The Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees, honouring the 38 branches of the Women’s Institute (WI), past and present, that have shaped rural life in the region for more than a century.
Inductees are selected based on demonstrated achievements, innovations, and benefits to agriculture and rural development. The committee – Rob Adlam, Melissa Collver, James Christison, Angela Ferreira, Andrew Moore, and Sharon Petheram – also considers the lasting legacy of each nominee.
The WI branches were recognized for their transformative influence, particularly in championing agricultural education and reform. Angela Ferreira, Assistant Curator at the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum explained that these efforts later expanded to include community advocacy.
Their efforts supported farming families and advanced home sciences. Many branches also contributed to the Tweedsmuir community history books.
Ferreira, added that the WI played a vital role in Norfolk’s rural communities. “These were spaces for local women to gather, share knowledge, and advocate for change that directly benefited families and agriculture,” she said.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, September 14 at the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum. While the private event is invitation-only, Ferreira invites the public to view a special exhibit.
For those interested in learning more, the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum’s hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Written by Jeremy Hall