South Frontenac Museum Spreads its Wings
The South Frontenac Museum in Hartington tells the story of early inhabitants through artifacts, photographs and exhibits about home and farming life, logging and mining enterprises, school days, local communities and more. But the history of our township extends far beyond the displays in the former limestone schoolhouse. This year, our museum has embarked on a couple of new projects:
1. Scavenger Hunt
The South Frontenac Museum Scavenger Hunt, designed to engage families in a fun way to learn more about the area’s past, provides short descriptions of fourteen historically significant sites. Participants are challenged to find them and complete a task that is only possible by visiting those locations.
You might be asked to make a pencil rubbing of the grave of an early pioneer settler, take a photo of a plaque commemorating where a meteor fell to earth, draw an image of a significant organization’s crest, get a stamp from a longtime local retailer or answer a question based on your observations at a given location.
Pick up the Scavenger Hunt clues at the museum or at: Frontenac Provincial Park, Food Less Travelled in Verona, Trousdale’s General Store, Godfrey General Store or local library branches
If you prefer to view the clues on your device or print your own copy, download the pdf and map from the museum’s Facebook page or website:
https://southfrontenacmuseum.ca/posts/join-the-scavenger-hunt/ or scan the QR code
Earn a certificate by returning your completed Scavenger Hunt to the South Frontenac Museum – 5595 Road 38, Hartington – up until August 22. The Museum is open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 1:00-4:00 pm.
2. Youth Blacksmith Workshop
Another exciting museum project is designed especially for young people. Following a well-attended and informative presentation entitled: The Village Blacksmith in 2026, the South Frontenac Museum is sponsoring an opportunity for two youth to participate in a workshop with Master Blacksmith Stefan Duerst. The lucky pair, chosen through a draw in mid-September, will spend the day learning blacksmithing techniques and create their own tool to take home.
Nominations are open to local youth, aged 14-17 as of September 1, 2026. Complete a nomination form at the museum or email the following information to: [email protected]
Name, date of birth and address of the youth, parent’s name and phone number and the name and relationship of the nominator.
The blacksmith workshop will take place this November. What a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and produce a one-of-a-kind item as a treasured keepsake or holiday gift
