Saturday May 3rd, the Tyrconnell Heritage Society celebrated the official beginning of the 2008 museum season. The doors of the Backus-Page House were thrown open and all were invited to help get the year off to a great start.
Carol Mooney in the kitchen.
Special activities for the day included cooking demonstrations on the cast iron stove in the kitchen, a quilting presentation and lessons upstairs in the display room and a bake sale hosted by the ladies of the Anglican Church in the Carriage House.
Joe Preston announcing the grant.
A ceremony was held at 2pm to welcome members and guests. Joe Preston, Member of Parliament (Elgin-Middlesex-London), announced (on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages) funding for both the Tyrconnell Heritage Society as well as the community partner group MPoWER. The announcement was solemnised by a firm handshake between MPoWER representative Robert White and Joe Preston while Tyrconnell Heritage Society Past President and Chair of the Marketing and Fundraising Committee Leta West stood close at hand.
Leta was instrumental in the formation of MPoWER. The organisation was established on the very grounds of the Backus-Page House in 2005. MPoWER is the acronym for Marketing Partners of Western Elgin Region. This working committee is made up of various businesses, service clubs, agencies and individuals who want to see more people visit the Western Region of Elgin County. The Society and MPoWER will receive funding in the amount of $4,000 for the Western Elgin Historical and Cultural Collaboration of Events.
Stacie Littlejohn works in the natural light.
The events that fall under that funding umbrella are the Pioneer Education Day on Friday May 23rd, Relive the Talbot Settlement Day on May 24th and the Heritage Food Car Tour (which starts at the Backus-Page House Museum) on Sunday May 25th. According to the official press release from Joe Preston’s office “the three-day event will feature cultural and educational activities and displays that will offer visitors a historical perspective on rural living. The festival is also geared toward hobbyists, naturalists, and those interested in Aboriginal studies.”.
Eileen Hull represents the Anglican Church Women's Association.
Despite the rain and several other community events, attendance was good and Society members were kept running as guests toured the museum, enjoyed delicious pasties in the kitchen, stitched a quilt square, tried saltwater taffy from the Pearce Giftshop and sampled goods from the bake sale tables.
Henry and Tyson Dryfhout take a break.
Eva Dryfhout tells Talbot tales.
Admission: Adults -$6, Children (6-12) - $2, Children under 6 - Free, Family package- $15. The grounds and main floor of the museum are wheelchair accessible. 
