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This summer, Wilson MacDonald Memorial School & Museum is offering a number of fun, artistic and educational programs for kids in its extremely unique, one-room schoolhouse setting.

Daily programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at each session, kids will take part in at least three projects – from wind chimes and other pieces of garden artwork and crafts to tie-dye pillowcases, decorating cupcakes, painting and more. Daily workshop themes include:

Thursday, July 11 – Whimsical Wind Chimes

Friday, July 12 – Art Attack

Thursday, July 18 – Woodworking 101

Friday, July 19 – Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

Thursday, July 25 – Winter Wonderland

Friday, July 26 – Scientific Art

Thursday, August 1 – Summer Camp Survivors

Friday, August 2 – Somewhere at the Beach

Thursday, August 8 – Beauty Spa Day

Friday, August 9 – Cartoonist Camp

Thursday, August 15 – Knight at the Museum

Friday, August 16 – Silly Scientists

As well as learning new skills and creating arts and crafts, participants will be able to tour the Museum’s latest exhibits — including the current “Auld Selkirk”, with its nod to the region’s Scottish plaids — and learn about the average school day in a one-room classroom.

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum in Selkirk is dedicated to preserving the history of rural education, the heritage of the surrounding community and the memory of poet Wilson Pugsley MacDonald, who was born in the neighbouring hamlet of Cheapside and attended the school house as a young boy.

Workshop fees are $26.25 per child per day and include all supplies. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in-person at any County office. Anyone seeking further information about the museum or its programs are encouraged to call 905-776-3319.

This May at Haldimand County Museum & Archives, residents and visitors are invited to learn about Victorian beauty secrets, women’s suffrage and famous mothers throughout history. All events run from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the museum’s 8 Echo St. location in Cayuga unless otherwise specified. Admission is by donation.

May 8 – Famous Mothers Tea & Talk

Fresh homemade scones, raspberry jam and other treats will be served followed by an informative talk on some of the strong, courageous mothers throughout history. Women like Lady Aberdeen –one of the founders of the Victorian Order of Nurses – and Nellie McClung – a women’s rights activists, reformer and legislator – will be highlighted. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8105.

May 15 – Heritage Series: Women Wielding Power

This talk will explore the suffrage movement and the history of women’s rights. The suffrage movement in Canada began in the 1890s but it wasn’t until 1920 that women got the right to vote in Ontario. The movers and shakers of the time included Dr. Emily Stowe – first female doctor to practice medicine in Canada – and Adelaide Hunter Hoodless, who fought for better education and conditions for women. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 8108.

May 16, 22 & 23 – Victorian Beauty Secrets Workshops at your Library

Haldimand Museums’ popular Victorian Beauty Secrets workshops will be held at the Hagersville, Dunnville & Jarvis libraries throughout May. Workshop participants will learn how their Victorian ancestors managed to look their best with a minimal amount of store-bought items. Participants will have the opportunity to sample and make some of women’s favourite products from the era. Registration fee includes recipes, take-home products and light refreshments. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. (Hagersville Library – May 16, 1pm to 3pm – Code: 8084; Dunnville Library – May 22, 1pm to 3pm – Code: 8087; Jarvis Library – May 23, 1:30pm to 3:30pm – Code: 8088)

Pre-registration for paid events must be completed online or at any County office using the code provided. For more information, contact the museum at 905-772-5880 or email: krichardson@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County Public Library invites residents of all ages to get creative and participate in its 7th annual poetry contest, to be held throughout the month of April. April 2019 marks the 21st anniversary of National Poetry Month being recognized in Canada, which celebrates poetry and the important role it plays in Canadian culture.

This year, the library’s poetry contest theme is My Town, My Home, and residents are encouraged to write and submit an original, unpublished poem of any style surrounding this theme. Entry forms, a full list of rules and submission details can be obtained on the library’s website or at any library branch. This year, poems may also be submitted online.

Submissions will be accepted during the month of April and entered to win cash prizes in one of the following categories:

• Primary – Kindergarten to Gr. 3
• Junior – Gr. 4 to Gr. 6
• Intermediate – Gr. 7 to Gr. 10
• Senior – Gr. 11 – 12
• Adult – age 18+

Judging will take place at the end of April by a panel of judges. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. First prize will receive $50, second prize will receive $35 and third prize will receive $20. Winners, their families and friends will be invited to attend the April Poetry Contest Awards Ceremony to enjoy poetry readings and light refreshments; a date and location for the ceremony will be announced towards the end of the contest.

Individuals with further questions about the 7th Annual April Poetry Contest may call or visit their local library branch. Branch hours and contact numbers can be found at on the library website. To stay connected with the library, ‘like’ them on Facebook for updates on programming, special events and more.

This April, members of the public are invited to create their own elaborate fascinator hat, enjoy a proper Royal tea, celebrate the roaring twenties and explore a brand new exhibit at HCMA. All events run from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at 8 Echo St. in Cayuga unless otherwise specified. Registration for paid events may be completed online via link.haldimandcounty.on.ca or at any County office using the code provided.

April 4 – Exhibit: Flood, Fire and Fury

This fascinating exhibit explores the many disasters that have happened in Haldimand County including the great flood of 1930, the crippling snowstorm of 1977 and the Hagersville tire fire in 1990. Learn about these notable events and how the community rallied to recover. The exhibit runs from April 4 until May 31 and is open to the public during regular museum hours. Admission is by donation.

April 10 – Adult Workshop: Make Your Own Fascinator

In the 18th century, British women dressed their elaborate hairstyles with ribbons, feathers, butterflies and jewels secured to the front or side of the head. At this workshop, participants will learn how to make their own one-of-a-kind fascinator hat.  Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8100.

April 17 – Royal High Tea

Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite hat and bring their appetites to this true High

Tea. Featuring a menu of fresh homemade scones, raspberry preserves and sweet treats, this event will highlight royal women. Door prizes and other surprises will be offered! Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8101.

April 24 – Heritage Series: All That Jazz

This informative talk will offer a nostalgic look at the roaring twenties. World War I had just come to an end and a new generation flocked from small towns to big cities in search of excitement and opportunity. Flashy new cars rolled down city streets, speakeasies popped up everywhere and women expressed their independence by shortening their hemlines & cutting their hair. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 8102

For more information contact 905-772-5880 or museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.