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The Heritage Centre announces July program lineup

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga has announced its lineup of programs for July featuring presentations, workshops, a walking tour through Cayuga, and a new gallery exhibit, “As the Wheel Turns,” which highlights the history of the textile industry in Haldimand County.

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.

July 13 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Royal Fashions
The Heritage Centre’s Royal Series continues with a look at royal fashions from King Henry VIII’s court to the present day. Many of the royals were trendsetters for the rest of the world. Attendees to this presentation will learn more about the impact of the royals on fashion.

July 19 (6 p.m.) and July 23 (12:30 p.m.) – Architecture Walking Tour
Focusing on the history of Cayuga and the Grand River, this walking tour features the architectural splendour of Judge Helen Kinnear’s house and the Courthouse and includes a trip down the trail to experience the history of the river. Two dates are available: Tuesday, July 19 and Saturday, July 23.

July 20 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: You Can’t Live Without It
Advertising has played an influential role throughout history. As trends and attitudes changed so did buying habits and how consumers were influenced by the manufacturers of the day. This presentation will take a look at the birth of advertising from its beginning to the present day.

July 27 (1 p.m.) – Workshop: Finding Your Roots
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the process of finding your family’s history utilizing online resources and the Heritage Centre’s Archives, as well as providing tips and tricks to finding information in unexpected places. Materials included.

July 29 (2 p.m.) – Presentation: Celebrating Emancipation Day
Highlighting Emancipation Day, this presentation will share stories of some of the escaped slaves and their descendants who settled in Haldimand County.

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

Haldimand County Museums annual car and truck show returns June 26

Haldimand Museums will be welcoming back classic car and truck enthusiasts for the 16th Annual Car & Truck Show on Sunday, June 26 at Selkirk Community Park (17 Kent St., Selkirk) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to this family-friendly event is by donation; a $5 entry fee applies to participating vehicles.

Returning after a two-year pause, the popular annual event provides a place for vintage vehicle enthusiasts from around southern Ontario to celebrate their shared love of all things automotive.

“We’re looking forward to hosting our classic vehicles again this year,” says Dana Stavinga, Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum Curator. “Two years is a long time not to have been able to get together!”

While the event is centred around cars and trucks, there will be a silent auction, door prizes and trophies for drivers. DJ Frank Vessero will be on site playing music from the 50s and 60s and Shelly’s Family Dining from Kohler will be serving up a variety of tasty food.

For information about the Car Show please contact the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum at (905) 776-3319.

From left to right: Kyle Schweyer (1960 Chevy Half Ton Pick-up), Rick Koson (1953 Ford Mercury), Bob Tietz (Haldimand Museums).

Haldimand County puts out call for artists for phase two of Paddle Art Tour Haldimand

Submissions are now open for phase two of Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH), an initiative that celebrates the municipality’s local talent and the importance of the Grand River and Lake Erie to Haldimand County.

Launched in 2021, the PATH became a popular activity for Haldimand County for both residents and visitors, showcasing 24 unique designs created by 23 local artists who used wooden paddles—hand-made by local high school students—to create art portraying the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife, history and more.

Building on the popularity of the tour, the County is inviting local emerging and established artists to submit a sketch and description of an image they would like to paint on one of six new paddles that will be added to the PATH this year. Each paddle blade is a surface of 28″ x 7″ and will be installed handle upright. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of  $500. The paddles will be installed at Haldimand County trail locations.

Interested artists can send submissions electronically to partnerships@haldimandcounty.on.ca, in person or by mail to the Haldimand County Administration Building c/o Community Development & Partnerships, 53 Thorburn St. S., Cayuga, ON  N0A 1E0.

The closing date for submissions is July 7, 2022, at 4 p.m. and selected artists will be notified by July 14, 2022.

The Heritage Centre announces its June program lineup

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to offer six presentations during the month of June. 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 St. S, Cayuga.

June 7 – Famous Canadian Fathers, 6 p.m.
This talk  looks at some of Canada’s most famous fathers including several notables from Haldimand: Peter Robertson, Dr. Jacob Baxter and Louis Kinnear.

June 8 – Historic Crime Mystery Series, 1 p.m.
Focusing on another historic true crime that took place in Haldimand County or the surrounding area – the  details remain a mystery until the presentation.

June 14 – Dutch Immigration to Canada and Haldimand County, 6 p.m.
The Dutch played a key role in the early settlement of Canada, with many entering Canada as Loyalists following the American Revolution and a large number of Dutch settlers arriving after WWII. This talk will focus on Dutch settlement in Haldimand County and surrounding area.

June 15 – Royal Scandals, 1 p.m.
The Heritage Centre’s Royal Series continues with a presentation focused on  royal scandals that rocked the world.

June 21 – Did You Ring, Madame?, 6 p.m.
This talk examines the life of servants and the class system which existed  in Victorian society.

June 22 – Haldimand Through the Lens of a Camera, 1 p.m.
Utilizing Haldimand Museums’ photographic collection, this presentation will explore the history of Haldimand County through images featuring built heritage, landscapes, industrial history and daily life.

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

May program lineup announced for the Heritage Centre in Cayuga

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is hosting six unique programs throughout the month of May. The cost for all programs is $10 per person with pre-registration required. Residents can register online or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

May 2022 Lineup

May 4 – Salute to Mothers, 1 p.m.

This presentation will focus on some of Haldimand’s and Canada’s most famous mothers, including Laura Secord, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Emily Stowe and Haldimand’s first female Mayor, Edith Fuller.

May 10 – I Do…I Did…I am Done, 6 p.m.

A talk on the three rituals of life, Victorian style: birth, marriage and death. The Victorians had a reputation for being prim, proper and persnickety, and individuals were expected to know the rules of etiquette that went along with one’s position.

May 11 – The Herbalist, 1 p.m.  

This hands-on workshop will explore the many herbs , plants and other natural remedies that have been used to help with a number of ailments for centuries.

May 18 – Queen Victoria, 1 p.m.

The Heritage Centre’s Royal Series continues with a presentation featuring the life and times of Queen Victoria. Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 until her death in 1901.

May 17 – Helen Kinnear, 6 p.m.

This talk focuses on the life and times of Judge Helen Kinnear. Helen was born in Cayuga, went to school in Port Colborne and returned to live in Cayuga, becoming the first female judge in the entire British Empire.

May 24 – King Edward VII, 6 p.m.

Another Royal Series program, this presentation will look at the life and times of King Edward VII and the opulent and excessive Edwardian era.

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

Haldimand County Announces April Line-up of In-Person Programs at the Heritage Centre in Cayuga

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to host six programs throughout the month of April.

Our Victorian Past: April 5 at 6:00 p.m.
This presentation takes a look at the Victorian era. Characterized by a class-based society, it was a time of great change in Canada and Haldimand County.

Historic Kitchen Gardens: April 6 at 1:00 p.m.
Experience a hands-on workshop examining the history of kitchen gardens. Our ancestors depended on their gardens for food and medicine. Participants will learn how gardens were strategically planted to eliminate pests and what plants grew together in harmony. These handy hints will help you plant your own garden.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail: April 12 at 6:00 p.m.
This talk will take a look at the history of Easter and the various ways we celebrate.

Ancestors in the Attic: April 13 at 1:00 p.m.
Using the Archives and online resources, this hands-on workshop will help participants find their long-lost ancestors.

Royal Residences: April 19 at 6:00 p.m.
Continuing with the Royal theme, this talk looks at the residences in which members of the Royal Family have lived through the generations. Take a virtual walk in the footsteps of the Royals and explore the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and more.

Long May She Reign, Queen Elizabeth II:  April 20 at 1:00 p.m.
This presentation features the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born April 21, 1926 and ascended the throne in 1952, becoming Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. She was hailed by newspapers as a fairy-tale queen.

Cost for all programs is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online at Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

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

Haldimand Museums Launch into Spring with New Events and Programming

Haldimand Museums are pleased to announce an exciting line-up of programming, events and exhibitions for April.

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga kicks things off on April 5 with its newest exhibit: Long May She Reign, a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s seventy years on the throne. The exhibit runs until June at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre located at 19 Talbot Street in Cayuga.

Trivia Nights for Haldimand Museums are back at Shelly’s Family Dining in Kohler. Join the fun April 6 for Hop Along Trivia – an evening of trivia in support of Haldimand Museums. Cost per person is $30 and includes a 3-course dinner, prizes, trivia contest and more. To register, contact Shelly’s at 905-518-0024. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Beginning April 9, the Haldimand Photography Club returns to Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre for its annual exhibition. Enjoy the work of talented local photographers highlighting a blend of wildlife, landscapes and portraiture images. Visit the exhibit at 80 Caithness Street East in Caledonia.

Children are invited to a special Easter Workshop on Saturday, April 9 at the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum. The workshop is for children ages 5-12 years. The cost is $28.25 per child and pre-registration is required. Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is located at 3513 Rainham Road in Selkirk. Register online at Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Don’t miss your chance to visit Child’s Play – A Century of Toys, 1850-1950 at the Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre. This exhibit is only available until March 31. This exhibition presents the history of toys and how they reflect the broader picture of industrial and socio-cultural change. This exhibition explores how toys were used to influence and impart social messages on children; it is intended to be an intergenerational experience, encouraging discussion between adults and children.

For more information about programs and activities, email Haldimand Museums at museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County announces six in-person programs at the Heritage Centre in Cayuga

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to host six programs for the month of March.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: March 8 at 6:00 p.m.
This presentation will focus on the history of the suffragette movement and the changing  roles of women throughout history.

Preserving Your Family Heirlooms: March 9 at 1:00 p.m.
This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to preserve and protect family heirlooms; topics include textiles, furniture, documents and more.

Famous Canadian Women: March 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for this enlightening talk featuring some of Canada’s and Haldimand’s most famous women and the impact they have had on our country and our community.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling: March 16 at 1:00 p.m.
This presentation focuses on the migration of the Irish to Canada and Haldimand County. Over half a million Irish citizens arrived in Canada from 1831 to 1850, and by 1867 they were the second-largest ethnic group in Canada (after the French), comprising 24% of the country’s population.

Carved in Stone: March 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what various gravestone symbols mean? Is the information on the stones completely accurate? During this workshop, participants will be provided with tips on how to use cemetery stones and associated records in their genealogy quest.

Royal Women:  March 23 at 1:00 p.m.
The third in this series of presentations about the Royal Family will focus on the women of the family and the various roles they have had throughout history.

Cost for all programs is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online at Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

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

Haldimand Museums Reopen to the Public

Haldimand Museums is excited to announce the reopening of its three sites to the public following recent pandemic closures.

As of Tuesday July 27, Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum in Selkirk and Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre in Caledonia will be open to visitors, along with the already-reopened Heritage Centre located in the Cayuga Public Library.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out a diverse range of on-site and online programming and activities for the summer and fall, including:

You Can’t Live Without It, the newest exhibit at the Heritage Centre—located at 19 Talbot Street, Cayuga—runs until September 30 and highlights the history of advertising and how this form of communication was and is used by businesses to promote their wares and activities.

On August 18 at 1:00 pm, join Heritage Centre staff via Zoom for the presentation Historical Kitchen Gardens, which looks at how early settlers tended their kitchen gardens, a vital part of their families’ survival. Advance registration at www.link.haldimandcounty.ca.

Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre (80 Caithness Street, Caledonia) tips its cap to the history of headgear with A Head for Fashion, an exhibition featuring some very unique hats, their significance and the stories they tell.

Edinburgh Square will also be offering in-person its popular summer Discovery Days workshops for children during the month of August – from arts and science to mystery and mayhem. Check out www.link.haldimandcounty.ca for a complete list of Discovery Days programs and to register.

Stop by the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum to experience The Life and Times of Lyric Poet Wilson MacDonald, with displays highlighting the history of rural education and the heritage of the surrounding community. This original one-room school house is located at 3513 Rainham Road, Selkirk.

Registration for all Haldimand Museums programs and special events is open, and residents and visitors can reserve their space using the County’s online reservation system www.link.haldimandcounty.ca or by visiting the Haldimand County office in Cayuga.

Pandemic-related protocols which allow patrons to safely explore our local arts, heritage and culture remain in place. Visitors to Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum and Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will be required to wear a non-medical face mask and physical distance while on site. Visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance where possible. A maximum number of four patrons may be admitted at one time, with each visit limited to 45 minutes. Visitors without a prior reservation may be admitted if capacity allows.

At this time, the archives and reference collections located within the Haldimand Museums sites and all in-person services will remain closed until further notice. These services continue to be available upon request through email at museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH) an Ideal Way to Enjoy Local Talent in Parks Throughout the County

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the official launch of its newest outdoor public art initative on Saturday, July 10.

The Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH) is a celebration of the municipality’s local talent and the importance of the Grand River and Lake Erie to Haldimand County.

Haldimand County residents and visitors will be inspired by 24 unique designs created by 23 local artists who used wooden paddles—hand made by high school students—to create art portraying the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife, history and much more.

The paddles have been installed throughout the County with the generous assistance of Dunnville Silo. Haldimand County also gratefully acknowledges the support of Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for tourism businesses in southern Ontario in completing the project.

For those interested in a self-guided tour of the PATH, a map of the locations, as well as contest information for anyone who manages to visit all or most of the sites, can be found on the County’s website. Printed copies of the map may be picked up at the Haldimand County Administration Building, Libraries or by calling 905-318-5932 extension 6370.

When you are out enjoying these public spaces, please comply with current public health orders and maintain physical distancing at all times.