MuSEEuM Sarah Robinson, Curatorial Assistant, Dufferin County Museum and Archives, with one of her favourite museum pieces; a 1925 apper dress. See page 12.
Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada.
September 2013
MuSEEuM
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
www.issuu.com/museeum
MuSEEuM is published by Don Beaulieu of Springwater Township. Your recommendations, input, submissions and questions are be appreciated.
Don can be contacted at:
museeum@bell.net 705-322-3323 Mailing address is:
1497 County Road 92, Elmvale, Ontario L0L 1P0
Cheques for advertising or sponsorship support should be mailed to the above address & made out to Don Beaulieu. PayPal is available at www.Donshots.ca for advertising in MuSEEuM. Electronic invoices/ receipts are available if necessary. Your existing advertisement artwork is welcome, or Don can design an advertisement for you, based on your supplied information. Advertising is sold per calendar month. See the online advertising rate card for details and dimensions based on the size of a standard letter page.
6 8
Dufferin County Museum & Archives Celebrating 20 years in Mulmur Township
Legacy remains
10 12
Special piece remains at DCMA for September
MVP
Peter Monahan: Museum geek
On the cover
14 Museums in the news 18 Museum on the Boyne 20 MVP: Museum Volunteer Profile 10 What is it? 24 MuSEEuM notes 14 Other’s news 18 Dress is a fragile artifact
Backus-Page House Museum Volunteers & upcoming events
Links to newspaper stories about museums Unique glass & new temporary exhibit Peter Monahan: Museum geek
Mystery implement in Coldwater
Looking at the success of the first issue
Links to newspaper stories about museums
September 2013 • Page 2
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 3
Tall ships ambushed by MuSEEuM photographer
Don Beaulieu, with the aid of a few other photographer friends, kept a close ear to radio chatter to determine when some of the tall ships touring Great Lakes ports this season were approaching the narrowest section of Penetanguishene Bay. This location allowed a clear and close vantage point of vessels entering. The ships were on their way to the Penetanguishene town
dock and Discovery Harbour. At the left we see the Flagship Niagara with HMS Badger behind it to the left and HMS Lynx behind to the right. Niagara’s home port is Erie, Pennsylvania, and this ship is the reconstructed relief flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. The other photograph shows Friends Goodwill II firing toward Discovery Harbour, home of historic naval establishments at Penetanguishene. This historic replica is the only Tall Ship to sail the Great Lakes with a stateof-the-art, interactive, floating classroom. The tall ships have been making their way to Windsor, and will in fact be there by the time this edition of MuSEEuM is published. Catch up on last-minute events, and further War of 1812 activities via the Chatham Daily News special section at http://virtual. chathamd a i l y n e w s . c a / doc/Chatham-DailyNews/chatham-war-of1812/2013080101/#9.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 4
Mike Douglas Announced as Board President of the Art Gallery of Mississauga Stuart Keeler, Director | Curator, Art Gallery of Missisauga:
The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, notfor-profit art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre, across from Square One Mall. The AGM is proud to admit people free of charge, serve communities, and provide positive visual art experiences for all visitors. Engage. Think. Inspire. This phrase opens the dialogue at the AGM. In line with its Mission, the Gallery connects with the people of Mississauga through the collection and presentation of relevant works from a range of periods and movements in Canadian art. Expressing multiple ideas and concepts, this visual art translates into meaningful cultural and social ex-
periences for all audiences. The AGM employs innovative education, artist projects and other forms of dialogue to advance critical enquiry and community connection to the visual arts. The mandate of the Gallery is to "bring art to the community and the community to art." Full list of events, directions to the AGM, as well as transit routes and other information, can be found on their website: www.artgalleryofmississauga.com email: agm.connect@mississauga.ca Telephone: 905-896-5088 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
"Mike brings valuable experience and a passion for the community to the AGM's Board of Directors. The AGM is energized by his support as we move forward with our new mission and vision for the gallery." Douglas is a magazine editor and copublisher of the popular MississaugaLife Spirit of the City magazine which, in less Mike Douglas, AGM Board Pres- than three years, has become the second ident, in a 2012 photograph. largest city magazine in Canada. Douglas comes to magazine publishing after thirty years working in television production and corporate communications. His body of work includes directing production teams on various television series including Degrassi Junior High (CBC), Top Cops (CBS), Retail Smarts (TVO), Does Your Vote Count? (Global) and Mayday (Discovery). He has also written the TV programs that helped to secure patent protection for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada, and he communicated the re-architecture of XEROX Canada. He also helped rebrand Bell Mobility and led the creative team for the launch of year 2000 Ford products across Canada. In 2009, Douglas refocused his attention on making a difference in his community. He became President of the Sheridan Homelands Ratepayers' Association and launched a glossy neighbourhood magazine that helped to reinvigorate the community's identity. As a Director with the Mississauga Residents' Association Network (MIRANET), he helped lead the successful struggle against the installation of a gas powered electricity plant in Clarkson. Earlier this year, Douglas was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal by MP Stella Ambler in recognition of his efforts for the community. As President of the AGM Board of Directors, Douglas looks forward to making a positive difference for the arts and culture sector of the city.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada View of Barrie City Hall from the Carnegie Room. Photograph by Don Beaulieu
September 2013 • Page 5
MACLARENARTCENTRE
Reception for fall 2013 exhibitions, Thursday, September 12th 7–9p.m. The MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie invites you to an introduction to their new exhibitions beginning September 12 at 7:00p.m., with official remarks at 7:30p.m. Here is a brief outline of the artists:
Michael Forster: Perpetual Emergence: Works from the MacLaren Permanent Collection (September 7 to October 27) Called “Canada's Pioneer Surrealist”, Michael Forster (1907–2002) is an intriguing yet enigmatic figure in Canadian art. Born in Calcutta and schooled in England, Forster relocated to Toronto in 1928. In 1997 and 1999, the MacLaren acquired a large number of works by Forster, including ten canvases and the only major collection of drawings and sketchbooks in public hands. These works on paper span the artist's career from the 1940s to the 1990s. Perpetual Emergence presents the full spectrum of Forster's practice and evolution. Curator: Jennifer Withrow
Urban Jewels: Denyse Thomasos’ Big Canvases, 1993–1999 (September 12 to November 3) Denyse Thomasos (1964–2012) was widely admired for her intensely researched, methodically composed and personally articulated language of abstract painting. Urban Jewels features six of her seminal, monumental canvases, which have been largely unseen since their creation in the 1990s. Curator: Ben Portis
Harold Klunder: Cache (June 13 to November 3). In 1997–98, Canadian artist Harold Klunder created a large body of work while teaching at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge. Cache features sixteen abstract watercolours from this series that call to mind the playful compositions and bold primary palettes of Chagall and the voluptuously-brushed calligraphy of Miro. Curator: Jennifer Withrow See more at: http://maclarenart.com/events/receptions/reception-forfall-2013-exhibitions#sthash.SDqXeVp2.dpuf The MacLaren Art Centre is at 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, Ontario. Regular hours are: Monday to Friday 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10a.m. to 4p.m.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 6
Currently at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives
—based on an article by DCMA
Highway 89 and Airport Road in Dufferin County (Mulmur Township, precisely) is home to a most wonderful museum. Interesting, informative, marvelous displays are certainly the name of the game at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives. Celebrating their 20th year in Mulmur, Collections and Reflections gives us a taste of their own history. In the fall of 1994, staff and volunteers of the DCMA started moving artifacts into the new facility and began to plan the new exhibits. It all started with one and all laboriously applying the paint finishes and conservation safe sealers on the wood. Since then, there have been 19 major exhibits in the Main Gallery, 14 W. J. Hughes Corn Flower displays a dozen six-month exhibits on the mezzanine, dozens of smaller temporary exhibits and over 75 arts shows featuring local artists and crafts persons, as well as several historic art shows. To celebrate the anniversary, staff has re-installed small portions of some of their favourite exhibits from the past 20 years. General Store, Community Collects, Wilfred and Weiland, Made in Canada, Keep me Warm and more. The most popular, Beauty and the Beast will remain in the cases for the year. Collections and Reflections in the Main Gallery features the best artifacts from the DCMA collections. Each piece has beauty in its manufacture or construction. Each piece tells the story of someone from Dufferin County and region. Most importantly, for visitors, it also sparks a memory from their own past.
Extended stay for Legacy installation
Originally scheduled to September 8th, the awe-inspiring Legacy (see page 8) will be on display at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives for the entire month of September. Mulmur sculptor Ken Hall created this unique installation. Consisting of a life-sized (25’) killer whale skeleton sculpted entirely from reclaimed cedar wood, the sculpture explores the impact of unrestrained natural resource extraction on fragile and interconnected ecosystems. Hanging directly over museum visitors in the main gallery, the installation compels the viewer to ask questions and explore the information surrounding this important issue. Legacy is the expression of Hall’s passion for wildlife and the preservation of natural habitat needed to protect our fragile biodiversity. After Legacy’s stay at the DCMA (it’s first installation), it will embark on a national tour.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 7
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 8
Legacy is the expression of Ken Hall’s passion for wildlife and the preservation of natural habitat needed to protect our biodiversity. The choice of cedar as a construction material represents not only the link between logging and whales, but is also an homage to the indigenous cultures who realized long before we did, that we need to treat our environment with respect, and who celebrated their link to their surroundings by carving powerful totems in cedar. When not designing and fabricating custom furniture and architectural work, Hall creates wildlife sculpture out of wood, stone and metal. For more information about Legacy and to follow his photojournal of Legacy’s production, visit the website: www.kenhallart.com/LegacyProject Pat Burnes-Welland is an award winning handweaver. She donated her time and talents to create the silkscreened banners that form the backdrop for Legacy. From the beginning, Burnes-Welland believed in the project and was honoured to collaborate on this installation. You can see more of her work at www.patburnswendland.com.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Corn Flower exhibition offers glimpse of personal —article Courtesy of the DCMA lives of three generations The Mezzanine Gallery at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives features local business success W. J. Hughes and Corn Flower glassware. The current exhibit Corn Flower Possessions provides visitors and collectors with a unique glimpse of the personal lives of this well-known Canadian business family. Corn Flower Possessions brings a new dimension to our understanding of this Canadian business and the family who ran it.
In 2012 when Lois and Pete Kayser “downsized”, many personal belongings of the family were rediscovered. These included Hughes family photographs, heirlooms, everyday items, gifts to W. J. Hughes and Corn Flower from various glass suppliers. These items represented not only 99 years of the popular pattern cut on glass but more than a
century of family history and their ties to Dufferin County. Collectors know that thousands of Canadians chose Corn Flower for their homes, but what did the Corn Flower family choose to put in their home? The DCMA 2013 WJ Hughes Corn Flower exhibit showcases this wide variety of materials found in Lois and Pete’s
azel ughes, H ser. H is o L , s ughe e Kay raham H d son-in-law Pet G e e s e s an ph w hotogra n Hughe p h o ld J , o s e is h h In t Hug .J. “Jack” W , s e h g Hu
home among the thousands of pieces of Corn Flower their family created. These are items touched, used and cherished by the Hughes family. Each piece carries a unique bit of family and Canadian history. You will find family photographs, wedding gifts and the colourful glass that Lois collected from the various suppliers that served as her father ’s and husband’s company. Unique to this donation are gifts from these glass companies to various generations of the family. You will also see everyday items from the family home, such as Lois’ childhood ballerina slippers, plate and nursing pin from Grace Hospital, Toronto, where Hazel (Graham) Hughes trained as a nurse. You will even see the old black Bakelite telephone that received hundreds of orders for Corn Flower glass.
September 2013 • Page 9
Dufferin County Museum & Archives
Offsite events
Mono’s Big Day Out Downtown Mono Centre Saturday, September 7 11 a.m.–4 p.m. A community celebration featuring a Mono heritage display, farmer’s market, musicians, artists, food by Mono chefs and fun activities for children. Dufferin Town and Country Farm Tour Farm locations in Dufferin Township Saturday, September 28 9 a.m.–4p.m. This is an annual self-guided driving tour with stops at working farms in Dufferin. Host farms offer a glimpse of the diversity of agriculture in the county. Talk directly with the farmers, see agricultural production in action. Passports will be available for pick-up on the day of the tour. More information at www.DufferinFarmTour.com. No admission fee, but food bank donations are encouraged.
MVP
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Museum Volunteer Prole:
September 2013 • Page 10
Peter Monahan: Museum geek
You can find Peter Monahan dressed as an officer of the Canadian Army circa 1918, leading tours of historic Benares House Museum in Mississauga; training the new recruits at a World War One battle school; as a pioneer shoemaker, fur trader or soldier of the War of 1812. As those characters, he leads programmes at Museum on the Boyne in Alliston, and at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives. His activities are the sort that make people ask: “Interesting! How did you get into that?” The retired history teacher took a few short courses, read some ads, sent out a few résumés and did interviews. Ultimately, those are very minor parts of the whole process. His journey to museum geekdom began about forty-five years ago... At age ten Monahan spent a month at museum camp. By the end of it he could probably name every aboriginal tribe in North America. At age fourteen he was
making plastic models and medieval falconer equipment. He was eager to share more information than anyone really needed to about World War II tanks. On the other hand, Monahan was not very impressed by grade nine history. Students in the 1970s studied the kings and queens of England. Even back then all that seemed boring and worse; irrelevant. Not a promising start to museum geekdom. Enter grade eleven history and Mr. Ritchie! Ritchie kept a miniature catapult in his classroom; he used it on inattentive students. A single class might cover decades or even centuries and perhaps a dozen topics. Monahan vividly remembers one particular discussion, of who killed Captain Cook and how the Polynesian islanders prepared ‘long pig’ (human meat) for their feasts. Mr. Ritchie was a story teller par excellence and
Peter Monahan, historical interpreter, explains to a visiting class how a nineteenth century boot is made.
—photograph from 2010, Education Day, Battleeld House Museum, Stony Creek
Monahan’s real love affair with history started when he realized history was all about the stories of people; mostly of ordinary people doing ordinary things.
At university he studied History and English, going on to teach at various high schools in Nigeria, Alberta, Toronto and Tottenham. Along the way, while teaching and raising a
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
family he became involved in War of 1812 re-enactments. This has been his main passion for the last twenty years. And in every history class he tried to tell interesting stories; stories that resonated with the personal stories of his students. Good museums tell good stories too. Not only about objects, but about the people who used
them. Ask Monahan about Benares House Museum during the Great War... You’ll likely hear about the children, the fourth and last generation of the Harris family, who spent the war years there while their father was off in the army. Or about their grandfather, Arthur, who built Mississauga’s first indoor bathroom but never used it. About The Lieutenant goes off to war. Interpreters Peter Monahan and Becky Rusk prepare for World War I Day at Benares House Museum in Mississauga
—May 2003
his beautiful sister Naomi, who was born, lived and died in the house, never marrying. At the Dufferin museum, where Monahan volunteers each week, the questions and the stories start as you walk in the door: Why is there a wooden whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling? ...a Loyal Orange Order lodge and a log house inside the lobby or a case of jewellery made from human hair on display? He’ll be happy to talk about the Scots and Irish settlers of Dufferin County and their religious spats... how a well off family lived in Rural Ontario in 1881 or how the car-
September 2013 • Page 11
cass of a female Orca inspired artist Ken Scott to create his massive sculpture from recycled British Columbia cedar. For an explanation of Victorian “memorial jewellery”, you’ll need to visit the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, or, catch him someplace else and ask him for the story! Monahan doesn’t consider what he does as a museum volunteer or employee to be work. In fact, when he does shifts at Benares House and Bradley House in Mississauga, he describes it as “getting paid to talk to people, which I’d do for free anyway!”
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Publisher’s favourites
September 2013 • Page 12
About the dress on our front page
The dress pictured here has been included in various exhibits and shows at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, including the 2012 Stitches Across Time Exhibit and the 2013 Doors Open Dufferin Exhibit. The fashionable "S" shape silhouette was eventually replaced by the "lean" and loose-fitting look of the 1920s. The Eaton's 1925 Spring/Summer Catalogue includes many similar dresses to the featured dress, as ready-made clothing was becoming a more popular choice for the women of Canada. Due to the heavy beading, this particular dress is often rotated in and out of the DMCA exhibits, so that it does not deteriorate. It is stored flat, in acid-free tissue paper in our small artifact storage room. The uniqueness of this dress is what caught Curatorial Assistant Sarah Robinson’s attention when she saw it. This has been her third summer at the DCMA. She has completed a two-year programme in museum studies at Algonquin College. Prior to that she took a degree in history at the University of Guelph. She has taken part in conservation and cleaning at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Ottawa an she’s worked at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax; all very excellent opportunities for her.
A94-391-1-1, Dufferin County Museum and Archives Collection Black Flapper Dress, ca. 1925
Owned by L. Black of Mono, Ontario
at the DCMA
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 13
The Carmichael Canadian Landscape Exhibition has become a premiere show on Canadian landscape art. The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) put out a call to artists, encouraging submissions that embraced, challenged or otherwise addressed existing artistic approaches to Canadian landscape. This year ’s jury received an overwhelming number of works and has delivered the most diverse, multi-medial and challenging show in the Exhibition’s history.
The Orillia Museum of Art & History It is a tough question: “What is your favourite piece at the museum”? I ask this often of staff and volunteers during interviews for MuSEEuM. So many pieces could be a favourite for so many different reasons. These animals made of stones and pebbles, part of the “Beauty and the Beast” exhibit, represent some of my favourite pieces at the DMCA. Until I turn my gaze to another display, then another favourite confronts me. —Don Beaulieu
The Orillia Museum of Art & History is home to thousands of artifacts from Orillia and surrounding area. From scientific specimens and photographs, to archival material and oral histories, OMAH offers a wide range of research archives. Our history gallery holds enthralling exhibits allowing visitors to learn more about our area’s rich background. Previous exhibits have included histories of Sir Sam Steele, Arthur Shilling, OTACO, and Group of Seven, to name a few. The museum’s Research Room is available by appointment for those wishing to access documents and photographs regarding genealogy, previous businesses, and general history of Orillia.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
cetown a ll a W in m u e s u M e s u o Backus-Page H nteers lu o v & rs e b m e m d te a ic regularly thanks its ded of the Talbot Setuseum is located in the heart
September 2013 • Page 14
ckus-Page House m yrconnell Heritage T ty. cie so e It’s often been said that the Ba th of t ar he e th e at work with the staff ar ting the museum. Volera op ith w tlement, but the volunteers th ff sta t sis as ho w ry dedicated volunteers ake welcome contributions m d an Society is home to group of ve s ill sk p lo ve de ey th as e of camaraderie almost daily for U YO K AN H T unteers of all ages enjoy a sens G BI A en eum’s blog, volunteers are giv to the community. In the mus th’s BIG THANK YOUs. on m st la e th of few a e ar their contributions. Here
lliam Farr who has helped! the Wi to t ou es go u Yo ank Th A big other various out-buildings upkeep of our museum and
Write your own history...
James Murray & ChristoA big Thank you goes outgto keep our trails beautiful. pher Kingdon for helpin to
What brings you back to your favourite museum? Let us know; Send a note (high quality photographs are acceptable) to MuSEEuM. Perhaps you have a fascinating or a possibly humourous story about a visit to a museum; please share it with us. Send a your story to MuSEEuM at museeum@bell.net or send a snail mail to: Don Beaulieu 1497 County Road 92, Elmvale, Ontario L0L 1P0
Backus-Page House Seasonal Hours (May 1st-Thanksgiving) Open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 4:30pm Saturday, Sunday & Holiday Mondays 12:00 to 4:30pm Open year round by appointment. 519-762-3072
Jamie A big Thank you goes out to funding and Stacie Littlejohn for of our the research and buildings been a new replica outhouse. It ha m. great addition to our museu
Dutton Dunwich Lions A big Thank you goes out to the b, Rodney Lions Club, HD Club, West Lorne Optimist Clu Norah and John Bennetto, Painting, Gary and Linda Kalita, Bruce and Lin McCann, West Lorne Women’s Institute, ol Mooney, Elaine Brown, Barb Summers, Patrick and Car g Balch, Frank Vysrocil, Margaret Hulls, Mike Rowe, Gre cess of our May Event!! and many many others for the suc
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 15
Seasonal Hours (May 1st-Thanksgiving) Open Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday & Holiday Mondays Noon to 4:30pm. Open year round by appointment.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Benets of volunteering at a local museum
It would seem that the same motivations which keep museum staff inspired, are similar to their volunteers’ motivation. Sarah Johnston of the Backus-Page House Museum, just south of Wallacetown, recently asked her volunteers what they enjoy about their work at the museum. Here is what she discovered:
Why do you volunteer?
Janice: I volunteer because I wish to be a part of the community. I also volunteer because I enjoy experiencing the history of the Backus-Page House Museum. Scott: I volunteer in order to help better myself for job opportunities in the future. I also enjoy being a part of the community and helping others. Patrick: I volunteer because I love history and I love to share that passion with others.
September 2013 • Page 16
Why do you think volunteering at the Backus-Page House Museum is important? Janice: To keep local history alive! Scott: To preserve our local history Patrick: The local aspect. This museum is part of our heritage, part of this community and it is essential.
What is your favourite thing about the Backus-Page House Museum?
Janice: I enjoy all the people that you get to meet and greet and intermingle with. You meet so many interesting people here at the museum. Scott: I enjoy the historical aspect. My favourite part is discovering the origins of so many sayings like, “Sleep Tight”, or “One lump or two of sugar”. Patrick: My favourite part about this museum is that it is local and it represents the origins of our community.
What do you get out of volunteering?
Janice: Knowledge and friendship. I appreciate other people and their contribution to the history of the museum. Scott: Experience! Patrick: The knowledge–I love learning new things about the museum. Everyday I learn something new and every new piece of knowledge leads to more questions!
Backus-Page House Museum volunteer Patrick is seen here tending to the vegetables. He’s part of a very appreciated team.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 17
Village Crier Gallery and Frame Shop
Featuring the Art of Jenny Phillips
Jenny’s acrylic paintings on canvas and limited edition prints reflect her love of our ever-changing rural landscape. Her pen & ink sketches and prints are reminiscent of old etchings.
Custom in-house framing for: Diplomas • Art • Hockey Shirts • Needle Art • Memorabilia & Objects
194 Currie Road, Dutton, Ontario www.villagecrierdutton.ca • jennyphillips@golden.net
519-762-2862
Public performances:
Volunteer Janice is seen here in preparation of last year’s Heritage Farm Days at Wallacetown’s Backus-Page House Museum.
uest! l b Liveits bes at Wayne Buttery 705-718-5637
info@waynebuttery.com www.waynebuttery.com Full band • 4 piece
Thursday, September 5th 7–11 p.m.
Special guest: Lance Anderson Harbour Street Fish Bar 10 Keith Street, Collingwood (off Hwy. 26 in the Cranberry Mews)
Wednesday evenings 7–11 p.m.
Blues jam • Guest performers The Beacon Restaurant 146 Forty-fifth Street Wasaga Beach
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Midland District Camera Club begins new year of meetings this month
The Midland District Camera will be resuming regular monthly meetings beginning September 5th. The club has been gaining popularity with novice photographers and more advanced hobbyists. Club president Terry MacPherson and the executive have been working on an interesting and varied programme. This year marks the club’s 50th anniversary, so special plans and celebrations are afoot. These include a show at the Huronia Museum’s gallery from October 18 to November 14. Works by early members such as Bud Watson will be shown. The first meeting of the new season for the MDCC will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 5th at the North Simcoe
Event
Sports and Recreation Centre in the Askennonia Room. Refreshments are available. This first night will focus on member registration and will have a talk and demonstration about the use of remote-control helicopters for photography. Guests are welcome to attend the meetings before they sign up for membership. The MDCC website is www.midlandcameraclub.com. Past competitions and member galleries can be seen there. If you live in the Huronia area and want to improve your photographic skills, are confused about the new photo technology, or just want to learn more about taking good photos, the MDCC can help you.
Photographer
Don Beaulieu
Exposure@bell.net Emmylou Harris
Mark Cohon
Gordon Lightfoot
705-322-3323
www.Donshots.ca
In OTHER’s news...
September 2013 • Page 18
Here are links to newspaper articles in the news around the province...
• Rebranding of Toronto museums: Sites such as Fort York and Spadina House hope to be seen as ‘interactive, provocative and participatory,’ says the tender for a $90,000 marketing contract. From the Toronto Star, Monday, August 26, 2013.
• Giant camel remains found in high arctic. Research team lead by Canadian Museum of Nature. From the Stabley Times, August 1, 2013.
• Museum of Science and Technology no longer looking for new location. From the Ottawa Citizen, August 2, 2013.
• Canadian Museum of History to share artifacts in bid to reach new audience. From CTV News/Canadian Press, June 14, 2012.
• Old Kodak Building to be a museum of photography in Weston? From the Toronto Sun, June 22, 2013.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 19
Farm View extends a large
THANK YOU
Monthly farm newspaper
to all of our local museums for preserving farming heritage, tools, buildings and legacies!
Connect with the farm community! www.farmviewonline.com Publisher, John Beischer
Telephone: 705-722-0138 • 1-800-467-7804 Facsimile: 705-722-6036 • 1-800-467-7808
Email: farmview@on.aibn.com
5266 Thirtieth Sideroad, Utopia, Ontario L0M 1T0
Delivered to farms in the District of Muskoka, Simcoe County, Dufferin County, York Region, Peel Region & neighbouring communities.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 20
Wine glass a favourite of curatorial assistant Amy Marshall of Barrie has enjoyed spending the past two years as Assistant Curator at Museum on the Boyne (See the August MuSEEuM for more about this museum). This practical experience combined with the personal satisfaction she enjoys by engaging in museum work has been invaluable. The museum is better off for her enthusiasm and dedication. Marshall plans to finish her history degree and then engage in museum studies. She has the impression this field is gaining in popularity, although not all colleges and universities offer museum courses. Museum studies can be an intense course, she hears, but the variety of avenues and opportunities to learn (curatorship, programming or conservation, as examples) are bound to continue to intrigue and inspire her.
“I like the design,” says Amy Marshall about this wine glass, “it’s one of our unique pieces—I had to put it out with our dining room set”. The combination of cut glass and colour is certainly attractive. This exquisite piece came to the Museum on the Boyne in Alliston from a family of South Simcoe (County). It appears to be a sample of Bohemian cobalt blue, cut-to-clear glass. Insight on its authenticity from knowledgeable readers would be appreciated! Send your thoughts to museeum@bell.net.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 21
Temperance & Prohibition are at the Museum on the Boyne 250 Fletcher Crescent, Alliston Current hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $2.00 adult • $1.00 Student • $1.00 Senior Members and under 4: Free!
The Noble Experiment:
Temperance and Prohibition
The demon rum? Or the cup that cheers? Canadians have been arguing about alcohol for at least two hundred years! The Noble Experiment: Temperance & Prohibition in Canada, explores the debate that affected Canadians on every level: from in their own homes to the national and international stages. It is a story of crime and smuggling, of action and danger, of humour and morality.
This exhibition was developed with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, Museum Assistance Program and is one of the Peterborough Museum and Archives’ Traveling Exhibitions.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Barrie Art Club September shows The Barrie Art Club will be featuring three new shows for the month of September, in their galleries. The featured artist in the main gallery is Arla Bird. Bird has been painting for over 50 years and plans to do so “for some time to come”. She has been a member of the Barrie Art Club on and off since 1982. From the age of 6 she has loved sketching and it continues play a major part in her life. She used to camp a lot in northern and central Ontario, spending the days painting
and drawing the forests and sunsets. Bird works in various mediums. Currently watercolours, watercolour pencils acrylic, drawing ink and drawing pencils are her main tools. Landscapes with trees is a passion and she hopes that passion is evident in her show this September entitled It’s all About Trees. I have studied with various artists and taught workshops throughout Ontario and have enjoyed every minute of it” she says. Her enthusiasm reflects how important expressing herself with art is to her. Opposite her show in the main gallery is the member’s show. This includes artwork from members who bring in works based on a theme. September’s theme is a sort of
September 2013 • Page 22
“sticks and stones” category, but not referring to the subject matter. Artists’ works in this show will be created without the use of paint brushes, pens, pencils, pastels or such. Expect to see a variety of textures as a result of this unusual stipulation. In the club’s Le Loo-vre gallery, Heidi Schilbach will have her art on display. There is also a permanent collection of art available for viewing. “An opening reception for these shows will be held at the club on Sunday, August 31st. The Barrie Art Club is in the plaza at 304 Dunlop Street West; enter opposite Hart Drive, at the lights. That is just east of Highway 400. The opening reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Regular club hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Baseball6
MASTODON
BONES and more!
Engage in local history with a visit to the Beachville District Museum. The museum features exhibits on the first recorded baseball game in North America, farming techniques and equipment, as well as life in Beachville and the surrounding area over the ages. Visitors are also welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the museum’s lush park grounds. Summer Hours and Admission: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Sunday 1 pm - 4:30 pm Adults: $4 Seniors: $3 Family: $10 Children under 5: Free
Just west of Woodstock 584371 Beachville Road, Ingersoll bmchin@execulink.com 519-423-6497
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 23
3911 Carp Road Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0
Building Peace - September 14 - December 31, 2013
Building Peace
human desire for peace. This exhibition explores different perspectives on building peace, representing our past, present and a look to our future.
How do we build and create a ‘culture of peace’ as we move into the future? Art is a powerful tool to express the
Date: September 14 December 31, 2013 Location: Bank of Canada Vault, 100 Level of the Diefenbunker.
The Diefenbunker Museum and One World Dialogue (OWD) present the exhibition:
You are invited to the Building Peace Exhibition Launch Join us for a brief presentation, viewing of the exhibition and reception in celebration of International Peace Day. Light refreshments included. This is a family friendly event. Date: Saturday September 14, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Cost: Free RSVP to:
events@diefenbunker.ca by September 12, 2013.
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 24
What is it? Can you identify this piece of equipment?
The piece of equipment shown above resides at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum. It is likely a farm implement and may have been pulled, judging by the part folded back from the axle of the larger concave roller. If you can identify this item, email MuSEEuM at museeum@bell.net
Jan–May–closed Monday, June to Dec–open 7 days a week
Unique Christmas Décor items, jigsaw puzzles, educational games and toys, Christmas tree ornaments, greeting cards, candles, baby toys, family board games and so much more.
10 Coldwater Road, Coldwater, Ontario L0K 1E0 705-686-3883 • cvillager@eastlink.ca www.thechristmasvillager.ca
MuSEEuM Please support
Advertise your special events and exhibits. Extremely low rates to December 2013. Lock into these rates for 2014 by booking space now! See the online rate card at www.issuu.com/museeum
MuSEEuM s e t o N MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 25
—by Don Beaulieu, Publisher of MuSEEuM
Enthusiasm for MuSEEuM is strong. Emails and conversations in my museum travels are very positive an encouraging. If I was able to put more time into sales, I’m sure advertising support would better reflect this. The museums and businesses who have supported this second issue of MuSEEuM are thanked by myself, by readers and the museums whose stories are included here. Unfortunately, my indiegogo campaign (online fundraising) to raise money for the magazine was a dismal failure. This means I am currently unable to travel to museums outside my home turf (Simcoe County) to provide stories and photographs. Therefore, museum staff and volunteers are encouraged to share
their interesting insights in future issues (such as our museum geek Steve Monahan has done; page 10). Museums holding special events are encouraged to advertise their endeavours; space is dirt cheap (full page $35, half a page $25, quarter of a page $15, as examples) through to December 2013. See the online rate card for more details. But in spite of the financial strain, there are some positive statistics from the first issue; August 2013. Remember that these numbers are related to the first issue which had no previous presence on the internet or previous readers. It will be interesting to compare the September issue to these. Most important to our ad-
vertisers is readership. The August MuSEEuM has been read by over 360 people. Several first-time readers have become “followers” which means they have chosen to automatically receive new issues. That certainly indicates an interest in what MuSEEuM is presenting. The August MuSEEuM has shown up in internet searches over 52,000 times. What I find interesting are the number of countries in which MuSEEuM has been read. Canada of course, is the most popular, followed by the United States of America. A museum conference in Brazil in August may account for the 3 readers from that county. Other countries where MuSEEuM has been seen are Slovakia, Hun-
gary, South Africa, Armenia, India, Japan, Malaysia and Chile. A few supportive websites have kindly included a link to MuSEEuM. Newspaper stories promoting the magazine and the museums in the first issue each generated their own spike in readership. This technique of promotion will continue with the September issue, with notices going out to newspapers in the vicinities of the museums mentioned in it. Readership is expected to climb. I’ll keep you posted. Spread the word to your friends and colleagues about MuSEEuM! Meanwhile; enjoy, and support your local museum!
—Don Beauli eu
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
September 2013 • Page 26
I (MuSEEuM publisher, Don Beaulieu) had intended to include a list of Ontario museums and perhaps a map of their locations here in MuSEEuM. Then I discovered the shear number of museums here in our province. A daunting task for sure, especially to achieve in an interactive manner worthy of inclusion. Fortunately, there are websites which handle this situation perfectly.
In particular, the Ontario Museum Association website allows one to search for a museum by name, type, city, region, driving distance or by using their interactive map. What could be better than that? Here’s the link to that site:
www.museumsontario.ca
If historic buildings are your interest, Building Stories is a valuable online resource. A mobile application is available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android. Buildings and structures across Canada are included. One can search for tours or buildings in a chosen municipality. The website for this expanding site is:
www.buildingstories.co
MuSEEuM • Promoting museums in Ontario, Canada
Lots to do at Dufferin County Museum & Archives
Sunday, September 8. Preview at 9 a.m., Auction starts at 10 a.m. Live fundraising auction, Bob Severn, auctioneer In the Corbetton Church, on the grounds of the Dufferin County Museum and Archives Saturday, September 14. 8–11 p.m. “Good old Days” barn dance Corbetton Church, on the grounds of the Dufferin County Museum and Archives 93620 Airport Road (NE corner at Highway 89) This is a fundraiser for the DMCA quilt project. Tickets $20 per person or $30 per couple. Contact the DMCA to reserve tickets: 1-877-941-7787 or events@dufferinmuseum.com
Saturday, September 21. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. DMCA Annual Magical Technicolour Bus Bus Tour Curator Wayne Townshend conducts this colour-filled adventure through lesser-known nooks and crannies of Dufferin. Price includes lunch. Tickets $25 per person (DCMA members), $30 non-members Pre-registration is required: 1-877-941-7787 or events@dufferinmuseum.com Saturday, September 21. 7 p.m. “Musings of a humourist; The early days of Dufferin” An evening with Dan Needles. Expect a witty, hilarious and fractured history of Dufferin County. Ticket price includes post-presentation reception. This is a fundraiser supporting a book on the museum’s quilt collection. Tickets $25 per person (DCMA members), $30 non-members 1-877-941-7787 or events@dufferinmuseum.com
September 2013 • Page 27
93629 Airport Road (NE corner at Highway 89)
Saturday, September 28. 2 p.m. DMCA Live Learning Presentation Series: “Managing our Waste” Hosted by the County of Dufferin’s Waste Management Division. Admission is free. Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 “Looking Back, Going Forward” The DCMA, Theatre Orangeville and In the Hills magazine all turned 20 this year! This is an anniversary celebration for all three. Entry by donation.
Further details of all these, and more, events can be found in the Dufferin Museum and Archives event and activity guide, and at http://www.dufferinmuseum.com/Events/AllEvents.aspx