Events
Victory From Above: Cockshutt Aircraft Construction during WWII - 2026 Speaker Series
Every year, the Brant Historical Society hosts its monthly Speakers Series from September to May, featuring engaging presentations on local and national history, typically held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm. As part of the 2026 Speakers Series, join Rob Adlam, local industrial historian and researcher, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, for “Victory From Above: Cockshutt Aircraft Construction during WWII,” a talk exploring Cockshutt’s role in wartime aircraft production. This presentation will take place at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, 347 Greenwich Street, Brantford, at 7:00 pm. To learn more about the series, visit the Brant Historical Society’s website and select the March 18, 2026 tab.
Our New Exhibit "Swords & Plowshares Revisited" (Opening Gala, Nov. 3, 2-4 pm) at the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum
The Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre unveiled a new display case... on the first floor of City Hall, Brantford ON
While Brantford was still a village, this site was the location of an iron and brass foundry established by Philip C. Van Brocklin in 1844. The products of his Brantford Foundry were plows, stoves, and fireplace irons. Van Brocklin’s operation is recognized as Brantford’s first industry.
Mayor Davis, along with members of CIHC, spoke about the history of the site and the new display case that houses a set of cast iron fireplace andirons made in Van Brocklin’s foundry, circa 1845.
These andirons were used in a fireplace in the Waterous family home for over a century and are the oldest known pieces dating to the original Van Brocklin foundry. The display case can now be viewed in the hallway leading to Council Chambers.
Outlined on each casting: P.C. VAN BROCKLIN BRANTFORD C.W. (Canada West). These andirons were used in a fireplace in the Waterous family home for over a century and are the oldest known pieces dating to the original Van Brocklin foundry.
INVENTORS, INDUSTRIES, AND MARKETING IS THE FIRST POP-UP EXHIBIT
OF WHAT WILL BE THREE RENDITIONS OF POP-UP EXHIBITS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A $35,000 ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION RESILIENT COMMUNITIES GRANT, AND SHOWCASES ITEMS FROM PENMAN’S, MASSEY-HARRIS, COCKSHUTT PLOW COMPANY AND NORFOLK COUNTY FOOD MANUFACTURERS SUCH AS THE VILLA NOVA CREAMERY.
ON DISPLAY NOW AT THE PARIS MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
51 William St, Paris, ON N3L 1L2
