To navigate the website, please click on the hamburger menu icon
in the upper left corner of each page...
in the upper left corner of each page...
Welcome to Babbie Rural & Farm
Learning Museum
250 River Road, Peru, New York 12972
518 • 643 • 8052
518 • 643 • 8052
Watch our video ⬆︎
Click here for details on the 2026 Season Schedule
CONTACT US
Hay For Our Horses
Even when our Museum doors are closed from November through April, the work behind the scenes never stops. Our barn animals still rely on us every single day for food, care, and a safe, warm place to call home.
Our “Hay For Our Horses” campaign is raising support to help cover the rising cost of hay for our four beloved residents: miniature donkeys Sally and Jigger, and our Haflinger horses Willy and Chili. These gentle souls are at the heart of the Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum experience, teaching visitors of all ages about farm life, compassion, and the history of rural work animals.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Museum has very limited income during the winter months, yet essential expenses—hay, grain, bedding, and veterinary care—continue no matter the season. Your generosity directly helps us provide the daily nourishment and care our animals depend on.
Your support means more than you know. Every donation, big or small, helps keep our barn animals healthy, safe, and well‑fed until we welcome visitors back in the spring.
Thank you for being part of their story and ours.
Our “Hay For Our Horses” campaign is raising support to help cover the rising cost of hay for our four beloved residents: miniature donkeys Sally and Jigger, and our Haflinger horses Willy and Chili. These gentle souls are at the heart of the Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum experience, teaching visitors of all ages about farm life, compassion, and the history of rural work animals.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Museum has very limited income during the winter months, yet essential expenses—hay, grain, bedding, and veterinary care—continue no matter the season. Your generosity directly helps us provide the daily nourishment and care our animals depend on.
Your support means more than you know. Every donation, big or small, helps keep our barn animals healthy, safe, and well‑fed until we welcome visitors back in the spring.
Thank you for being part of their story and ours.
|
Mission Statement Our mission is to provide an entertaining environment where visitors can learn about rural and farm life in the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks prior to the 1950's. |
|
|
History of the Museum
In the spring of 2010, the Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum had its Grand Opening. But the history of the museum goes back a long ways. In 1962, Leeward Babbie, the founder of the museum, moved his mother's chicken coop from the family farm in Champlain, NY to his new farm in Peru, NY, and unknowingly, moved the first building that would later be placed on the museum grounds. As years went by, Leeward would collect many antiquities reflecting how people lived in the Champlain Valley and the Adirondacks. Leeward has always been interested in the memories of families. Many people, when they come to the museum and see the artifacts and demonstrations, will reminisce and tell their stories. When Leeward sold his farm in 2002, he started doing custom field work for area agricultural businesses. During the off season, he would plan and work on his long time dream of a museum. During the planning stages, with the help of family members, relatives and friends, it was proposed to be an interactive museum with education and entertainment to be the key points of the project. With this in mind, live demonstrations became an integral part of the museum. |
|
|
|
Membership/Admission Rates
One Year Membership Fees: Individual $30.00 Family $40.00 Seniors & Military Personnel $20.00 Admission Fees: Adults(14 & up) $12.00 Children(5 yrs. to 13 yrs.) $ 8.00 Children 4 & under FREE Seniors & Military Personnel $10.00 Join us through a membership and enjoy unlimited admission for one year. Come to all our special events and take part in the festivities. Receive our newsletters and obtain a 10% discount at the gift shop. Please consider becoming a member and supporting a community asset. |
Hours
Opening Weekend - May 16-17, 2026 Plow Days Special Event Weekends 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturdays and Sundays Private Group Tours Available by Appointment |
2026 Museum Classes
Click on posters for full view
|
|