Four things we do, and how each one works.
All of it is run by volunteers from the Nelson County Historical Society. Call ahead and someone will meet you at the gate.
One class, one morning, six buildings.
A visit usually starts in the country school, because that is the room students recognise and the one that surprises them most. Where you go next is up to you. The blacksmith shop if they want to see iron worked. The depot if you are teaching the railroad. The barn and the machinery building if the lesson is farming. We keep it to one class at a time so every student can get to the front.
Ninety minutes to three hours, your call
Grades 2 through 12, with the talk pitched to the grade
Bring lunch and eat at the gazebo or down in the park
Free for schools in Nelson County and the counties next door
Two weeks notice lets us line up the right volunteers
The buildings stay locked until a volunteer walks you in.
Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5, June through Labor Day, the buildings are open and guides are on the grounds. Outside those hours you can still walk the trail and look at the outsides any day the weather allows. Bus groups, clubs, family reunions and church groups can arrange a weekday tour.
Sundays 1 to 5, June through Labor Day
Group tours by arrangement the rest of the year
Free will offering at the door
Most buildings accessible, paved trail throughout
A small shop that pays for roof repairs.
The shop is inside the Old Main Street USA building, along the hall from the veterans room and the library. Nelson County and township history books, some of them out of print. Photo prints and postcards of the buildings. Hard candy, pencils and small toys priced so a whole school group can each buy something. Cash or cheque, and every dollar goes back into the Village.
Open during Sunday tours and all Threshing Bee weekend
County history books, township plat books, local memoirs
Souvenirs under a dollar for school groups
Two days when the whole Village runs.
Steam engines belted to the separator, a parade down the Village street, and a breakfast that starts before the dew is off the grass.
Thresher's breakfast and food vendors
Tractor pull and Saturday parade
Horse-drawn wagon rides
Pioneer demonstrations, spinning wool to sawmill cutting
Indoor craft show and live music on the Main Street stage
Petting zoo, face painting and kids events
Bracelets are sold at the gate and stay good for both days as long as they stay on. Call (701) 247-3008 for this year’s dates.