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County of Simcoe | Economic Development Office | Tourism Simcoe County | Simcoe County Museum | Immigration Simcoe

Simcoe County Museum

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Skip Navigation LinksAt The Museum > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

​​​​​​​​​Contact and Visitor Information

What are the Museum's hours?

The Simcoe County Museum is open year round, seven days a week, excluding Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.  Hours may be extended for Special Events.

Museum Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 4:30pm


How much is admission?

Admission to the Museum is by donation. There is no set cost, however there is a suggested fee of $5.00 per person. 

Please note on Event days there is a set fee.

Adults $8

Seniors/Youth $6

Children (4-12 yrs of age) $5 

Preschooler - Free​

Is there parking, and how much is it?

​Yes, we have lots of free parking for individuals and groups.


Do you have a family rate?

​No, but we do have a Family Membership that can be used the day you buy it and is valid for one year.  

Memberships

Single $40.00

Senior/Youth $30.00

Family $60.00

Deluxe $ 80.00

All of the above include admission on regular days to Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County and Waterloo Region Museums.

What kind of Memberships do you have?

  • Single: $40.00
  • Senior/Youth: $30.00
  • Family: $60.00
  • Deluxe: $80.00
  • Patrons: $120.00 (Not available online please call the Museum)
  • Community Services: $30.00

Your memberships (excluding Community Services) entitles you to free admission to the Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, Simcoe County, and Waterloo Region Museums on regular admission days.

Can I use my Simcoe County Museum Membership at any other Museum?

​Yes, all our memberships allow you access to Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, Simcoe County and Waterloo Region Museums on regular admission days.

What is your telephone/fax number/website/email etc?

Directions please? Where are you?

​From Hwy 400, take Bayfield Street North six km to Highway 26 (signed Stayner).  We are on the left at the second driveway (1151 Highway 26)

May we bring our dog?

​Yes, if your dog is kept on a leash and taken to the outside grounds upon arrival.  There is an exception for Service Dogs which are permitted inside.

Are you accessible for wheelchairs/strollers?

Yes, our main building is fully accessible.  In addition, many of our heritage and display buildings are accessible.  Please contact the Museum for full details.

Can we buy our lunch at the Museum?

​Coffee/tea is available as well as a vending machine.  You are also welcome to bring a picnic as we have indoor and outdoor eating areas.  We do ask, however, that you bring snacks and lunches that are peanut and nut free.  We are striving to reduce the risk for our visitors with severe peanut and nut allergies and would appreciate your co-operation in this matter.  If you require further information our staff would be pleased to help.

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​About the Museum

What is the Museum's Mission Statement?

​Through our collections, exhibitions and programming, Simcoe County Museum shares the stories of Simcoe County, encouraging visitors to develop a stronger interest, appreciation and understanding of our culture and heritage.

How did the Museum begin?

​The Simcoe County Museum was established in 1928 by members of the Women's Institute who recognized the need to preserve the area history.

Is the Museum indoors or outdoors?

​The Simcoe County Museum is comprised of five galleries in the main complex, and ten outdoor heritage buildings that have been relocated to the Museum grounds from various locations around Simcoe County. From the 1834 Spearin log home to the 1922 Cedar View Cottage, this architectural display of heritage buildings illustrate daily life and the growth and development of the area. These outdoor buildings close for the winter on November  30th, and re-open May 1st.

What is there for children to do?

​We have a variety of hands on exhibits and a sand box with toys on the grounds outside.  Supervised children may also visit our heritage buildings to really experience the history of Simcoe County.

Is the Museum suitable for children under 5?

​Yes, we have lots for them to look at and heritage and display buildings they can walk through.  Most of our displays are low enough for children to see without help.  The Museum is suitable for all ages, and we find that with our varied collection, everyone will find an area that appeals to them.

What kind of collection do you have?

​Our collection consists of over 25,000 artifacts that tell a part of the history of Simcoe County, with everything from Mastodon remains to heritage buildings.  Our collection is as rich and varied as our history.

Does the Museum do appraisals or restoration work?

​The Museum does occasionally have appraisals completed by an Appraiser for objects from our collection.  Unfortunately, Museum staff cannot conduct appraisals for the general public.  We focus on preventive conservation of our artifacts, and request assistance from professional Conservators to undertake conservation or restoration treatment.

Do you purchase any of your artifacts or are they donated?

​We do not generally purchase artifacts.   Almost all of our collection has been donated by members of our community.

How many visitors do you have each year?

The Museum is very popular with over 30,000 visitors annually.

Do you have a Gift Shop?

​Yes we do.  We stock a variety of unique gifts, locally handcrafted items, educational toys and candy.  We also gift wrap your purchases.  We accept Cash, Debit, Visa or MasterCard.

Do you have meeting space available?

Yes we do:

  • Meeting Room A & B – 120 person capacity - $300 + GST
  • Meeting Room A – 32 person capacity - $125 + GST
  • Meeting Room B – 60 person capacity - $225 + GST

Does the Museum offer any special programs for seniors?

​Yes we do.  If you are a Retiree, Society, Historical Group, Antique Club, Red Hatter or any other special interest group, you are invited to book a program and view our Museum displays.  Please contact education@simcoe.ca​ to book your group.

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Education, Camps and Children's Programs

Do you run Summer Camp Programs?

​​Yes we do.  We also run popular March Break, P.A. Day, and Winter Solstice Camps. More details can be found on our Camps page.

Do you run School/Education Programs?

​Yes, you can find our education programs in our Education Booklet. The booklet can be viewed online on the School page, and they are also available from our Education Department at education@simcoe.ca

Do you run Programs for any other Groups?

​Yes we do.  We conduct programs for youth groups such as Brownies, Sparks and Beavers.  We are also available to conduct tours for adult groups.  If you have an idea or a request for a special program or tour for your group, we would love to hear from you!  Contact the education@simcoe.ca​ for more details.​

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Special Events

Is there anything special going on today/this week?

Please call our Reception Area or check our website for the latest information. You can also visit the Upcoming Events​​ portion of our website.

Do you have an Events Calendar?

​​Yes we do. They are available from the Museum Reception and on our website, and you can view the Events Calendar online in our Upcoming Events​ page.

What are your Special Events?

​For a complete list of events please contact the Museum Reception.  We host a variety of craft shows with our Partner Groups, Summer events, Christmas events, as well as travelling exhibits and temporary exhibits.

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