Museum of Dufferin

The Heritage Attraction at a Glance & the Story Behind the Site

The Museum of Dufferin (MoD) is a community museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Dufferin County — from agricultural settlement and pioneer life to industry, culture, and community stories. The museum is housed in a striking bank-barn style building designed to reflect the rural and agricultural heritage of the region and is located at 936029 Airport Road in Mulmur Township.

Museum of Dufferin (MoD) Building

The origins of the Museum go back to 1963 when the Dufferin County Historical Society established the Shelburne Pioneer Museum. The collection was later entrusted to the County, and by 1994 a purpose-built facility opened to better showcase the region’s historical artifacts, archives, and stories in a welcoming and accessible setting.

Welcome to the Museum

Inside, MoD’s exhibitions explore the social, cultural, and economic development of local communities, ranging from daily life, farming, and industry to families, transportation, and decorative arts. Exhibits change regularly, inviting repeat visits and fresh discoveries about how residents shaped the county over time.

Museum Church - Museum of Dufferin

The MoD also acknowledges that the museum resides on the traditional territory and ancestral lands of the Tionontati (Pétun), Attawandaron (Neutral), Haudenosaunee (Six Nations), and Anishinaabe peoples, and it honours Indigenous connections to the land, waterways, and resources that continue today.

Inside the Museum

Agriculture at the Heart of the Story

Agriculture has long been a defining part of Dufferin County’s history, and the Museum of Dufferin reflects this in both its building design and its collections. The barn-inspired architecture itself celebrates the county’s agricultural roots, echoing the traditional structures that farmers built and used across the region.

Looking Down

Within the MoD’s galleries and interpretive spaces, visitors encounter artifacts and stories connected to rural life, from tools and equipment to exhibits that illustrate how farming families lived, adapted, and contributed to community growth. These displays help reveal how agricultural practices supported household economies, shaped settlement patterns, and influenced local culture.

Inside Store - Museum of Dufferin (MoD)

By contextualizing rural and farming history alongside broader social and industrial developments, the Museum encourages visitors to see agriculture not as an isolated activity but as a key thread in the tapestry of county life, one that influenced food systems, labour, and community connections throughout Dufferin’s evolution.

Log Cabin in Museum

Rooted in the Local Community

The Museum of Dufferin is a community hub supported by volunteers, local partners, and residents who contribute to exhibits, events, workshops, and archives. Its programming ranges from hands-on workshops and seasonal celebrations to guest speaker series, family-friendly events, and historical tours that welcome people of all ages.

Although it has experienced temporary closures, MoD continues to offer dynamic experiences that reflect both tradition and contemporary community life. The museum’s exhibitions — including rotating displays, art shows, and installations — help connect visitors with stories of local industry, agriculture, settlement, and daily life in Dufferin County.

Glassware

Serving as a place to learn, reflect, and connect, the Museum of Dufferin remains a valued cultural resource for local residents and travellers alike, helping to preserve the county’s past while fostering appreciation for its present and future.

Press Button for Museum of Dufferin Website