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 County announces five new virtual programs at the Heritage Centre

Launching into the new year, the Heritage Centre is pleased to host five new virtual programs:

All That Jazz Presentation: January 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Take a look at life in Haldimand County and Canada during the 1920’s. There was a rapid expansion of agricultural production and exports that helped to fuel the overall economy. A number of inventions helped shape Canada, including the automobile, the airplane, the washing machine, the radio and the assembly line. The decade began with a roar and ended with a crash.

Cultural Cooking Program Workshop: January 19 at 1:00 p.m.
Most of our ancestors emigrated to Haldimand from other countries, bringing with them a variety of recipes from their homeland.  This workshop explores how many of these recipes have been adapted to form what we now call “Canadian Cuisine.”

Helping You Date Old Photos Program Workshop: January 25 at 7:00 p.m.
This hands-on workshop will help you learn how to date old photographs and learn some conservation tips, including how to store, scan and maintain your precious memories.

Winter Pastimes Presentation: January 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Wrap up the month with a look at the winter pastimes our ancestors enjoyed and how our various cultures influenced our traditional games.

Royal Visits Presentation: February 1 at 7:00 p.m.
This presentation is the first in a series of year long talks on the Royal Family in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne. This first talk focuses on the many visits that the Royals have made to Canada – from Queen Victoria’s son Albert, the Prince of Wales’ visit in 1860 to Queen Elizabeth’s 22 tours beginning with her first in 1951.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions all programming for January will take place via Zoom.

Cost for all programs is $10.00 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. A Zoom link will be emailed to all confirmed registrants.

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 Museum and Archives announces holiday program lineup at Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre

Haldimand County Museum and Archives is hosting a number of programs and an exhibition this December, highlighting various traditions of Christmas. Programs take place at the Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West, Cayuga.

Good Tidings We Bring: Christmas in Words – December 7 at 6 p.m.

This presentation focuses on the history of Christmas cards – a custom that began in the United Kingdom in 1843 and continues today with the expression and exchange of warm wishes in the form of holiday greetings.

Christmas Trends, Traditions and Toys – December 8 at 1 p.m.

Christmas trends, traditions and toys is the theme for this presentation. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa—and a few carrots for his reindeer—became a North American holiday tradition in the 1930’s. In 1965, The Coca-Cola Company sponsored a Charlie Brown Christmas television special that became one of the most beloved Christmas shows of all times.

Christmas Traditions and Customs – December 14 at 6 p.m.

This presentation examines Christmas traditions and customs. The custom of “decking the halls” came from the British Isles. Decorations were natural and included pine cones, nuts, holly berries, feathers and chains made of cranberries and popcorn.

At the Christmas Table – December 15 at 2 p.m.

Join us as we step back in time and enjoy some “tastes” from the past including a description of a 1780’s Christmas menu prepared by our early ancestors and comprising of wild turkey, venison, mince pies and plum pudding.

The cost for each program is $10 per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment must be completed either online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga). Proof of vaccination will be required. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or email museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Heritage Centre announces September program schedule with in-person and virtual offerings

The Heritage Centre is pleased to announce its September 2021 schedule featuring both virtual and in-person programming.

On September 8, learn about the history of early advertising campaigns and experience the Heritage Centre’s newest exhibition, ‘You Can’t Live Without It’. On September 22, ‘Royal Rules’ will offer a humorous look at all the rules the Royals need to follow in public.

Due to reduced capacity limits and in order to accommodate other visitors to the Heritage Centre, in-person presentations will be offered at 1p.m. and 3p.m. A maximum of six (6) patrons will be admitted for each presentation, and pandemic-related protocols remain in place. Visitors will be required to wear a non-medical face mask and physically distance while on site.

Virtual programs will also return this fall. On September 15, ‘Only in Canada, Eh!’ will highlight a myriad of Canadian inventions from peanut butter to pacemakers, all of which have improved the quality of life for people around the world.

On September 29, join staff at 7p.m. for ‘A Woman’s Work is Never Done’ – a look back to the Victorian household and women’s roles in the home.  

Cost for in-person and virtual programs is $10.00 per person and pre-registration must be completed online at www.Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

In-person programs take place at the Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West, Cayuga. A Zoom link will be emailed to confirmed registrants for the virtual programs.

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

New exhibit ‘Relationships’ debuts at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre is inviting residents and visitors to experience its newest exhibit, Relationships, until September 25, 2021.

Through this new exhibit, local artists Gina McIntee, Shumauni McIntee, Karen MacDonald Prine and Kerrie Curran use their artwork to explore how we can build compassion and spread love through relationships with nature, wildlife, the elements and human beings.

“Every connection has an opportunity to grow through a relationship. With kindness and an open heart, all things are possible,” says McIntee.

These four artists partnered to explore their own unique styles of art and creative connections to nature, wildlife and the elements, while allowing the viewer to come along on their creative journey.

Pandemic-related protocols remain in place and visitors 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 by calling the museum, as a maximum number of four patrons may be admitted at one time.

Visitors without a prior reservation may be admitted if capacity allows. For additional information contact the Centre at 905-765-3134.

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.

Haldimand Playbook is this Summer’s Source for All Things Recreation, Leisure and Culture

If you’re looking to make new summer memories, the Haldimand Playbook—which hit resident mailboxes this week and is also available online—is your guide to our County and all it has to offer.

The Playbook includes information about registering for summer aquatics and camp programming, heritage and culture workshops and Library programming.

If you’d rather take a less scheduled approach to your plans, visit our splash pads or wading pool to cool off on a hot day. Enjoy our parks and greenspaces including skate parks, ball diamonds, tennis and multi-use courts and picnic areas in several communities as well as disc golf in Caledonia’s LaFortune Park. Visit one of our many trails and pathways throughout the County and along the Grand River.

If tennis is something you’ve always wanted to try, the County is hosting an Introduction to Tennis program, offered in Caledonia, Dunnville and Jarvis. Check the County’s website for more details.

For anyone looking to explore the farthest reaches of the County there are two new tours: the geotour is suitable for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, with twenty geocaches stashed throughout Haldimand, while the public art tour is a County-wide display of 24 handmade wooden paddles painted by local artists. Details are available online and both tours include ongoing contests.

Remember to stop and enjoy a meal or snack at our local eateries, or hit the local shops to experience the County’s many unique offerings as you build out your Haldimand experience.

As always during these unusual times, we ask that you follow the current provincial and public health COVID-19 guidelines when visiting our parks, facilities and trails or participating in programming and activities. Please be respectful of others and do not litter; dispose of garbage or take out what you brought in.

The Playbook also includes a survey—on the back cover or online—about how the County can better stay connected to you. Please let us know how we can best communicate with you!

Visit Haldimand County’s Administration Building or Library Branches for your free copy of the Playbook, or check out the County’s website at https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-guide/.