A glimpse into Annapolis Valley farming history
If you want a great place to visit where people take pride in heritage farming methods, then Northville Farm Heritage Centre (NFHC) is the place to go.
NFHC was started in Billtown in 2001 and has grown into a wonderful place for people of all ages to explore.
Visitors can 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 building and a working windmill, sawmill, vintage outdoor equipment, functioning blacksmith shop, cooperage, canteen, and much more, especially, enthusiastic volunteers, says board member Carmen Legge.
“We pride ourselves on being interactive,” says Legge. “You can touch the fabric, ring the bells, smell the smoke, crank the handle, and so on.”
There are special events throughout the summer that can be found listed on the website at northvillefarm.ca. On those days, there is much more activity going on.
“They do a great job at incorporating kids with a scavenger hunt sheet of things to find throughout the farm and at some events they have things like face painting, balloon animals and a fish pond,” says Martha Dill, an avid fan of the farm.
Don’t miss out on the food, either. With the cookhouse on site, it is very easy to make a day of it and grab lunch while you are there, says Dill.
Over the summer, NFHC is staffed five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can let staff know you’re coming at info@northvillefarm.ca or just show up and see what the volunteers are working on. Entrance is by freewill donation. You can also book private tours and school groups are always welcome. Dogs are also permitted on a leash.