DCMA Education Programs

All New Education Programs for Dufferin County and Surrounding Areas!

Program Descriptions

Pioneers and Early Settlers:
This is a two hour program with in-depth discussions on daily life as a pioneer and early settlers. We bring topics to light that you would not normally be aware of. Just what did they wear? In fact your guide herself will be in proper 1860’s attire. How did they cook?  What tools did they have? What did pioneers bring with them? You also get a guided tour though an early log cabin.  If you so choose we can come to you with a traveling trunk show. This is a box filled with items of what people would have brought with them from their home countries. We will discuss why these items were selected and why they were so important. With this road show each child will receive a free day pass to Dufferin County Museum & Archives.

First Nations:
Ever wonder about the daily lives of the First Nations peoples of our past? What did they wear? How did they cook? What did they eat? Can you imagine life without blankets, matches, axes or cooking kettles? Discover what life was like over 400 years ago through a new interactive education program, delivered by professional interpreters/re-enactors on the site of the Dufferin County Museum! Beginning with First Nations peoples, the program also explores the Fur Trade and Voyageurs. The importance of the Trade Bead is shared and participants will get to see original Hudson Bay Beads along with many other authentic artifacts, accoutrements and native beadwork. There's even an opportunity to try-on period clothing to see what a Voyageur looked like and to learn how to portage! This is the most requested and highly visual of all the programs we offer. This program covers first nation and what their life was like before the Europeans arrived. To help with visuals your guide will be dressed in costume of a Chippewa. We will discuss in depth how their lives changed by trading furs for manufactured items. See and touch all types of furs along with brain tanned hides. This fascinating two-hour program will engage participants of all ages and is adaptable to any age group...or the First Nations program can come to your class or community room. We are also pleased to offer a special one-hour "Roadshow" version of the First Nations education program (see description above), delivered to your class or group at your location! Available year-round. 

General Information

Program Leader
DCMA Education Program Leader Ruthan Johnson, of Mono, has over 30 years experience in re-enacting and, living history, portraying first nations and fur trade. She has 14 years experience in historical interpretation of Canadian pioneer life and food ways. She has written and implemented an 1830’s Sugar Bush program at Bruce’s Mill for several years. Wearing her carefully researched and reproduced costumes that she has constructed herself. She teaches through hands on activities, crafts and by celebrating oral traditions.

Curriculum
Program content can be adapted to meet Ontario Curriculum requirements for Grades 3 to Grade 8.

Class Size
Maximum 1 class of 35 students.

Program Locations/Options
DCMA programs can be delivered on-site at the Museum facility, or a special "Road Show" version can be delivered right in your classroom!

Program Duration & Start Times
On-site program is two hours in duration, with a choice of start times: 9:30 am or 12:30 pm. The maximum length of a "Road Show" program is one hour.  Call the DCMA to pre-arrange all education programs.

Program Fees

Pioneers and Early Settlers Program
On-site, in Museum: $200.00
Road Show: $150.00

First Nations
On-site, in Museum: $250.00
Road Show: $150.00

Special Bonus!
Participants in all "Road Shows" will receive a free day pass to Dufferin County Museum & Archives!

Watch this page regularly for more programs being offered, and call us to discuss your unique program requirements and ideas...custom programs can be arranged.

Booking Information

To book an education program, and for more information, contact:

Ruthan Johnson, Co-ordinator, Education Programs
Dufferin County Museum & Archives
Post Office Box 120
Rosemont, Ontario
L0N 1R0
Toll Free 1.877.941.7787 or
705.435.1881
Extension 32
Fax: 705.435.9876
schoolprograms@dufferinmuseum.com