ABOUT US
Our Vision
All Dufferin County residents and visitors are immersed in the stories and history of Dufferin County’s people, places and culture.
Our Mission
The MoD collects and preserves the stories of the people, places and culture of Dufferin County — past and present — and shares them through engaging and inclusive experiences.
Our Values
Local Heritage – We are commited to collecting, preserving, uncovering and sharing the tangible and intangible heritage of Dufferin County.
Innovative and Engaging – We are dedicated to creating engaging programming and experiences, exploring innovative tools and approaches.
Integrity and Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and collections, operating with transparency to create a safe work and community environment.
Accessible and Inclusive – We strive to provide welcoming, accessible and inclusive experiences for diverse audiences.
People-focused and Collaborative – We prioritize people and aim to bring together multiple perspectives and invite opportunities for relationship building and collaboration.
Land Acknowledgement
The Museum of Dufferin respectfully acknowledges that Dufferin County resides within the traditional territory and ancestral lands of the Tionontati (Pétun), Attawandaron (Neutral) Haudenosaunee (Six Nations), and Anishinaabe peoples.
We also acknowledge that various municipalities within the County of Dufferin reside within the treaty lands named under the Haldimand Deed of 1784 and two of the Williams Treaties of 1818: Treaty 18: the Nottawasaga Purchase, and Treaty 19: The Ajetance Treaty.
These traditional territories upon which we live and learn are steeped in rich Indigenous history and traditions. It is with this statement that we declare to honour and respect the past and present connection of Indigenous peoples with this land, its waterways and resources.
"The Big Green Barn with the Red Roof"
Nestled in the Hills of Mulmur Township, the Museum of Dufferin (formerly the Dufferin County Museum & Archives) opened at its current location in 1994.
The Museum’s roots date to 1963 when the Dufferin County Historical Society established the Shelburne Pioneer Museum. The Museum’s artifact collection was officially donated to the County in 1988 and relocated to the current facility by 1994.
Not Just a Barn...
The MoD facility was purpose-built as a museum. The style of an Ontario bank-barn was chosen to reflect the rural and agricultural heritage of the region. Just like a traditional barn-raising bee, the community came together to complete the project. Since opening, community donations and support have helped diversify the MoD’s collection and offerings.
The MoD Experience
We pride ourselves on offering a welcoming, unique, and enriching environment for our visitors. Each year the MoD offers an eclectic variety of experiences by way of exhibitions, events, programs, and tours. Our visitors, members, donors, partners and volunteers are the heart of who we are and what we do.
Increasingly, folks travelling to and from the GTA and Georgian Bay are turning in here to check us out. It does not matter whether it is for a quick stop or the full experience – you are welcome here. You will discover a friendly community hub complete with enticing exhibits, travel information, spectacular views, a gift shop and clean washrooms. We like to think the MoD is where the city meets the country, in beautiful measure.
What's Here...
Our facility features three galleries and four historic buildings that host long-term and short-term exhibitions and art shows. The MoD is also home to the Dufferin County Archives. Check out our current exhibitions here.
