Haldimand County Museum And Archives Announces Special October Programs At New Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre

This October, Haldimand County Museum & Archives will be hosting a number of ‘spooky’ events – from live musical performances to ghostly walking tours. All programs will be held at the new Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre.

October 15 – Culture Club – Music by Canadian folk band ‘The Treeline’ – 6:30 to 8pm
Canadian folk band ‘The Treeline’ will treat attendees to a lively performance full of harmonies and story-driven songs with a variety of instruments. Music is reflective of the people, landscape and changing seasons of our country. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10231. Light refreshments will be served.

October 22 – Ghostling Walking Tour of Cayuga – 6 to 8pm
Take a guided stroll through the historic village of Cayuga and explore its most ghostly haunts. Stories of murder, mayhem and ghost sightings will be part of this evening – especially surrounding the Cayuga Courthouse which was the site of several hangings. The program will be held rain or shine (if inclement weather occurs, the talk will take place at the Heritage Centre). Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8377. Light refreshments will be served.

October 29 – Escape the Museum – 1 to 3pm
Do you have what it takes to escape from the museum? An unsolved historical murder, missing artifacts, and a dastardly archeologist set the stage for this interactive program. Participants will have one hour to uncover the evidence of the crime and escape the museum before the suspect returns. Put together a team or come on your own and try to solve the mystery! Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10386. Light refreshments will be served.

October 30 – Historically Speaking Halloween – 1 to 3pm
Join in on the museum’s annual “spooky” Halloween celebration. Fresh scones, tea, raspberry jam and other sweet treats will be served followed by a talk on some of the most interesting haunted places in Haldimand County and the surrounding area. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 10012.

For more information on these programs or other Museum offerings, contact the museum at museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca or 905-772-5880. Register for any of the above programs here. A comprehensive schedule of all Museum programs is available in the County’s Community Guide.

Haunted Haldimand – Renowned Paranormal Investigator Visiting Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre

Believe it or not, ghosts are REAL! So says Peter Roe – author and Assistant Director of renowned Canadian paranormal research team The Searcher Group. Roe will be visiting Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre on Saturday, October 5 to discuss his popular book Haunted Town Halls. The Centre, which once served as Caledonia’s Town Hall, is located at 80 Caithness Street East.

The Searcher Group is a team of individuals involved in the study of parapsychology – a field of study that investigates paranormal or “psychic” phenomena that cannot be explained by current scientific knowledge. 2019 marks the group’s 40th anniversary of paranormal investigation.

In March 2014, Roe arranged for The Searcher Group to apply their collective skills at the Acton Town Hall Centre, launching what became the first of several stops on a two and-a-half-year ‘Town Hall Tour’ throughout southwestern Ontario. Peter felt these investigations would make  an interesting experiment to see how the team fared in a number of historic buildings that once served the same purpose.

The results of this experiment and his book Haunted Town Halls will be the focus of Roe’s presentation on October 5. Roe will lead a special presentation, followed by a question and answer session and book signing. Roe points out that “…one doesn’t need to be a complete believer to enjoy a good ghost story.”

The cost for this program is $10.00 per person; it’s suitable for mature (13+) audiences. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca using program code 10315 or in-person at any County office.

For more information on this program or other museum offerings, please contact Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre at esquare.centre@haldimandcounty.on.ca or 905-765-3134. A comprehensive schedule of all museum programs is available in the 2018-19 Community Guide.

2019 ‘Neighbour Nights’ Will Bring Caledonia Residents Together At Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library’s popular ‘Neighbour Nights’ program is returning to Caledonia this fall. The monthly social and educational program – hosted out of the Caledonia Library – is geared towards new Caledonia residents, newly retired individuals, new parents and residents with a desire to learn more about their community.

Each Neighbour Night session is themed and centres around various aspects of Caledonia’s vibrant community. The overarching goal of Neighbour Nights is to create and cultivate social connections between community members and local organizations, service clubs, agencies and businesses for the purpose of increasing community engagement and public awareness of programs, services and business.

The 2019 Neighbour Night schedule is as follows:

Thursday, September 26: Lifelong Learning

Thursday, October 24: Volunteering

Thursday, November 21: Local History & Culture

“Neighbour Night is a great opportunity to learn more about the vibrant offerings in Caledonia and Haldimand County,” noted Lindsay Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator at Haldimand County Public Library. “Neighbour Night, and the library as a whole, provides a comfortable atmosphere for making connections – whether those connections be with fellow residents, information or community services,” she added.

All Neighbour Night programs takes place at Haldimand County Public Library’s Caledonia Branch from 6 to 8 p.m. All community members are welcome to attend the free program, mix and mingle with fellow residents and learn about what’s offered locally. Registration is not required.

Organizations, service clubs, agencies or businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact Lindsay Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118 or lthomas@haldimandcounty.on.ca. Additional information about Haldimand County Public Library

programs, resources and events can be found at HaldimandLibrary.ca and on the library’s Facebook page.

Haldimand Museums Hosting Oral History Workshop With Broadcast TV Icon & Internationally Recognized Filmmaker

This September, Haldimand Museums will be welcoming internationally recognized filmmaker Graeme Bachiu and iconic CHCH-TV news anchor Connie Smith to present an oral history/interviewing workshop.

The two-day workshop, to be held at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre on Saturday, September 14 & Saturday, September 21 (1pm to 3pm), will cover the skills needed to film and interview subjects to preserve oral histories.

“In every family, stories are passed down from generation to generation, occasionally graining details with each telling,” said Anne Unyi, Haldimand County’s Supervisor of Heritage & Culture. “Preserving those stories through film & one-on-one interviews has become much easier with technological advancements, but using these technologies and knowing how to ask the right questions are skills a lot of us need help developing,” Unyi added.

To begin the two-day workshop, filmmaker Graeme Bachiu will teach participants the basic camera and interviewing skills they will need to collect and preserve oral histories. The Oral History Workshop will present both technical and practical hands-on approaches to conducting interviews. On day 2 of the workshop, Graeme will collaborate with one of the best interviewers in the business – former CHCH-TV anchor Connie Smith – to teach a master class in interviewing.

Graeme Bachiu, an internationally recognized documentary filmmaker with over 25 years of film and TV experience. Graeme’s work has been shown on CTV, CBC, CHCH-TV, CNN and NBC and his documentary short films have been screened at film festivals around the world. Graeme has a deep interest in history and preserving stories of the past.

The workshop is available to anyone with an interest in undertaking an oral history project, learning basic principles of filmmaking or becoming a better interviewer. Cost for the two-day program is $60.00 per person. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at any Haldimand County office using program code 10314.

Fall Museum Programming Kicks Off At New Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre

The new, state-of-the-art Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre (CLHC) opened to the public on August 6. All library and museum services are now co-located and available at the 19 Talbot St. W location, including popular heritage & learning programs.

Museum staff have announced their September lineup of heritage-focused workshops, which will continue to be offered year-round. The September schedule is as follows:

Heritage Series: Tales from the Grand River – September 10 (6:30 pm to 8:00 pm)
At this heritage talk, participants will learn about the history of the magnificent Grand River, its people and communities. Museum staff will highlight tales from the past and shine a light on the pre-contact era, the Underground Railway & the area’s earliest settlers. This talk is suitable for all ages. Cost is $5/person. Code: 10277.

Adult Workshop: Finding Your Roots – September 11 (1 pm to 3 pm)
This hands-on workshop will show how participants how to navigate microfilm, historical archives and other digital resources to find elusive relatives. Museum staff will explain how to look in unusual places to find items that will help unlock family history. Attendees are encouraged to bring their most difficult genealogy-related questions for museum staff to assist with. Enrollment is limited to 15. Cost is $10/person. Code: 10376.

Heritage Series: British Home Children in Canada – September 18 (1 pm to 3 pm)
From the late 1860s right up to 1948, over 100,000 British children believed to be orphans were emigrated to Canada to be used as indentured farm workers. This talk, led by museum staff, will focus on some of these children’s Haldimand stories. This talk is suitable for adults. Cost is $5/person. Code: 8371.

Culture Club: Historical Jeopardy – September 24 (6:30 pm – 8 pm)
Spend a fun evening exploring Haldimand’s past through a series of historic Jeopardy questions. Put together a team and learn all about Haldimand’s communities and their stories. Cost is $5/person. Code: 10229.

Historically Speaking: Life & Times of Jane Austen-September 25 (1 pm – 3 pm)
This afternoon is dedicated to author Jane Austen who was ahead of her time and one of the earliest women on the fringe of the suffragette movement. Homemade scones, tea and sweet treats will be provided during the talk. Cost is $10/person. Code: 8372.

Pre-registration is required for all paid events. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or at any County office using the code provided. For more information about
museum programs and events, contact museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Friends of the Jarvis Library offering special programs & events this fall

The Friends of the Jarvis Library are offering a number of creative & educational programs out of the Jarvis Library branch this fall.

September: Book Hedgehog

Workshop by Marilyn Sutor – Make a cute hedgehog out of a recycled book!

Date & Time: Tues, September 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $5.00 due upon registration.

October: Crazy Quilt Square

Helen Sluis will guide you in making a unique piece of hand-quilted whimsy!

Date & Time: Tues, October 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $30.00 due upon registration.

November: Genealogy 101

Delve into your family history with Karen Richardson. Bring your own laptop/tablet, if you wish.

Date & Time: Thurs, November 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE! Please register to save your seat.

November: Christmas Gift Tags

Learn to make unique gift tags with Jennifer Kelly.

Date & Time: Tues, November 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $5.00 due upon registration

Please register one week in advance of all workshops.  Call the Library at 289-674-0400 ext. 5 for more information.

New Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre Opening To The Public August 6th

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, the new Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre at 19 Talbot St. West will open to the public. All library and museum services will be available on this ‘soft-open’ date, however, visitors should note that minor finishing touches (such as accent lighting, paint touch-ups and landscaping) will be ongoing for a few more weeks. A more formal ‘ribbon-cutting’ ceremony is being planned for a later date.

Construction on the new 6,455 square foot library and heritage centre in the heart of Cayuga’s downtown core began in June 2018. The new, fully integrated and accessible building is now home to both library and museum collections and programs as well as research services, which will provide visitors with an extremely unique learning and cultural experience.

Both library and museum staff and their respective Boards are excited to be able share this leading edge facility and have been working hard to ensure the new space is welcoming, warm and enriching for all ages. The first heritage exhibit on display, titled Back to Our Roots, features a number of artifacts from Haldimand County’s very first museum exhibit dating back to 1933 – which was located in a 22 square foot room within the existing Cayuga Courthouse.

Community consultations regarding the future of the old library & museum site – which will be developed into public parklands – will continue into the fall. Further opportunities to provide input into their design and development will be communicated to residents in the coming weeks.

More information on the new Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre, including hours of operation and services offered, is available at haldimandcounty.ca/cayugalhc.

Haldimand Museums Hosting Murder Mystery Cruise August 14

On Wednesday, August 14, Haldimand Museums is hosting its annual Murder Mystery Cruise aboard the Grand River Belle. Attendees will have the opportunity to step back in time and be entertained by a prohibition era-themed mystery.

It’s the 1920’s and prohibition is in full swing. You’ve been invited to an imitate party with local rumrunner kingpin Jay McCoy and his crew aboard his private yacht for an evening cruise down the Grand River. Coming along for the ride is a special shipment of ‘perfectly legal soda pop’ – ok… it’s really bootleg gin, but no really needs to know that…do they?

To help pass the time, the boat doubles as a speakeasy. Everything is going according to plan until someone is murdered. We need your help to solve this crime! Remember: in the criminal world of gangsters, crooked cops, flappers, and rumrunners, everyone is a suspect!

This 2-hour cruise departs from the Big Creek Boat Farm at 7 p.m. Cost is $25.00 per person and includes the cruise and light refreshments. Registration may be completed on-line at www.link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at any Haldimand County office using program code 8400.

For details regarding the Murder Mystery Cruise, contact Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre at 905-765-3134 or by e-mail at museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand Museums Hosting Grand River Music Trivia Cruise In Partnership With 92.9 The Grand FM

Haldimand Museums has partnered with 92.9 The Grand FM to offer a Woodstock-themed Grand River Music Trivia Cruise featuring music trivia from the 1960s and 1970s. The cruise is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17 (5 – 7pm) and will depart at 5pm sharp at the Big Creek Boat Farm in Caledonia.

92.9 The Grand FM morning show hosts Peter Jaycock and Yvonne Van De Wiele will be providing entertainment & hosting the trivia portion of the evening. Guests can expect a variety of delicious snacks – both sweet and savoury – provided by Shelly’s Family Dining.

The cost to attend is $25.00 per person. Pre-registration for this event must be completed online via link.haldimandcounty.ca or at any Haldimand County Satellite office.

For additional information about this program, contact wmacdonald@haldimandcounty.on.ca. A full schedule of current museum offerings is available in the Spring/Summer 2019 Community Guide.

Press Release: Summer Programming For Kids Kicks Off At Wilson MacDonald Museum

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.