Joseph Schneider Haus, Kitchener - Preservation
The Foundation consisted of very enthusiastic directors whose great interest in the preservation of local history commissioned in 1975 an architectural study of the Joseph Schneider Haus on Queen St. S. It then conducted a very ambitious fundraising drive to raise the money required to purchase and restore the house which is a very popular tourist attraction in the area. Through the generosity of many local citizens the campaign proved to be very successful and thus began the restoration. The restoration was completed in 1981 at which time the Region of Waterloo assumed ownership and the responsibility of its staffing and maintenance. Today it is a living and working museum. It is a teaching facility for grade school classes with a hands on approach to educate students as to the way the early settlers conducted the daily routine of living. It also holds numerous hands-on workshops and lectures for all ages throughout the year. The Joseph Schneider Haus has received many awards for the outstanding operation and programs throughout Canada and in the year 2000 was awarded the designation of a National Historic Site by Heritage Canada. This project which began with the foresight of the Foundation in 1975 has developed into a treasure for this area.
