June 18 - September 30, 2022
Gala opening on Saturday, June 18th
Barns are the universal symbol of rural life. In the case of Waterford and the former Townsend Township, chicken and dairy barns, tobacco, storage and pack barns, to name a few, dot the landscape with their various styles, shapes and colours. These built pieces of our agricultural heritage are multifaceted and an essential tool on every farm. But, with the ever changing needs of modern agriculture, many of the classic barns have been altered or simply left to vanish.
In an effort to preserve this history, the Waterford & Townsend Historical Society embarked on a major project to photograph and catalogue the barns and outbuildings of the area. Initiated by the late Doris Wilson and passionately furthered by the late Cathy Judd, the Barn Project Committee of the Historical Society travelled the concession roads and captured hundreds of images over the last decade. New barns, old barns and, since the project started, barns that are no longer.
WHAM is honoured to partner with the Historical Society to present the debut of The Townsend Barns Project - a multimedia exhibition showcasing the barns of Waterford and Townsend. All are welcome to the grand opening being held on Saturday, June 18 as part of the Norfolk County-wide Community Day with presentations starting at 1:00pm followed by refreshments. The exhibit runs from June 18 until September 30, 2022.
Watch for updates and special announcements on this exhibit via social media and e-blasts.