What was once a thriving family farm, Kawartha Settlers’ Village is now home to a fascinating collection of over 20 historic homes and buildings.  Experience what life was like for pioneers in the Kawartha’s as you stroll leisurely through the Village and discover artifacts from 1830 – 1935.

Kawartha Settlers’ Village which was established in 1990 with the goal to preserve the history and culture of the Bobcaygeon area which was slowly disappearing. Today, the Village is run by the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society.

Take a walk on the wild side…..

Come visit our Nature Trail and Environmental Park with a myriad of plant-life, wild flowers, trees and shrubs.

Also, a great area for bird watchers as a wide variety of birds found in the Kawartha’s may be spotted throughout the year.

The Nature Trail on the same site as Kawartha Settlers’ Village, meanders around the perimeter, so as you stroll along you will catch glimpses of log homes and historic buildings – and perhaps a sketcher or two – adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Courses and Classes

Many different groups meet at Kawartha Settlers’ Village and use the Henderson House and Wray House as their meeting place. Kawartha Settlers’ Village could not survive without the support of the groups and new members are always welcome!

The following groups meet at Settlers’ Village:

• Caygeon Carvers – Tuesday Afternoons
• Settlers’ Village Artists Meet Monday Mornings
• Settlers’ Village Quilters’ Guild – Regularly on Tuesdays and Monthly on the Third Tuesday
• Thursty Painters Meet Thursday Mornings from March to June and August to December (Intermediate Level)

School Day Program

We invite teachers and students to participate in our Settlers’ Studies Day Trip program in June of each year, where we provide hands-on activities such as:

• making butter and rope
• spinning wool
• grinding wheat and planting seeds
• baking in our replica outdoor oven
• washing clothes

Tours are also conducted of our Settlers’ School House, Blacksmith Shop, General Store, and more (time permitting).

Kawartha Settlers’ Village is a hands-on history lesson, where children can learn how their pioneer Grandparents and Great-Grandparents lived in their younger years. Please come and see what we have to offer, we are sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Settlers’ Camp

Each summer Kawartha Settlers’ Village hosts a week-long summer day camp for children aged 6-10. The camp is focused on introducing children to the life and times of our ancestors through encouraging them to participate in pioneer activities and chores. The goal of this program is to promote local history and create an exciting atmosphere where children can experience a hands-on approach to learning about their history.

Throughout the course of the week, children are able to participate in various activities including a full tour of Kawartha Settlers’ Village, arts and crafts, hands-on activities such as baking bread and making butter, demonstrations such as shearing sheep, and more. By the end of the week, children will have experienced a brief glimpse of 19th-century life, as well as activities and processes that were considered ‘everyday’ 100+ years ago, but are potentially obsolete today. Children will be able to sample and take home the crafts and goodies that they assist in creating.

Children are encouraged to wear period dress and come willing to learn and participate in the various events.