Wayne Townsend was born in Dufferin County in East Luther township. A lifelong collector, Wayne purchased his first antique, a Benningtonware bowl, at age 12. Wayne has been involved in several restorations of historic buildings in Orangeville, including the Opera House and Market and the Dufferin County Courthouse, as well as actively participating in numerous community historic organizations. Wayne became the curator of the Dufferin County Museum & Archives in 1988.