The site of Kawartha Settlers' Village in Bobcaygeon, Ontaario was originally the Murphy Dairy Farm from 1900-1938. After 1938 the land was still lived on by the Murphy’s, however it was no longer used as a dairy farm. In 1977 the site became property of the Village of Bobcaygeon through tax arrears and in 1983 there was a demolition permit issued for the original farm-house. Local artists were looking for a place to meet and display their work. Also, a few old timers were talking about the need to preserve and protect local history. Somehow the two ideas came together and a small group was formed to move Henderson House to the Murphy Farm.
The year, 1990 saw the Bobcaygeon Council agree to lease the land for 99 years to the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society in order to establish an arts and heritage village for the Kawartha region. The village is now called the Kawartha Settlers’ Village. Since 1990 buildings have been moved from the local area to our site to establish a small pioneer village. Some of our buildings include homes, a church, a general store, a school-house and much more.
Kawartha Settler's Village is a registered non-profit organization established and managed entirely by volunteers. The Village relies for its financing upon public donations, fundraising by Village supporters and occasional grants by government.