Bruce County Historical Society

08/19/2026

The Farmerettes Documentary (50 min.)
Q&A with author Bonnie Sitter
23 Sept 2026 - 7:00-9:00PM
Walkerton District Community School
Enjoy the IPM during the day and join us at the public high school at night to see an award-winning documentary on the Farmerette Program of WWII and chat with author, Bonnie Sitter, from Exeter, ON.
To reserve your seat, purchase tickets using this link:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/we-lend-a-hand-the-forgotten-story-of-ontario-farmerettes-walkerton-tickets-1996644985901?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1b3EDC3YbY/

Location Update: Kincardine Welcomes Booth by the pier at the end of Harbour Street

⚓ Take a walk through 175 years of Kincardine’s marine history!

On Saturday, August 22, discover some of the people, industries and events that shaped our community during a Marine Heritage Walking Tour, presented as part of the 11th Annual Marine Heritage Day.

Starting near the mouth of the Penetangore River and making your way toward the Kincardine Lighthouse, your guide will share stories of:

→ Indigenous history and early settlement
→ Shipwrecks and rescues
→ Salt production and commercial fishing
→ Schooners, shipping and the busy harbour
→ The arrival of the railway and a changing waterfront

Long before it became a favourite place to swim, stroll and watch the sunset, Kincardine’s harbour was the community’s front door and the heart of local industry.

📅 Saturday, August 22
📍 Kincardine Welcomes Booth by the pier at the end of Harbour Street
⏰ Tours at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
🥾 Approximately 60 to 90 minutes

The walking tours are part of Marine Heritage Day, a free, family-friendly celebration featuring tall ship tours, marine displays, museum and lighthouse tours, crafts and more. Marine Heritage Day is presented in partnership with ActiveLiving55+ .

⚓ Learn more about Marine Heritage Day at www.kincardinewelcomes.ca/events

Kincardine Welcomes

08/14/2026

08/06/2026

The Bruce County Historical Society is proud to announce the release of its newest publication, Furrows of Bruce County: A Harvest of Stories from the Farm.

Fresh off the press, this 170-page book celebrates 175 years of farming in Bruce County through a rich collection of 77 articles and stories that honour the people, traditions, and innovations that have shaped our agricultural heritage.

Readers will discover the beginnings of agriculture in Bruce County, the growth and evolution of family farms, the diaries and experiences of farm women, the history of fall fairs and plowing matches, and much more. The book is generously illustrated with historic photographs of livestock, vintage tractors, threshing crews, ploughs, and, of course, the furrows that symbolize generations of hard work on the land.

Furrows of Bruce County is a tribute to the farmers and agricultural workers whose dedication has played such a vital role in the county's history. It traces the development of farming from the earliest settlement of Bruce County in the 19th century through the advances of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The book's 77 articles are organized into 12 sections, covering topics from pioneer agriculture to the state of Bruce County's Holstein herds in 2025, contributed by Society President Joyce Osborne. The final chapters explore the enduring traditions of local fall fairs and the county's premier agricultural event—the International Plowing Match.

Copies of Furrows of Bruce County: A Harvest of Stories from the Farm are available for $35. To order a copy, contact the Bruce County Historical Society's Book Sales Director, Bill Stewart, at [email protected].
The book is also available at the following retailers:
• Bruce County Museum, Southampton
• Treasure Chest Museum, Paisley
• Holst Office Supplies, Walkerton and Hanover
• Bruce County Bookstore, Cargill
• Little Blue House Coffee Shop, Tiverton
• Hamilton's Toys and More, Kincardine
• Berford Street Books, Wiarton
• The Shops at 84 Main, Lion's Head
• Readers' Haven Book Store, Tobermory
• Treats & Tales, Kincardine

Visit us at the International Plowing Match this September!

The Bruce County Historical Society will be exhibiting in the History Tent, where visitors can explore Bruce County's rich agricultural past. Be sure to stop by the Society's booth in the Souvenir Tent to purchase your copy of Furrows of Bruce County: A Harvest of Stories from the Farm.

While you're at the International Plowing Match, don't miss Tent City, featuring more than 100 acres of exhibitors, live entertainment, antique machinery, quilt displays, artisan vendors, and historical and educational exhibits celebrating rural life and agriculture.

Whether you're a lifelong farmer, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Bruce County's agricultural roots, Furrows of Bruce County offers a fascinating look at the stories that have cultivated our community for 175 years.

08/06/2026

An Invitation from the Town of Saugeen Shores

A friendly reminder that the Sparks Corner Historical Plaque Ceremony will take place this Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m.

We will gather on the Rail Trail, near the north entrance to the Highway 21 crossing. Hi-Berry Farms has generously offered the use of their parking lot for the event, and a short pathway provides easy access from the parking lot to the Rail Trail.

We are delighted that members of the Sparks family will be joining us for this special occasion. If any family members would like to say a few words during the ceremony, please let me know in advance. Bill Streeter, Mayor Charbonneau, and I will each be making brief remarks.

The current forecast calls for a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, so we're hoping the weather cooperates. If conditions appear too severe to hold the ceremony outdoors, I will notify everyone by email as soon as possible.

If you need to reach me on the day of the event, please feel free to call or text me at 519-389-7582.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Cheryl Grace, Councillor

08/06/2026

Society members, guests, and history enthusiasts enjoyed last night's screening of the English version of Land of a Thousand Sorrows: Reflections of Rebellion.

The film follows the stories of 93 convicted state prisoners transported to Van Diemen's Land after the 1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion and explores the aftermath of their exile.

Filmmaker Deke Richards and Bruce County Historical Society's own Dr. John Carter, an expert on the rebellion, answered audience questions following the screening.

The Bruce County Historical Society was pleased to partner with the Bruce County Museum to make this free presentation possible.

08/05/2026

Join local authors and editors for an evening of stories, history, and conversation at this special wine and cheese reception hosted by the Bruce County Historical Society and Bruce County Genealogical Society

📍 Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
📅 Monday, August 10, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

FREE to attend. Cash Bar will be available. Limited seating.

To register online, visit: brucemuseum.ca/event/local-authors-night-with-wine-and-cheese/

Or register by phone at: 519-797-2080.

08/04/2026

TOMORROW (August 5) join Montreal film maker Deke Richards, as he debuts the new English version of his documentary, “Land of a Thousand Sorrows.”

Learn about the events of the 1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion, the subsequent exile of 93 convicted State Prisoners to Van Dieman’s Land, and the aftermath.

A Q&A period will follow the one-hour screening, with film maker Deke Richards and rebellion expert Dr. John Carter.

📍 Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
📅 Wednesday, August 5, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

FREE to attend. Pre-registration required.

To register online, visit: brucemuseum.ca/event/reflections-of-rebellion/

Or register by phone at: 519-797-2080.

Hosted by the Bruce County Historical Society