Northville Farm Heritage Centre
Northville Farm Heritage Centre
If you want a great place to visit where people take pride in heritage farming methods, then Northville Farm is the place to go!
Tucked away behind Kentville at the base of the mountain, you will find this farm centre that was created completely by volunteers.
Here’s what the website says
Northville Farm Heritage Centre is located in the midst of the best agricultural land in Nova Scotia. A dedicated group of volunteers with farming blood in their veins have been erecting buildings one at a time, beginning with Heritage Hall.
Our functioning windmill used to supply water to Hayes Mill at Coldbrook.
The sawmill and shingle mill are often demonstrated at our special events. The Bentley Barn, Carriage House and Sawler Building are filled with antiques.
The Cookhouse supplies drinks and hot food whenever a crowd gathers here.
Carmen Legge is the blacksmith there and says:
When people come to the Heritage Centre they will see household displays in the main hall, tools, woodworking and more household displays in the Bentley Barn, transportation displays in the Carriage House, agriculture displays in the Sawler Biulding, a working windmill, sawmill, vintage outdoor equipment, functioning blacksmith shop, cooperage, canteen, and much more, especially, enthusiastic volunteers. We pride ourselves on being interactive. You can touch the fabric, ring the bells, smell the smoke, crank the handle, and more!
Our Visit
When we went, they were doing the spring planting and we watched them plough the fields using oxen and horses, and heritage farm implements.
Daniel and his cousin Luke made a great YouTube video about their time at the farm.
When is it open?
Primarily, the NFHC is open during special events that run a couple of times a year.
These include a winter frolic, spring planting, tractor pulls, harvest festivals and hand mowing competitions.
Check the website for details, or watch the Valley Family Fun calendar of events.
You can also book private tours, and school groups are always welcome. Such school programs need to be requested well in advance.
Where is it located?
The NFHC is located at 1158 Steadman Road, Billtown, Kings Co., Nova Scotia.
On google maps: http://goo.gl/maps/IrfPt
How much does it cost?
Entrance to the NFHC is by donation. All money goes towards the upkeep of the farm and the museum, as do the proceeds from the canteen, so please be as generous as you can.
Read my article in the Advertiser that gives more details about the farm.
Other Amenities
Besides the cookhouse, there is also a small playground for kids.
Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
If you are looking for a fun half-day activity, check out one of the special events at the Northville Heritage Farm and learn about how life was back in the Valley a hundred years ago!
