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The Heritage Centre announces December program lineup

This December, the Heritage Centre in Cayuga is hosting five events and an exhibition celebrating Christmas and featuring the history of board games.

The cost for each regular program is $10 per person and the cost for afternoon tea is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required for all programs. Register online or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 (6 p.m.) – Early Settlers Christmas
This talk will examine early Christmas celebrations for settlers arriving in Upper Canada between the late 1700s to the mid-1800s.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 (1 p.m.) – Christmas Customs and Traditions
Featuring  Christmas customs and traditions during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, this presentation will highlight the history of many traditions still familiar today.

Saturday, Dec. 10 (12:30 p.m.) – Christmas in the 1950s
This talk looks at Christmas in the 1950s when aluminum Christmas trees and bubble lights were all the rage while hula hoops, Barbie dolls and Matchbox cars were found under the tree on Christmas morning.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 (6 p.m.) – Christmas Around the World
A talk featuring Christmas celebrations around the world and how our early ancestors brought their traditions with them when they immigrated to Canada. Many of the traditions and celebrations we enjoy in Canada come from French, English, Irish, Scottish, German, Norwegian and Ukrainian influences.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 (1 p.m.) – Tea and Presentation: Mail Order Christmas
This program features afternoon tea followed by a talk on the history of the mail-order catalogue; attendees can discover how, in the late 19th century, large department stores introduced mail-order operations to extend their markets beyond their stores and into smaller cities and rural areas and how this trend changed the shopping habits of Canadians.

All programs take place at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

The Heritage Centre announces November program lineup

This November, the  Heritage Centre in Cayuga is hosting six events and an exhibition commemorating Haldimand’s significant military history and wartime contributions.

The cost for each presentation is $10 per person and the cost for afternoon tea is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required for all programs. Register online or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Tuesday, Nov. 8 (6:30 p.m.) – Presentation: Fly Boys
This presentation will highlight the impact of the British Commonwealth Service Flying Training schools during WWII in Haldimand and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, Nov. 9 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Haldimand at War
The Heritage Centre’s curator will be giving a talk highlighting military conflicts in which Haldimand County was involved including the War of 1812, the Boer War, WWI and WWII.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Royals at War
Continuing with the Royal Family series, this presentation explores the roles the family members played during various wars.

Wednesday, Nov. 16 (1 p.m.) – Tea and Presentation: Women at War
Join us for afternoon tea featuring homemade scones and other sweet treats followed by a talk detailing the roles women played during the War of 1812, WWI and WWII.

Wednesday, Nov. 23 (1 p.m.) – Workshop: Searching the War Records
Utilizing the archives and online resources, this hands-on workshop will help users find military service records and other information they may be looking for.

Saturday, Nov. 26 (12:30 p.m.) – Workshop: Creating a Historic Christmas
This hands-on workshop will help participants recreate a historical Christmas. The session features home decoration, table settings and homemade gifts from bygone days.

All programs take place at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre hosts Cabinet of Curiosities Exhibition

Just in time for Halloween, The Spiritorium – A Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition opens at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre in Caledonia.

Cabinets of curiosities, or Wunderkammern, were first created in the 16th century and were early precursors of today’s museums. Cabinets of Curiosities stored and exhibited a wide variety of objects from the unusual to the extraordinary, all drawn from the natural, artificial or manufactured worlds.

The Spiritorium Collection on display at Edinburgh Square depicts a present-day version of the traditional Cabinet of Curiosity and consists of hundreds of items – including a mummified cat named Henry, a jack-in-the-box, taxidermy specimens, fossils, a vampire hunting kit, and historical relics – that allow visitors the ability to interpret each piece in the exhibition in their own way and leave with a sense of wonderment.

The exhibition will be on display at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre until November 30. The Centre is located at 80 Caithness Street E., Caledonia and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call (905) 765-3134.

Haldimand Museums host haunted trivia night, Oct. 19

Shelly’s Family Dining in Kohler has partnered with Haldimand Museums to present a spooktacular evening of Halloween Trivia.

Join in the fun Wednesday, October 19 for plenty of tricks and treats as you test your knowledge of Halloween trivia including historical facts, local lore and popular culture. The evening includes a three-course dinner, six rounds of trivia and prizes for the winning team and the best costumes.

Shelly’s Family Dining is located at 119 Kohler Road, Cayuga, and the spirited fun begins at 6 p.m.

Proceeds from the event support the ongoing development of Haldimand Museums programs and exhibitions.

For additional information about this event, or to register, contact Dana Stavinga at 905-776-3319 or museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand’s Paddle Art Tour expands with ‘The Ripple Effect’

Latest designs to be showcased at Haldimand County Administration Building, Oct. 21

In response to its popular Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH), Haldimand County is launching a new phase of the artwork, The Ripple Effect, with an unveiling and artist meet-and-greet on Friday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Haldimand County Administration Building.

Once again curated by PATH project coordinator and local artist Gina Wilson McIntee, The Ripple Effect began with a community call for artists to submit their creative visions for a design showing the importance of the Grand River and Lake Erie to Haldimand County and illustrations highlighting the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife and history.

Six artists were selected to recreate their designs on paddles—supported and mentored by Wilson McIntee—including Angela Bonitatibus (Cayuga), Sarah Butcher (Jarvis), Kaya Hill (Six Nations of the Grand River), Lisa Kostelny (Dunnville), Andrea Thompson (Dunnville) and Arlene Horne Turcotte (Dunnville).

The six new paddles will be installed along trails throughout the County in late October; a map showing the new locations will be available on the County’s website.

The October 21 event will also provide an opportunity to meet the artists from the original PATH project and features a special marketplace of the artists’ unique works for purchase.

Visit the County website to learn more about the October 21 event, The Ripple Effect or to download the Paddle Art Tour map. The Haldimand County Administration Building is located at 53 Thorburn Street South.

The Heritage Centre announces October program lineup

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to offer an exciting and diverse lineup of programs for the month of October.

The cost for each presentation is $10 per person and the cost for afternoon tea is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required for all programs. Register online or in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Tuesday, Oct. 11  (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Phantom of Film
This presentation takes a look at some of the scariest films of all time. Horror films have existed for more than a century, with many early movies taking their inspirations from Gothic and horror literature authors such as Edgar Allan Poe (The Raven), Bram Stoker (Dracula) and Mary Shelley (Frankenstein).

Wednesday, Oct. 12 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Radio Days
This presentation explores the history of radio and how it influenced Canada and Haldimand County. Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi first developed the idea of a radio, or wireless telegraph, in the 1890s and in 1897 received a  British patent for the radio. By 1919, the radio boom had begun and, over the next ten years, a vast array of programming choices became available, ushering in what became known as the “Golden Age of Radio.”

Tuesday, Oct. 18 (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Royal Weddings
There’s nothing quite like a royal wedding. The pomp, the splendour, the anticipation of the dress! This presentation takes a look at royal weddings and wedding dresses from history, which all influenced the way we say ‘I do’ today.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 (1 p.m.) – Tea & Presentation: Ghostly Tales of Haldimand County
Afternoon tea returns to the Heritage Centre. Attendees will enjoy homemade scones, sweet treats and a bottomless cup of tea followed by a presentation detailing some of Haldimand County and the surrounding areas’ most haunted places.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 (6 p.m.) – Ghostly Walking Tour
This annual ghost walk explores the haunted history of Cayuga. The walk will take place rain or shine; if the weather is inclement we will do a virtual walk.

Wednesday, Oct. 26  (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Things That Go Bump in the Night
This presentation explores the history of Halloween and how various cultures played a part in the celebrations.

For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

The Heritage Centre announces September program lineup

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga has announced its lineup of programs for September featuring presentations and workshops spanning a variety of topics. The cost for all programs is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online or in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Wednesday, Sept. 7 (1 p.m.) – Workshop: Family Search – Solving the Mystery
For those hitting a wall in their family genealogy research, this hands-on workshop will help find those mysterious links using online resources and materials found in the archives. Handouts will be provided.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Historical Mystery Series – True Crime
This presentation is the last in the historic true crimes series based on cases that took place in Haldimand County and surrounding areas. Participants will have an opportunity to listen to clues and solve the crime before the outcome is revealed. The actual crime will remain a secret until the program takes place.

Wednesday, Sept. 14 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Boats, Bridges and Trails
This presentation features the history of the modes of transportation in Haldimand County including the early trails, the Grand River and the development of the railways and roadways.

Saturday, Sept. 17 (12:30 p.m.) – Presentation: Shadows of the Past
For anyone who’s wondered why people in the Victorian era used human hair to make wreaths and other mementos, this presentation will look at the history of hair wreaths and jewellery as an art form.

Tuesday, Sept. 20 (6 p.m.) – Presentation: From a Loyalist’s Pantry
In the 18th century, many new immigrants arrived in Canada bringing with them seedlings, spices and recipes. This talk explores how our ancestors ate in season and preserved and cooked their food utilizing the available ingredients.

Wednesday, Sept. 21 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Royal Heirs
The royal series continues with a look at royal heirs, past and present. The line of succession in the Royal Family has not always transitioned smoothly in Great Britain. Henry VIII was third in line for the throne, but after the death of his brother, he became King. The abdication of Edward VIII caused scandal and thrust his brother George onto the throne, ushering in his daughter, Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II ), as the next heir.

For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre hosts afternoon tea and tea leaf reading event

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre invites the community to join them at Shelly’s Family Dining (1192 Kohler Road, Kohler) on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m. for Afternoon Tea and a Tea Leaf Reading.

Attendees will enjoy tea, scones and other sweet treats while historian and television personality Seika Groves discusses all things ‘tea’, including demonstrating tasseography, a method of fortune-telling that uses loose tea leaves at the sides or bottom of your cup to see what possibly lies ahead.

This special presentation is given in conjunction with Edinburgh Square’s current exhibition, “A Spot of Tea”, on display at the Centre located at 80 Caithness Street East in Caledonia.

The cost for the Tea and Tea Leaf Reading is $22.50 per person and pre-registration is required. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

For more information about Haldimand Museums programs and activities, contact the Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre at (905) 765-3134 or e-mail museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum annual Time & Talent Live and Silent Auction set for Sept 17

For those looking for a little retail therapy or want to get a head start on holiday shopping, the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is hosting their annual Time & Talent Live and Silent Auction on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Selkirk Centennial Community Centre (34 Main St. W., Selkirk).

The popular annual event has something for everyone including gift baskets, gift certificates, baby quilts, wreaths, flowers, household items, craft items, antique milk bottles, artwork, tools and more.

The silent auction will take place from 5-7 p.m., followed by the live auction at 7:30 p.m., hosted by auctioneer Ken Mercer.  All transactions can be made by cash or a cheque payable to Haldimand Museums.

Shelly’s Family Dining of Kohler will be serving up beef or chicken-on-a-bun with a choice of sides and apple crisp & ice cream.

Proceeds from the auctions will support educational programming at Haldimand Museums.

For additional information about this event, or to donate items to the auction, please contact Dana Stavinga at (905)-776-3319 or museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Summer camp at Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum celebrates a year of holidays in one week

The Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is offering children a week of imagination and inspiration in a country setting at Haldimand County’s original one-room schoolhouse museum with Camp Discovery Days: Home for the Holidays.

For children aged 5-12, Home for the Holidays runs July 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with the option of an extra hour of care before and/or after the camp day. Camp fees are $163.25 per child per week and include all supplies. Extended care is an additional $5.25 each from 8-9 a.m. or 4-5 p.m. Registration can be completed online or in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Throughout the week, museum staff will work with campers to celebrate a year of holidays including Thanksgiving, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Campers will create one-of-a-kind arts and crafts for each holiday using woodworking, painting, gardening,   and other techniques. The day will be rounded out with old-fashioned games and activities, in keeping with the traditions of the old schoolhouse.

For more information about Haldimand Museums or Camp Discovery Days, please email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call (905) 776-3319. Residents are encouraged to register early as spaces are limited.