The Ross Farm Heritage Museum is doing its best to navigate through challenges the pandemic has presented.
The museum was forced to shut down for six months last year and has seen a significant drop in the number of visitors due to COVID-19 protocols.
Communications Officer Matthew Gates says pre-pandemic they would see up to 200 visits each weekend but now are limited to 50 per day. For special events that number could go as high as 600 to 1,200 people.
“Probably one of the areas the pandemic has impacted us the most would be in our programming and interpretation as we have always been a very hands-on museum where people get to touch and feel and would get to try their hand at doing many of the things that were common on a farm like this 200 years ago,” he explained. “So, of course, we have had to remove much of the hands-on experience in order to create a safe experience for everyone during this time. In saying that, we are constantly looking at ways we can change our interpretation and programing.”
Gates adds despite the challenges staff used the downtime to do a lot of maintenance work around the property.
“Quite a bit of money came in through Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, probably about $400,000 worth to do maintenance around the site and that kept staff working and ensured we could make improvements around here…the museum probably looks as good as it has ever looked. So, that money has certainly kept us going,” said Gates.
The museum in New Ross is now offering its popular horse and wagon rides along with snowshoeing. The sleigh rides started back up earlier this month and bookings are being snapped up quickly.
“We are just doing them on the weekends now, provided there is snow, and the conditions are good. We are basically taking one family bubble at a time and everyone is wearing a mask and they still get their usual sleigh ride that they are familiar with and everyone enjoys,” Gates explained.
What a beautiful first weekend to be open and we are so happy to be offering sleigh rides! We booked completely for today and tomorrow but if you would like to book your family in for a upcoming weekend there is still lots of availability! Book a visit! https://t.co/mZFIcgkYWL pic.twitter.com/xKohRWmlfO
— Ross Farm Museum (@RossFarmMuseum) February 13, 2021
Gates says those events must book in advance and can be done through their website or by phoning 902-689-2210.
Ross Farm Museum was established in 1969 and is a window into the past of Nova Scotia’s rich agricultural history.
