How does Dufferin celebrate its heritage? Traditionally, by involving the entire community and by celebrating all year long! The staff of the Dufferin County Museum and Archives are looking forward to 2009. Why? Because they are planning events and programs for the whole community for the whole year to celebrate their 15th anniversary at the site on Airport Road in Mulmur Township.

To start, the entire facility will have new exhibits for 2009. First, opening in February, Corn Flower:, "Decades of Design" will feature the DCMA's nationally known W. J. Hughes Corn Flower collection showcased with fashion items dating from the early 1920s to the 1980s. The exhibit features everything from sleek geometric deco to the free form styles of the swinging 1960s. Starting during the month of April half of the main gallery will feature the second new exhibit "Celebration 15 - Glitz, Kitsch, Funky and Fun". This exhibit showcases many of the donations from the past 15 years that are unusual, unique and sometimes even tacky.

One case will feature comic character hooked rugs and another the famous 1960s pottery Happy Horning Snake, created by Norma Hutchings of Horning's Mills. This was truly a unique attempt at distinctive Dufferin tourist items. The third exhibit opens in May and is titled "Made of Wood". The hundreds of objects in the DCMA collection that are constructed of wood or wood products are featured. The exhibit not only showcases the texture and beauty of natural woods but also the artistry of their Dufferin County makers. Dufferin-made furniture will impress even the most discerning Canadians collector. In the fall of the year an exhibit featuring our quilt collection will replace the Corn Flower display.

2009 will see other celebrations at the Dufferin County Museum. Ken Weber, well known Canadian author and DCMA supporter, will be part of our historical speaker series. Other new adult programming will teach participants early cooking and craft techniques. Programs for children and families will continue throughout the year. The summer classical concert series organized annually by Dorothy Jane Needles of Rosemont will continue with an addition of a special 15th anniversary variety show which will feature local wellknown and lesserknown, (but really great) Dufferin performers.

The New Year will also see the DCMA "reintroduce" the facility to the community. Promotion will focus on getting the residents of Dufferin to visit their own museum. New volunteers will be recruited for special projects and a community wide membership drive will begin in the spring.

Dufferin County has a unique and interesting heritage and it is being shown off in what has become known as one of Ontario's premier community museum and archives. These 15th anniversary events and exhibits can only produce further pride and knowledge in our community. New residents will get to know our county and the old timers can reconnect with their families' past.

Watch this paper for details as they unfold or better yet, become a member of the DCMA! Family memberships start at $25, a bargain in today's economy. Call 1-877-941- 7787 and sign up today.

Be part of Dufferin County's many new heritage events and celebrations at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives for their special 15th anniversary. See first hand how Dufferin celebrates its special landmarks; you can be part of history to!

The Dufferin County Museum and Archives is situated on the North East corner of Hwy 89 and Airport Rd. For more information, please call 705-435-1881 or toll free 1-877-941-7787, or visit our website, at www.dufferin museum.com