COUNTY ARCHIVES 109 Norfolk Street South, Simcoe 519-426-5870 ext. 1035 archives@norfolkcounty.ca @NorfolkArchives

@NorfolkArchives

DELHI TOBACCO MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE 200 Talbot Road, Delhi 519-426-5870 ext. 8213 delhi.museum@norfolkcounty.ca @delhimuseum

@dtmhc_canada

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM 44 Harbour Street, Port Dover 519-426-5870 x1037 portdover.museum@norfolkcounty.ca

@portdoverharbourmuseum

WATERFORD HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM 159 Nichol Street,Waterford 519-426-5870 ext. 1046 waterford.museum@norfolkcounty.ca

@waterfordmuseum

@whammuseum

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