Crime & Punishment: Maintaining Order in Norfolk County

Runs until August 29, 2025

The exhibit explores 125 years of Norfolk County’s legal system, focusing on the County Courthouse and Jail, highlighting famous true crime stories and exploring the history of local law enforcement. Visitors will delve into a variety of artifacts and archival materials that reveal the complex history of crime and punishment and the lasting impact of historical justice practices.

Runs until May 29, 2026

The “Carillon 100: A Century of Remembering” exhibit explores the history of Norfolk County’s War Memorial. 100 years ago, the iconic Carillon Tower was dedicated to the 216 men and 1 woman from Norfolk who lost their lives during the Great War of 1914-1918. Over 500 Great War Veterans, bands, dignitaries and school children marched in the largest parade ever seen in Norfolk County. Now 100 years later, Carillon Tower continues to serve as a lasting memorial to the brave Norfolk residents who fought for freedom. 

MAY – DEC

The sandy soil that is ideal for flue-cured tobacco also lends itself well to a plethora of other crops. The decline in tobacco production and the shift to alternative crops in recent years has made Norfolk County one of the most diverse agricultural areas in Canada. This new exhibit explores the transition from tobacco to crops like lavender, ginseng, and many others that make Norfolk “Ontario’s Garden.”

JUL 9 – SEP 27

Red and white is a classic colour scheme for quilt making that was very popular for over a century. This exhibition explores the infinite variations of pattern and design possible using just these two colours as well as the reasons behind why these colours were often paired.  Many of these quilts were made for fundraising purposes but others were made for domestic use and of course today, in Canada, red and white has a particular patriotic meaning. Come and celebrate over 50 red and white quilts, gathered from across southwestern Ontario, on display at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum this summer!

WHAM would like to acknowledge and thank Heather Smith for organizing this exhibition and to the many contributors: Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives, Annandale National Historic Site, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Elgin County Museum, Grey Roots Museum & Archives, Huron County Museum, County of Lambton Museums, Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Dept., North Buxton National Historic Site, Wellington County Museum & Archives, Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, as well as a special thank-you to the Twilight Quilters’ Guild. 

-James Christison, WHAM Curator

JUL 16 – JAN 1

DOVER DUCKS: The Carvings of Thircul Church

Unhappy with the hunting ducks available on the market, Port Dover’s Thircul Church taught himself how to make his own decoys. Now approaching 50 years of carving, Thircul has crafted nearly 1500 ducks and birds.  – see a handful of the working decoys, decorative ducks, shorebirds and a few wonderful one off that’s he’s carved.

SEP – DEC

Bikes blaze around the track at an astonishing 70 km per hour and a 55-degree angle as they navigate the corners of the Delhi velodrome. Local cyclists had one of the most modern indoor circuits in the province and it was built by one of its own. Albert Coulier went on to build tracks around the world and raced in his fair share. This new exhibit explores Norfolk’s champions, builders, and innovators in a sport not for the faint of heart.

NOV  29, 2025 – MAR 15, 2026

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.