King Barn Dairy MOOseum

The King Barn Dairy MOOseum mission is to keep alive the dairy history of MoCo for current and future residents, and to honor the contributions of dairy families. In the 20th Century there were about 600+ dairy farms in Montgomery County and they served as the economic growth engine for many years. The MOOseum is RECRUITING both adult and student volunteers at this time.

If you are interested in local history, dairy, and/or farming in general, you will enjoy working and learning at the MOOseum.  Adult volunteers assist with original research, documenting the collection, giving tours, working with school groups, office tasks and keeping the King Barn open to receive visitors.  In 2024 there were 2,608 visitors during the open season.  No prior knowledge needed, training will be provided.

We are always looking for and welcoming new volunteers.

The MOOseoum sponsors educational programs for all ages, with emphasis on telling the story of dairy in Montgomery County. With the continued expansion of residential and commercial development into traditionally agricultural areas our children are becoming disconnected with the realities of food sources and production. The MOO provides an excellent resource bridging the gap between producer and consumer. The MOO is housed in a 1930 dairy barn and has displays and exhibits primarily from the first half o the 20th Century. In addition there are activities for children to milk a model cow, make a cow themed craft, run a model B&O train that influenced the growth of the dairy industry in Montgomery County and play old-fashioned games.

At the King Barn Dairy MOOseum adult volunteers do a variety of tasks from this following list (depending on interest):

* lead a center for a school field trip

* welcome visitors to the King Barn and give tours

* work with other adults to update exhibits

* original research on dairy farms in MoCo

* plan special events such as Heritage Weekend, Farm Tour weekend,  and the Fall Festival

* update collection information on PastPerfect (training provided)

* assist with bookkeeping tasks

At the King Barn Dairy MOOseum student volunteers do a variety of tasks from this following list (depending on what is happening the particular day they are volunteering)

* work with children visitors in the craft room to make a craft

* play old fashioned games on the side yard with visitors

* play/observe children visitors play in the children's room (this room is currently closed due to covid)

* assist visitors with "milking" one of the milkable cow models

* tally visitors who come in the barn

* welcome visitors to the barn and give a brief overview (after receiving training)

* give tours (after receiving training)

* help straighten up - such as sweep, dust, etc. - if needed

* assist with opening the barn (start video monitors, turn on lights, put water in the milkable cow model, put old fashioned games on the side yard, put out "open" flag, etc.)

* assist with closing (shut down video monitors, turn off lights, empty water in the milkable cow model, bring the old fashioned games back into the barn. take down the "open" flag. etc.)