Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Journal Country, hidden treasures abound—many rooted in the region’s deep agricultural heritage. One such gem lies just outside Amherst, where Don Tisher’s farm is home to something truly special: the little-known Tisher Country Museum. During National Agriculture Week, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at this unique slice of local history.
“It just got out of hand,” said 82-year-old Don with a sheepish smile when asked how the museum came to be. “I’ve been a hoarder all my life.” Tisher, a lifelong resident of rural Amherst, comes from a family with deep roots in the area. His parents, Buss and Anjie, moved to the farm northwest of Amherst in 1939, and Don has called it home ever since.
As a child, he collected just about everything—keychains, trinkets, buttons, and any promotional giveaways he could find. At first, he stored them in shoeboxes, then in totes, and eventually, in any available space around his house and farm. His father also had a tendency to collect, a trait Don seems to have inherited.
Over the years, the collection grew. When Don retired from farming in 2011, he decided to bring some order to the project. He built a shop on the property, dividing it into two sections—one side as a mancave and workshop, the other transformed into a dedicated space to organize and display the treasures he had gathered over the decades.
When asked to describe the contents of his homemade museum, Don Tisher explained, “It’s basically things that interest me, mostly rural-related.” While many of the items may not hold significant monetary value, he believes they are worth preserving. “There’s a lot here that should be kept for future generations—common things that other museums might not take,” he said.
Visitors stepping inside the museum will find an eclectic mix of tools, glassware, beer cans, record players, a vinegar pump, flour and seed sacks, agricultural signs, historical documents, and more. The collection extends outdoors, where additional items are displayed.
Although Don has picked up a few pieces from second-hand stores and estate sales, he admits he’s “too cheap to buy a lot.” Instead, many items arrive as unexpected donations. “People just bring me stuff!” he said with a laugh. He and his wife, Sharon, often return home from an event to find objects left at their doorstep. “Sometimes, we have no idea where they came from.”
For Don, one of the most rewarding aspects of the museum is the opportunity to learn. “It’s been an educational and enjoyable experience for me,” he said. When he encounters an unfamiliar item, he dives into research. Occasionally, a visitor will recognize and explain its purpose, and modern technology has made identification easier. A quick Google image search can save a lot of head-scratching.
Over the years, the museum has welcomed many visitors, despite the fact that the Tishers don’t actively advertise it. “It’s mostly word of mouth,” Don explains. Even so, hunters, travelers, 4-H groups, Red Hat Ladies, and other curious guests have made their way through the collection.
Don takes pride in sharing the museum with others, allowing visitors not only to see but also to handle many of the items—something that sets his museum apart from most. “I’m happy to let people pick things up and really experience them,” he said.
He encourages anyone interested in visiting to reach out, either by contacting him directly or through someone who knows him. “I’m always happy to show folks around,” he added.
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