No matter what time of year it is, a visit to the Ross Farm Museum is always a wonderful way to spend a day. Celebrating it’s 50th year as a museum following it’s purchase by the New Ross District Museum Society in 1969, Ross Farm Museum let’s you take a step back in time and experience how life was in rural Nova Scotia over 100 years ago.
Situated on 60 acres in beautiful New Ross, Ross Farm Museum welcomes you to visit heritage buildings, such as Rose Bank Cottage, home to original owner Captain Ross’s family dating back to 1817, the school house, stave mill, cooper shop and more. Costumed interpreters are on hand to chat about the way of life in the 19th century and demonstrate skills such as candle making, barrel making and ox shoeing.
The farm is home to a number of heritage breeds of sheep, chickens, pigs and cattle. Watch the oxen at work as they plow the land, harvest the crops and move heavy objects, there are no tractors here. Keep your eye out for the friendly barn cats, who are usually patrolling the grounds on mouse duty!
There are two interpretive nature trails to enjoy by foot year round or explore them with a guided wagon ride or, weather permitting, a winter sleigh ride. The Farm is a photographers dream, between the buildings, animals, landscape and heritage equipment, there is another perfect shot around every corner.
Undergoing some needed renovations four years ago, the new Learning Centre features changing exhibits, a working hearth, an industrial kitchen and classroom space for workshops. With a nod to more modern times, the centre uses a highly efficient geothermal system for heating and cooling.
The Learning Centre is also home to the New Ross Historical Society and houses The Pedlar’s Shop . Just outside the centre, on Sundays between June and October, you will find the Rural Roots Market. A weekly market with a spot for home gardeners “overflow” produce, as well as local food vendors, entertainment and a signature Ploughman’s Picnic Lunch.
Ross Farm Museum is ready and able to accept bus tours, and school trips and even has parking for your RV or Trailer.
December 7th & 8th experience Christmas in the Country at Ross Farm. A wonderful time to visit the farm and experience Christmas memories in a simpler time.
As part of the New Ross Christmas Festival staff at Ross Farm Museum has put together a great program for your enjoyment. Step back in time to experience Christmas in the Country. At Rosebank Cottage sample, traditional dishes from the period such as plum pudding, sugar cookies & warm spiced cider.
There will be craft activities in the schoolhouse and farm workshop. Weather permitting there will be horse-drawn rides.
Have you been to Ross Farm lately? Planning a visit during Christmas in the Country? Let us know what you enjoy about visiting the Farm and stepping back in time.
