Nasagiweya Historical Society

08/25/2026

Interested in what your historical society is up to?

We are continuing to work on research into local history, and the production of historical plaques, along with all of the other activities we engage in. The Archives is always busy with volunteers delving into the records there.

As for meetings at Nassagaweya Presbyterian Church, 15 Sideroad, this Fall, here is what is planned for each month:

September 8 - 6:00 Potluck Picnic. Bring some food to share with others, and please join us for this enjoyable event. Weather depending, we can enjoy a nice Fall day outside; if not, the church hall is always welcoming. We will be presenting our most recent historical plaque this evening.

October 13 - 7:30 Crawford Lake documentary. Bryan Davies, a descendant of the original Crawford family, will be presenting on one of most famous natural sites in North America, and on his family's involvement, and it's right here in Nassagaweya. He has just finished a book on the subject.

November 10 - 7:30 Animals in Wartime. This year, our Remembrance Day presentation will be on the animals that also served in both World Wars. Millions of horses were used in war, but so were many of our other four legged, and feathered, friends. Howard Scrimgeour, the historian at the Guelph Legion, will be speaking.

December 8 - 6:00 Christmas Potluck. Once again, we gather in the Christmas spirit for our annual Christmas Potluck. Please join everyone for a festive gathering and some special goings on.

Nasagiweya Historical Society.

07/22/2026

Anyone that has received an email from us today inviting you to an event on Aug 1st please ignore. It appears that our email has been hacked.

Thank you and sorry for this inconvenience.

Audrey Allison, Secretary
Nasagiweya Historical Society

Send a message to learn more

05/21/2026

03/04/2026

Please RSVP to this event ... This is for people interested in the History of Nassagaweya and what the Historical Society does, please reach out to us. Membership is $25 for a single membership and $35 for a family membership. Our annual Irish Stew Dinner is a time to meet other members and will be held on St. Patrick's day this year. cost is $15 for one meal and $25 for a couple. A Family of 4 with children under 12 will be $35.

12/14/2025

Our latest plaque, honouring one of the early merchants in the village of Moffat.

Russell Elsley operated his grocery store on 15 Sideroad, serving the needs of the hamlet from 1919 onward. At one time, the store was attached to his house, but in 1925 he built a brick building and located the store there. Orders were delivered by horse and wagon. Most goods were sold in bulk - raisins, brown and white sugar, oatmeal, flour, and rice, as well as some feed grains.

The Elsley family at one time operated stores in Campbellville, Moffat, Brookville, and Guelph. Moffat at the time had a population of around 50 people, and Elsley's store was central to its success as a thriving community. At one time, Moffat also had a carpenter shop, and a blacksmith's forge that did a thriving business before the age of the automobile.

12/10/2025

After a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas Pot Luck last night, our newest historical plaque was presented to Glen and Sharon Duff. Their farm dates back to 1848, and was originally owned by George Watson. The term Yeoman refers to a gentleman who owns land - in this case, a farmer, as were many of the earliest settlers of Nasagiweya.

If you are interested in a historical plaque for your property, please contact the historical society. These plaques carry no legal significance - they simply show your interest and pride in the history of your property.

Pictured here are Colin Best, our Regional Counsellor; Glen and Sharon Duff with their plaque; and Robert Carley, President of the historical society.