Friday, April 29, 2011

Museum Opening Event

Please join us on Sunday May 1st from 12 noon to 4 pm as we celebrate the season opening with a used book sale at the Backus-Page House Museum. 
There will be fun for all so come out and spend the afternoon!

Community Theater Spring Production

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wasaga Under Siege Update


Wasaga under Siege - “A War of 1812 Experience”
July 22nd, 23rd, 24th /2011
2011 Highlights

·        Nancy Island Historic Site New Welcome Centre.
·        Website Update
·        Battle Location Changes
·        River Run Event – Looking for Boats, Canoes & Participants.
·        New Coordinator of Naval Activities
·        Book Releases and Signings
·        Invitation to Tea



Just a quick reminder that Wasaga under Siege “A War of 1812 Experience” is approaching fast.   Please review the information that has been provided and if you have not registered yet I encourage you all to do so ASAP.  Visit our website at www.wasagaundersiege1812.com .  There are also some changes and new things happening this year and if you have any questions please let me know. 
          Building on the huge success of past Wasaga under Siege events, the Historic Military Establishment of Upper Canada in partnership with the Town of Wasaga Beach, Ontario Parks and Nancy Island Historic Site look forward to hosting you once again from July 22nd to the 24th/2011. Wasaga under Siege “A War of 1812 Experience” will once again come to life as over 300 re-enactors will take part echoing history once again through the streets and waters of Wasaga Beach and Nancy Island Historic Site.
          We have put together a great weekend for re-enactors and spectators alike!  Re-enactors will enjoy a safe Grand Encampment area on Historic Nancy Island, water, food, entertainment, drinks, souvenir and 4 battles scenarios.  We will be using all our talents and proven Wasaga under Siege 1812 hospitality to make sure all re-enactors & participants feel welcomed and satisfied that it was worth the trip.
          All re-enactors who portray any aspect of the War of 1812 are welcomed to participate.  They can include – British and American Regulars or Militia, Navy Personnel, Cannon Crews, Natives, Voyageurs and Men, Women & Children civilians.  Re-enactors who wish to bring cannons, bateaus and canoes can negotiate with me for travel, haulage or powder compensation.  Merchants, blanket traders and artisans are welcomed to attend free of charge.
          Sunday morning will also feature the Redcoat Iron-man and Iron-women contest that has proven to be a popular event not only to participate in, but to watch as well, with prizes going out to the winners.
            If you are registering on-line please register individually or as an immediate family unit.  No group registrations will be accepted unless pre-approved.  This gives us a more accurate numbers for logistics, food and actual people attending and camping on the island.

New Welcome Centre – Nancy Island Welcome Centre

Ontario Parks is excited to announce that Nancy Island Historic Site will have a brand new 3000+ square foot Welcome Centre opening this summer. This new building will become a focal point for Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and certainly help draw visitors to Nancy Island as we gear up for the bicentennial.

Monday, April 11, 2011

History of The British Royalty in Canada

HISTORY OF THE BRITISH ROYALTY IN CANADA

Presentation by Robert Finch at Joseph Brant Museum

Join Robert Finch on an historical journey, as he unveils Canada's strong connection to the British Monarchy since its colonial days. Accompanying this seminar, artifacts from the Museum's collection commemorating this royal history in Canada, will be displayed exclusively for this presentation.
Robert Finch is the Dominion Chairman for the Hamilton Branch of the Monarchist League of Canada.
The presentation will take place on Friday, April 15, 2011, from 7pm to 9pm.
Light refreshments will be provided, but seating is limited, so register early!

Joseph Brant Museum is located at 1240 Lakeshore Blvd. E., Burlington, Ontario.
Parking is available at the Museum.
To register, or for more information, call (905) 634-3556.

Find out more at www.museumsofburlington.com or on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Museums-of-Burlington/14389272142.

Joanne Stevenson
Educator Ireland House at Oakridge Farm
905-332-9888
Joseph Brant Museum
905-634-3556

We're on Facebook!
Museums of Burlington www.museumsofburlington.com

Newsletter Correction

The Spring 2011 edition of the Pioneer Press contains incorrect dates for 3 events. The correct dates are as follows.

Heritage Farm Show
September 3rd and 4th, 2011

Harvest Dinner
Lakeview Gardens, Eagle
November 19th, 2011

Backus-Page House
Christmas Dinner December 3rd, 2011


The Carriage House Office apologizes for any issues arising from this error.

Blacksmithing Classes

Helmut's Forge Blacksmithing Classes and Interpretation Workshop
May 14-15, 2011

Located at the South Norwich Historical Society's Blacksmith Shop, Otterville, Ontario This is a one-day course to teach the basics of the historical trade of Blacksmithing and its interpretation of it to the public. Basic techniques such as fire building, tool handling, steel and iron selection, temperatures, and basic forging to make small demonstration pieces. Plus safety. History of the trade and its importance within Upper Canada / Ontario, including some effective techniques to bring the trade alive and understandable to a wide range of public, including school groups.

Classes are limited to six, with hands on time; each person will make at least one small item besides practicing the basic techniques.
For volunteers and staff of Historical Sites, Museums and Associations the cost of the one-day course will be $75.00 all materials supplied.

Tim Foster is a smith of 40 years experience in Blacksmithing. I was the full time smith a Black Creek Pioneer Village for 4 years and the Interpretive Coordinator for the Trades, for 6 years. I have also taught and demonstrated the trade at sites and events around the province for 30 years. As Interpretive Coordinator it was my job to teach all of the trades staff how to interact with public in all of its variations.

For more details and to register contact
Tim Foster
905-777-9465
91 Grant Ave.,
Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2X6