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          The Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage in
Stirling, Ontario  In our facilities we have handled up to 2 buses at once (80
people), however we ideally only like to have one bus at the museum at
one time.  However there is lots to see and do in Stirling, for example
there is the Stirling Festival Theatre, many specialty shops and
restaurants, as well as this large museum.  The village of Stirling is
only about 30 minutes from Highway 401 so it is not that far off the
beaten path.   Here is a bit of background information about the 
Museum.

 created here at the museum.  The idea of a museum to preserve some of
the regions heritage was born just after the 1986 plowing match, which
was held just outside of Stirling.  Such a great collection of antique
machinery came out of the region  for the display that people thought 
it would be a shame if this material were lost to the area.  Hence the 
idea of a museum was born.  Years passed as the selection of a site
encountered one pitfall after another.  

Finally an agreement was arrived at with the Stirling Fair Board to locate on their property.  
Work started on the first building in 1997 after a group of directors and
founding members arranged for a loan of $20,000 dollars from the local
bank.  The loan was repaid before the building was finished.  From 
there we have progressed to over 26,000 sq. ft. of display space and over
425,000 dollars contributed since the completion of the most recent
project.  The museum remains debt free today.  We have just completed
the structure of the tillage building.  Plans are afoot for a 
storefront display which includes a blacksmith, harness shop, and a gas station as
well as a building for a 1928 Fairbanks-Morse diesel, two cycle, single
cylinder stationary engine.  Who knows what else the fertile minds of
the members will dream up next.
     Out of the original members of the museum, has grown a tractor 
club with over 60 members that is very active and meets the third Wednesday
of each month, new members are always welcome.  In the 60 ft. extension
of the main building as well as a live honey bee
 display, we have an apple exhibit and a re-creation of downtown
Stirling soda fountain (1920 to 1969 vintage).  One of the most
unexpected results that has developed, has been the addition of the
ladies division with a display of an early 20th century country
household.  When I say unexpected it was something the early members 
had not thought of, but it was a large oversight on our part as the 
comments on this area have been extremely positive.  This display was put
together and  is staffed by the ladies from the Women's Institutes in
Hastings county.
 A new addition to the museum is audio/visual equipment that is
enhancing the Dairy Industry display at the museum.  This venture is
revolutionary to the museum setting in Canada and was financed by The
Trillium Foundation, Hydro 1, Hastings County Plowmen's
 Association, and Trenval Business Development Corporation.  The total
cost of the audio/visual component was approximately
 $105,000.
     To date the Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage has
spent $300,000 of its own money and has received approximately
 $200,000 in donations and gifts in kind, this does not include
artifacts.  It is these donations and gifts that allow this museum to
exist  in the capacity that it does today.
     What has been described is only a small part of what the museum
will be in 10 years.  We will continue to build on a "DREAM" that
 was held be many local people.  This is an example of dreams coming
true.
 The museum is open seven days a week, 10:00am. to 4:00 p.m.  Please
feel free to book a tour date at your convenience.
 Hope to see you soon!!
 Sincerely,
 The President, Directors, and Staff
 Jack Rushnell      President  1-613-395-1763
 Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage 1-613-395-0015