DATE FOUNDED:
1897

MISSION:
The Brome County Historical Society, which manages the Museum, as well as a number of historic monuments, works to preserve and interpret the history of Brome County and surrounding areas. A membership-based organization, B.C.H.S. is the oldest historical society in the Eastern Townships.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Museum Grounds:

a) Old Fire Hall (1881 & 1904). Built as part of Knowlton Academy (1881), and later converted to a fire station, this building now contains the museum's reception area and boutique. It also contains recreations of an early general store, blacksmith shop, and post office, and an exhibition of farm implements. The fire tower is the last of its kind in the area, and was originally used both as a lookout and for drying out fire hoses.

b) Marion L. Phelps Building (1985). Houses thematic exhibitions, including displays on weaving and printing.

c) Martin Annex (1921). Showcases the military collection, which includes the famous Fokker D-VII biplane from World War I, the only completely original one of its kind in North America, and only one of three in the world.

d) Old Academy Building (The Paul Holland Knowlton Memorial) (1854). This former academy now houses a school room, exhibits of Indian artifacts, pioneer furnishings, Victorian rooms, and children's toys.

e) Centennial Building (1967). Contains administrative offices and a lecture hall.

f) County Court House (1858-59). This imposing neo-classical edifice originally contained the Courthouse and registry office of Brome County. Now houses the extensive Archives of the Brome County Historical Society. The old courtroom, on the second floor, is open to the public and contains most of its original furnishings.

Other Sites managed by the B.C.H.S.:

g) Tibbits Hill Pioneer Schoolhouse (1844). This early one-room schoolhouse, made entirely of stone, operated as a school until 1928. Since 1964, it has been part of the Brome County Museum, which maintains it in its original state. A short drive from Knowlton.

h) 4 historic monuments, including the Nicholas Austin Monument, near Lake Memphremagog.

i) The B.C.H.S. Archives. The Archives contain an extensive collection of material pertaining to the history and genealogy of Brome County and area. Facilities for research and consultation.

COLLECTIONS:
An extensive general collection of artifacts and documentation on Brome County and area.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Thematic exhibitions. Art exhibitions and antique/craft sales (fund-raisers). Self-guided tours. Guided tours for groups. Annual participation at Brome County Fair (September). Annual Fall Foliage Picnic and Tour (October). School groups welcome (by appointment).

PUBLICATIONS:
Yesterdays of Brome County (9 volumes): prices vary.
An extensive list of other publications (please inquire about titles and prices).

BUSINESS HOURS:
Museum:
mid-May to mid-September: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tibbits Hill Pioneer School:
June to August: Sundays only, 2 to 4:30 p.m. (staffed by volunteers) or by special appointment.
Archives:
Year-round: Monday-Friday (and by appointment), 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Please call first.)
Administration:
Year-round: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ENTRY FEES / MEMBERSHIP:
General admission: $5.00; Seniors/Students: $3.00; Children: $2.50. Family: $15.00.
Admission to Tibbits Hill Pioneer School is free, but donations are appreciated.
Annual membership: $20.00 (individual); $30.00 (family); $50.00 (libraries & organizations); please inquire about lifetime memberships.
Free entry to museum for members.
Entry to archives $10 plus research charge when applicable.

LANGUAGE OF SERVICE:
English / French.

HOW TO REACH US:
Address: 130 Lakeside, Knowlton, QC, J0E 1V0.
Tel: (450) 243-6782
Fax: N/A.
Email: bchs@endirect.qc.ca

WEB SITE:
N/A.