Region of Waterloo Museums

Summer/Fall 2019

Volume 1 • Issue 3

MUSEUMSMessage from the Manager/Curator

In this issue we reveal two new exhibitions at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. The transportation theme is an important one for all Region of Waterloo residents this year, what with the ION launch!

Journey to Space departed in early May and on June 27th we had our launch for Going Places: Past Present Future. You will be amazed at what has been fitted into the Feature Gallery for this exhibition! Animated displays serve to compare and contrast modes of travel throughout the Waterloo Region over time.Our focus this summer and into the fall is on nature. Schneider Haus staff will be tending their newly replanted Schtick garden; the Village will have its gardens in full splendour; and so, too, will the beautiful McDougall Cottage gardens be in bloom – here’s a shout-out to all our talented volunteer gardeners!In September, the Birds of Prey travelling exhibition, toured by the Royal British Columbia Museum, will give visitors the chance to study mounted specimens of vultures, eagles, owls, and more – “eye to eye,” as it were – in the Long-term Gallery of the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. They’ll be here for the Forest Festival school program, along with some live specimens at special times!You will find staff out and about the community this summer, interpreting displays and engaging visitors in creative (and sometimes tasty!) heritage activities. Look for the Region of Waterloo Museum displays at the following events and learn more about this area’s unique heritage: the Schneider Creek Porch Party; Kidspark (Kitchener); Cambridge Scottish Festival; The Mill Race Festival; Cambridge Fall Fair; Aviation Fun Day at the Waterloo International Airport; and Culture Days. There’s so much to see and do now that summer has arrived!

Table of contents Collections and curatorial news ......................... 3

Highlights of the collection ................................ 3

Curatorial news .................................................... 3

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum .............. 4

Exhibits .................................................................. 4

Special events ...................................................... 5

Programs ............................................................... 6

Schneider Haus National Historic Site .............. 7

Exhibits .................................................................. 7

Special events ...................................................... 7

Programs ............................................................... 8

McDougall Cottage Historic Site ........................ 9

Exhibits .................................................................. 9

Special events ...................................................... 9

Programs ............................................................. 10

Volunteers and membership .............................. 11

The Friends of Waterloo Region Museum is

actively seeking executive members

to join its Board. The Foundation supports the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

through fundraising events and activities, and promoting

our community’s heritage.

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Highlights from the collectionMembers of the public often approach collection’s staff with one simple question, “What is it”? Most of the time, it’s easy to answer the question, as staff carry a wealth of knowledge in their heads, but there’s the time when an object will stump us.During the mid 1800s to the early 1900s, a huge range of specialty tools and kitchen utensils were available. Often these tools were designed for a specific task or job that may no longer exist, or the tool itself has evolved and no longer resembles the object in question.These mystery items require a great deal of study and research in order to identify them. Sometimes patents are available online, other museums often have similar items in their collections, or collectors’ groups or antique dealers may have the answer.Favourite mystery items are the handmade ones. Some innovative person in the past built a tool or device to help solve a problem. The devices were not patented or mass produced, and often do not resemble anything else at first glance. A case in point is this roofer’s caddy/seat, which would date from between 1890 and 1920. Built from unfinished wood, the caddy is angled so that tools (especially nails) will not fall out. There are metal spikes on the bottom of the caddy to grip the roof and prevent it from sliding off. And the curved seat provided the roofer a place to sit.

Not sure about this? Check out this photograph of a house under construction in Berlin (now Kitchener) around 1900. If you look at the roof under the semi-circular window, you will see a similar device to the one in our collection! While the caddy in the photograph is of a different design, its use is clear and helped to identify a mystery object.

Handmade roofer’s tool caddy, 1890–19202009.031.001

Photograph of a house under construction in Berlin (now Kitchener), 1900

1981.004.001

Curatorial newsIn 2014, the Region of Waterloo Museums began using a new collections database – PastPerfect – to record information and images of the over 50,000 artifacts it safeguards for the public. This

project has involved more than simply migrating existing data from the old database to the new one. Digital photography is a major part of the process.

Noah Damaren recently rejoined the curatorial team as Artifact Photographer, and will be with us for six months. Noah previously worked at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum in a similar role, from March 2016 to December 2017. In addition to his museum collections work, and freelance photography, Noah has worked as a photographer for Waddington’s Auctions. Noah has studied Applied Photography at Sheridan College, as well as Graphic Design at Seneca College.

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Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Exhibits Our Main Gallery and Mezzanine tell the story of Waterloo Region, and our Feature Gallery showcases local and travelling exhibits from around the world.

www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca

Waterloo Region Museum10 Huron Road, Kitchener519-748-1914 TTY: 519-575-4608

Connect with us!

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Going Places: Past, Present, FutureJune 28, 2019 to January 5, 2020

Going Places: Past Present Future, a major regional exhibition mounted in celebration of the ION launch, showcases how the people of Waterloo Region have been actively ‘on the move’ by water, road, rail, and air. Featuring immersive experiences and artifacts that will surprise and delight, the exhibition transports visitors through time and into the future.As the Region has evolved, local modes of transportation have adapted and modernized to meet people’s needs. From canoes to hybrid cars, the Going Places exhibition explores the changes in travel experienced within the Region.

Birds of PreySeptember 6, 2019 to January 5, 2020

Organized and circulated by the Royal British Columbia Museum, this exhibition highlights birds of prey from across Canada. Birds of prey have been feared and admired by societies throughout the world, but what do we really know about them? Find out in this exhibition, which features a selection of mounted specimens – vultures, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls – all inhabitants of Canada and most common to our area. With specimens displayed in natural poses and surrounded by elements suggestive of their habitats, Birds of Prey illustrates the might and majesty of birds. This exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to see these incredible creatures “eye to steely eye!”

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Special events July to September

Visit our website for details or call 519-748-1914. Regular business hours/admission apply unless otherwise noted.

10 per cent member discount. Advance registration required.M R

Canada Day Celebration – Free admissionMonday, July 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.We’re throwing a party on Canada Day to celebrate Canada’s birthday and you’re invited! Enjoy musical entertainment and fun games like croquet and horseshoes. Guests bring their own picnic lunch or purchase a tasty BBQ lunch. Waterloo Historical Society – History Under the Trees, by Al Junker Saturday, July 6, 1 to 4 p.m.This talk explores vintage tools and implements that built much of Waterloo County in the 19th century. New Dundee collector and tool expert Al Junker will share some of his vast collection of historic tools and explain their uses.KidSummer – Travel Through TimeAugust 3 to 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission for up to two children ages 5 to 12 with each $11 adult admission.KidSummer is a fun family day where kids of all ages can have some good old fashioned fun. Enjoy gallery activities, games, and a horse-drawn wagon ride in the Village.Fascinating FarmsSunday, August 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join the farm staff to explore the fascinating and fantastic world of farms. Make sure to bring your queries about farm animals and farming to these great activities. Discover the basics of horse harnessing or assist our farm staff in feeding chickens.Apple-iscious Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Today we celebrate apples. Try some delicious recipes, play some apple games, and learn about what kind of care goes into growing your own apples.Visit the Village for our Last Weekend!August 31 to September 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.This is the last weekend to enjoy Doon Heritage Village before off season hours begin. Enjoy activities and games. We will have horse-drawn wagon rides on Sunday and Monday.

Adult Workshop – Seed Saving M R

Saturday, September 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.Ages 16+. Admission $10 per person plus HSTLearn the art of seed saving with Bob Wildfong, our resident gardener and one of Canada’s experts on heritage seeds and plants. Pre-registration required.

Seniors’ DayThursday, September 12, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Free admission for ages 55+Enjoy a unique fashion show featuring vintage and contemporary headpieces from the Canadian Crowns exhibit, created by the Burlington-based Mobile Millinery Museum. Round out your day with a stroll through the Village and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides.PD Day Fun Friday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Village closes at 4 p.m.) Join us for a day of exploration and creativity with hands-on activities in the Village and the Museum. Horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the afternoon. A great start to the weekend!

Culture Days – Behind the Scenes Tour Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Free tours, regular Museum admission fees applyGo behind the scenes with Museum staff for an exclusive peek at our Curatorial Centre. Explore how we preserve our Region’s history. Tours of our collections, costumes, and greenhouse are available throughout the day. A donation is suggested upon entry. See website for more details and tour times.

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

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Programs Learning opportunities for everyone to take part!

Family programsMuseum Activities Daily July 2 to August 25Scheduled hands-on activities and demonstrations that the whole family will enjoy in the Museum. Visit our website for a schedule of Museum daily activities.Village Activities – A Day in the Life... 1914Daily July 2 to August 25Visitors are invited to participate in farm and village scheduled activities throughout Doon Heritage Village. Visit our website for a schedule of Village daily activities.Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides Sundays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 to 4 p.m.Enjoy a wagon ride through Doon Heritage Village. A Taste of 1914July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31Sample recipes from the turn of the century and learn how and what people ate over 100 years ago.

Child and youth programs

Tots Time (Ages 2 to 5) M

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m.September, October, November $3 per child plus HST Join us for a program that features crafts, storybook reading, and toys that will engage your child. Visit our website for a schedule of dates and themes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to the museum galleries/Village not included.

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Honouring people who have made a difference!

The Waterloo Region Hall of Fame is located on the second floor of the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and pays tribute to individuals and organizations – now numbering more than 400 – for their significant contributions to our community.w

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Schneider Haus National Historic Site

Exhibits Schneider Haus features historic room displays that are magically brought to life, together with local arts and cultural exhibits in its galleries.

Sophie Drouin Fine Art Mosaics

Storytelling in StoneOn exhibit to September 29, 2019

Sophie Drouin is the 2019 Artist-in-Residence at Schneider Haus National Historic Site. This exhibit showcases her most recent mosaic production. An internationally recognized practitioner of this ancient art form, Drouin received her training in Canada, Italy, France, and the United States.

In her mosaic work, Drouin aspires to convey weightlessness and fluidity, and her pieces at times seem to defy gravity. Her extensive use of many types of stones allows her to play with textures and contrast, as well as rich colour tones and hues.

Coming soon… Canadian Wildlife Photography of the YearOctober 11, 2019 to April 26, 2020 | Produced by the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa

Special eventsJuly to September

Visit website for details or call 519-742-7752. Regular business hours/admission apply unless otherwise noted.

10 per cent member discount. Advance registration required.M R

Canada Day Celebration! Making History!Monday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Free admissionWe’ll introduce you to our summer daily themes all in one day – use your hands, learn some new skills and “make” some history! Canada Day cake served at 2 p.m. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. meet mosaic artist Sophie Drouin, our 2019 Artist-in-Residence. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sophie will offer a slide presentation and talk on her work.

Art Haus (Ages 12+) M R

July 6 and 20, August 3 and 24, Sept 7 and 21, 1 to 4 p.m. $25 per session plus HST or $125 plus HST for all six sessionsWork with Artist Candice Leyland to sketch an interior scene of the historic house in pencil or pen and ink. Study composition, perspective and value techniques. Suitable for adults or intergenerational groups aged 12 and up. Call to register and for a list of required supplies.

5th Annual Schneider Creek Porch PartySaturday, July 27, 3 to 7 p.m.Free admissionEnjoy the music of Ed Koenig, Phil Elsworthy, Fiddle and Swing, PG Tips, and junk music artist Mary Neil. Join Mary, Kitchener’s Artist-in-Residence, from 4 to 5 p.m. in composing a new piece of music using “junk” instruments – no musical experience necessary! Enjoy our children’s activity area and watch demonstrations by Sophie Drouin, our 2019 Schneider Haus Artist-in-Residence.

Seniors’ Day at Schneider HausThursday, September 19, 12 to 5 p.m.Free admission for adults 55+Make, bake, and take – spend the afternoon at Schneider Haus. Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at a traditional recipe. Make and knead bread dough, bake it in our historic oven, and take your loaf home with you. Or sit, chat, relax, and enjoy warm bread straight from the oven with seasonal apple butter and tea made fresh from the garden.

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Schneider Haus National Historic SiteCelebrate Culture DaysSaturday, September 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Free admission, regular admission fees apply for Haus tours Join us for outdoor activities, games, garden tours, and music. Bring a picnic and enjoy our green space! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet mosaic artist Sophie Drouin, our 2019 Artist-in-Residence.11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Slide presentation and talk by Sophie Drouin.

Programs Learning opportunities for everyone to take part!

Family programs

Do It Yourself Summer – “Make” History with Us! July and AugustMake, explore, and experiment all summer long! Hands-on activities and special guests – check our daily activities calendar for more information.

Monday Make and Take Explore a time when everything was handmade and “make” a piece of history to take home. From dairying and woodworking, to toy making and rope making there’s something for everyone.

Tuesday – Dig In! All settlers relied on their gardens. Get your hands into the earth and help our plants to flourish. Take a seed home, make a “mini” four-square garden, or sew a sleepy time satchel.

Wednesday – Funky Fabrics We’ll be exploring all things textile! Try different sewing projects…embroidery, hooking a mini-schnibble mat, or sewing a potholder. No experience required.

Thursday – Colour your World We’ll have a natural dye bath brewing each week – bring a t-shirt from home to dye. We’ll be dyeing and spinning wool all summer long!

Friday and Saturday – Bake Days Traditional bake oven use – with a twist. Let’s see what this bake oven can really do! Learn how to twist a pretzel like an expert.Sunday – Tea – Steeped in History Taste and make some tea to bring home with you. Special guests throughout the summer will share their tea making skills.

Family Pizza Party! M

Saturday, July 27 (Stay for the Porch Party!), August 24 and September 28. 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.$25 per family plus HST Prepare your own pizza to be baked in our wood-fired oven. We provide the dough and toppings. Play games and visit the Haus while you wait. Take it home or enjoy it in our new green space. Call to register as space is limited.

Communal Bake Days R Saturdays in July and August at 2 p.m.Regular admission applies for Haus visits Community bake ovens were the information hubs of the past. Prepare your bread at home and bring it to us to bake in our wood-fired bake oven. Meet up with other bakers, share stories and recipes, or visit the Museum and gardens while your bread bakes. Call to reserve your spot as space is limited.

Child and youth

Schneider Haus Urban Garden Club (Ages 9 to 14) M RSaturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Session dates: July 27, August 31, September 28, October 26$35 per youth plus HST Do you live in the city and want to learn how to garden in a small or unusual space? Then this club is for you! Join us as we get busy planting in our new Schtick garden.

‘PD’ Means Play and Discovery at Schneider Haus (Ages 5+)Friday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Discover the delicious science of bread making! Join us as our historic kitchen becomes a “dough lab” for the day, with STEAM experiments all about chemical change! Kids five and up will get to make, knead and shape dough into a loaf and bake it in our oven to take home.

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cdougallcottage.caMcDougall Cottage Historic Site

Exhibits McDougall Cottage showcases early Cambridge history in its decorated rooms and gallery.

McDougall reveals its new interior exhibit panels with enhanced interpretation of the

Cottage, the neighbourhood and the families who

live here!More Than

Haggis and Kilts: How the Scots shaped Canada

On exhibit to August 11, 2019

Come discover the lasting impact Scots

have had on Canadian life – it’s not just

bagpipes and tartan!

PAINT THE GRANDExhibit and Silent AuctionAugust 22 to December 8, 2019

In celebration of this tradition, artists set up their easels on June 9, 2019, within walking distance of the Cottage, to produce a painting en plein air. They donate their piece in support of McDougall Cottage’s annual Musician-in-Residence Program. All works of art are sold by silent auction.

Special eventsJuly to September

Visit our website for details or call 519-624-8250. Regular business hours/admission apply unless otherwise noted.

Canada Day FestivitiesMonday, July 1, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission by donationJoin us at the Cottage as we celebrate our Scottish-Canadian heritage with games, crafts, tours, special Canada Day treats (our popular mini-shortbread ice cream sandwiches), and more! Musical group, The Fair Wind, performs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

St. Swithin’s Day Contest – Just for fun! Daily from Monday, July 15 to Friday, August 23Free admissionThe saying goes – “St. Swithin’s day if thou dost rain, for forty days it will remain, St. Swithin’s day if thou be fair, for forty days ‘twill rain nae mair.” Correctly guess the number of days the Cottage will get rain between July 15 and August 23 and you’ll win a wee prize. Stop by to enter.

Summer Evening Ghost Walk (Ages 14+) M R

Thursday, July 25, beginning at 7 p.m.$10 plus HSTPut on your comfy walking shoes and join McDougall staffer Joleen Taylor, as she takes you on a spooky nighttime adventure that explores the history and hauntings of Galt. Note: This walking tour may include stairs, hills, and some uneven terrain. Space is limited.

Paint the Grand Exhibit Opening Reception and Silent Auction Kick-offThursday, August 22, from 7 to 9 p.m.Free admissionPlan to join us for the opening of this special exhibit and place a bid on your favourite painting in the ongoing silent auction. Light refreshments and live music. Silent auction runs to December 8.

10 per cent member discount. Advance registration required.M R

Talk – A Brief Natural History of the Grand River and Hopeful Ideas for the Future, presented by Ryan Hamelin M R

Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m.$5 plus HSTRyan Hamelin, ecologist with the Grand River Conservation Authority, talks about the rich biodiversity of the Grand River, how human use has affected it, and why we have reasons to be hopeful for its future.

PD Day FunFriday, September 20 Drop in between 1 and 4 p.m.$5 per child plus HST, adults no charge

Talk – The Mill Girls of Hespeler, presented by Larry Turner M R

Wednesday, September 25, 7 p.m.$5 plus HSTLocal historian Larry Turner joins us for a talk about Hespeler’s Dominion Woollens & Worsted Company’s recruitment of single, young girls from Northern Ontario and Newfoundland to replace male textile workers enlisted during World War 2 (and later).

Celebrate Culture Days at McDougall – A Taste of ScotlandSaturday, September 28Drop in between 1 and 4 p.m.Join us for a wee taste of Scotland! We’ll be offering free samples of some of Scotland’s favourite dishes, like shortbread, cloutie dumpling, haggis (if you dare), and more. Take home some free recipes so you can give them a try yourself! There’ll be fun crafts and activities for the kids too.

Adult programsKitchen CeilidhFirst Thursday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m.Admission by cash donationAll are welcome to join us for a casual evening concert presented by talented local musicians and featuring traditional music, song, and Scottish hospitality.

Thursday, July 4 – Eleanor Matte (Fiddle)Thursday, August 1 – Brad McEwen (Cittern)Thursday, September 5 – Gwen Potter (Fiddle)

Tartan Teas M R$15 plus HSTJoin us for McDougall’s ever-popular Tartan Teas. There will be cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and more! Live music sets the mood. Teas begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Mid-week Tartan TeaWednesday, July 3 – no musicianSt. Swithin’s Day Tartan TeaSunday, July 14Musician – Brad McEwen (Cittern)Mid-week Tartan TeaWednesday, August 7 – no musicianHarvest Tartan TeaSunday, August 25, 2 p.m. – PG Tips [Gwen Potter (fiddle) and Paul Morris (melodeon)]Carrot Sunday Tartan TeaSunday, September 29 – Free carrots for all who dare! Musician – Geoff Lewis (guitar/vocals)

Projects, Puzzles and Pekoe M

Second Wednesday of the month, drop in 1 to 3 p.m. (July 10, August 14, September 11)$5 plus HSTWork on your latest knitting, stitching, or crafting project. Play a game of chess, checkers, or cards. Enjoy warm tea and a scone with jam and cream, of course!

Piping Hot SundaysSundays in July and August, 4 to 4:30 p.m.Donations to piper welcomeJoin us as piper Jim MacPherson enchants us with his haunting and beautiful music. Note: piper Tyler Bridge performs on July 21.

Musician-in-Residence – An Evening of Story and SongThursday, September 26, 7 to 9 p.m.Admission by cash donation2019 Musician-in-Residence John Harris is joined by guest Michael Williams – “a storyteller of compelling skill” – for an evening of story and song.

McDougall Cottage Historic Site

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Programs

MUSEUMSVolunteer!Volunteers make a difference every day to help build a strong, vibrant, and engaged community; they are ambassadors for our community’s rich heritage! Whether you are interested in volunteering in the galleries, living history site or behind the scenes, we have diverse volunteer opportunities available.For further details regarding volunteer opportunities and for more information regarding the Friends of Waterloo Region Museum Board contact Debbie Moxam at 519-748-1914 ext. 3272 or via email at dmoxam@regionofwaterloo.ca

How did you get the idea to undertake an international internship at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum?JM: I was looking for something that would combine both my subjects, History and English...my Masters program does require a three-month internship abroad in an English-speaking country. The prospect of working in the Doon Heritage Village was just perfect. How does this internship help you with your university studies?JM: It fulfills the requirements that I have to meet. I could have also just done a study at a university in Canada or the UK but...I thought it would give me more practical experience.What’s your favourite experience at the Village so far?JM: Definitely the interpreting. I like explaining first-hand to visitors what all the things they see in the buildings are about, or where they came from, what their purpose is...and it’s fun for me to talk about these things while actually being dressed like in 1914!

Justin Melletat, volunteer intern at Doon Heritage Village, student at the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany

Join our membership program!• Single annual membership only $35 (all rates plus HST).• Family annual membership only $60 (covers

two adults and their dependant children*) *dependant children are under 18 years old.

Benefits• Free unlimited admission to the museums operated by

the Region of Waterloo (Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Doon Heritage Village, Schneider Haus National Historic Site and McDougall Cottage Historic Site).

• 10 per cent gift shop discount at Schneider Haus National Historic Site and Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.

• 10 per cent discount at Hazel’s, the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum café.

• Discounts on selected workshops, special programs and lectures.• One complimentary family guest pass for you to share with a friend.Reciprocal museum benefits• Free admission to many other museums. See website for details.

MUSEUMS

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Doon Heritage Village

Schneider Haus

McDougall Cottage

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MUSEUMS Discover. Explore. Play. Learn.

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum10 Huron Road, Kitchener

519-748-1914

Doon Heritage Village10 Huron Road, Kitchener

519-748-1914

Schneider HausNational Historic Site

466 Queen Street South, Kitchener 519-742-7752

McDougall CottageHistoric Site

89 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge 519-624-8250

www.regionofwaterloo.ca/museumsTTY: 519-575-4608