Retrospective: Heritage News and Events
Just because the summer's ending doesn't mean the fun has to! Make the most of your last month of summer at Billings Estate, Pinhey's Point and Cumberland Heritage Village during these exciting programs and events.
Billings Estate National Historic Site
Savouring Sunday
Every Sunday afternoon between noon and 2 p.m., discover the sweetest and most savoury aspect of pioneer life. Participants will learn food preparation skills based on heritage techniques and see how they have been adapted to modern times. Topics include pickling, jelly making, edible ornaments, brewing beer, and open hearth cooking.
Cost is $10 per person.
Bug Hunt
Are you buzzing with curiosity about the world around you? Every Sunday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m., kids can learn about different insects and why they're important. Games, crafts and activities � along with some good old bug hunting � will entertain and educate kids even after they've left the museum!
Cost is $6 per child.
Cultivating the Past
Grab your watering can and let's get growing! Every Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m., participants ages 4 and up can help tend the Billings' veggie garden. Learn how to plant seeds, manage weeds, and nurture your seedlings into full-grown, delicious vegetables before taking home the fruits of your labour!
Cost is $6 per person and advance registration is required.
Campfire and Storytelling
Gather 'round the fire for tales from Ottawa's past every Friday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Roast marshmallows and hot dogs and join the Ottawa Storytellers as they bring myths, legends and folktales to life.Cost is $6 per person, $10 per pair or $15 per family.
Pinhey's Point Historic Site
Heritage Trades
Ever wonder how pioneers made tools and fabric? Come and meet heritage tradesmen and women on Sunday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to find out! Try your hand at trades from the past with workshops, activities and demonstrations showcasing blacksmithing, carpentry, lace making and more.
Admission is $6 per person, $10 per pair or $15 per family.
Blast from the Past - Museum Day Camp
Looking for a camp that will put you in touch with nature? This exciting day camp will allow campers to explore a variety of themes, from pioneer life to the natural world. Kids will also discover the importance and history of the Ottawa River through fun games, crafts and activities. Space is limited, so hurry and register in advance. The camp runs from Tuesday, August 3 to Friday, August 6.Cost is $140 per child and advance registration is required.
Junior Archaeologists Club
Indiana Jones had to get his start somewhere! Dig up some history this summer as a junior archaeologist every Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. Budding young explorers can learn how to dig, date and display the heritage artifacts they find on site.
Cost is $6 per person or $15 per family and requires advance registration.
Green Thumb Club
Go green and get a little dirty this summer while you plant a garden and watch it grow! Every Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m., kids aged seven to 10 can learn something new and have a ton of fun. Watering, weeding and flower arranging are just some of the skills they'll take home, as well as how to make a scarecrow to keep the pests away.
Cost is $6 per person or $15 per family.
Campfire and Storytelling
Gather 'round the campfire and listen to tales from Ottawa's past on Saturday, August 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Roast marshmallows and hot dogs and join the Ottawa Storytellers as they bring myths, legends, and folktales to life. Bring a blanket or chair and get comfy.
Cost is $6 per person or $15 per family.
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Back to Basics Children's Workshop: Friendly Farm Animals
Have some fun on the farm on Saturday, August 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Kids aged five to nine can learn what life is like for a rural farmer in Ottawa, and discover the important role that farm animals play in the food and products we enjoy every day. With the help of real farmers, learn how to feed and care for animals and make some crafts inspired by your favourite barnyard buddies.
Cost is $4 per child. Advance registration required.
Back to Basics Children's Workshop: Telegraphy and Trains
Want to find out how people kept in touch before text messaging? Head back in history at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum on Saturday, August 14 to a time where e-mailing, instant messaging and texting didn't exist. Kids can learn about some of the traditional ways of communicating and try their hand at using the telegraphy equipment to see which is faster - sending a telegraph or a text message! The fun takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. Ages seven to 12.
Cost is $5 per child. Advance registration required.
Back to Basics Children's Workshop: Radio and Communication
All signals point to this new radio and communication workshop! The invention of the radio was monumental in communicating long distances, broadcasting news, and providing entertainment. Cumberland villagers listened daily at home and at work. Children will learn about the history of the radio in this workshop, and have an opportunity to put on a play. Saturday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. For ages seven to 12.
Cost is $5 per child. Advance registration is required.
Back to Basics Children's Workshop: Rural Resourcefulness
The greatest rock stars practice the three R's! The environment needs protection from harmful substances, like pollution and waste. When you reduce, reuse and recycle you help clean the environment and make it a liveable space. People in the 1920s and 30s were resourceful and you can be too! Learn how their green lifestyles can be applied today. Children will also learn about composting and create a toy from recycled objects. Saturday, August 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For children ages five to nine.
Cost is $5 per child. Advance registration required.
Traditional Dance
Want to dance, sing and feel the beat? On Sunday, August 8, you can get in the groove and show off your moves at the museum when it showcases traditional dance styles from local cultural groups. Don't let having two left feet stop you! Come by to simply enjoy the performances, or to explore the museum's new Discovery Zone. The good times will be shaking from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors or $18 for the whole family.
Animals in Art
Do you have a passion for painting? From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, amateur artists are invited to bring their canvases and brushes to the museum to display their talent and get creative. Let the beautiful sights and sounds of the heritage village inspire you, and take the opportunity to chat with other aspiring artists. Masterpieces will be created and prizes will be awarded at this incredible day of art and fun.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors or $18 for the whole family.
Series for Adults: Preserves
In the past, as summer wound down, rural families would spend their days not at the beach, but busily preparing for the winter instead. Learn the valuable art of preserving garden vegetables, and then apply it to your preserving endeavours at home. The workshop takes place Saturday, August 28 and is open to participants 14 years and up.
Cost is $5 per person and advance registration is required.
Volunteering with Heritage
The City of Ottawa's heritage programs thrive on the efforts of volunteers and are always welcoming newcomers. At Billings Estate National Historic Site, Pinhey's Point Historic Site, and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, volunteers assist in almost every museum activity. To volunteer, contact Daniele Hamonic at 613-580-2424, ext. 19042 or daniele.hamonic@ottawa.ca. Visit ottawa.ca/volunteering for more information.
Check out your local museum!
Billings Estate National Historic Site
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on Monday and Tuesday, except by appointment.
Admission is $6 per adults, $5 per senior, $3.50 per child, $15 per family. Children under 5 are admitted free.
Located at 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa.
Call 613-247-4830 for more information.
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $7 per adult, $5 per senior/student, $18 per family. $35 for a season family pass.
Located at 2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland.
Call 613-833-3059 for more information.
Pinhey's Point Historic Site
Open Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and on weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission by donation. Special fees may apply to some activities and programs.
Located at 270 Pinhey's Point Road, Dunrobin.
Call 613-832-4347 for more information.
Ottawa International Poets and Writers for human Rights (OIPWHR)
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