NORFOLK COUNTY ARCHIVES

2023 Events

Genealogy Speaker Mini Series

Ken McKinlay, Top 10 Tips For Being a Better Researcher

January 30, 2023 | 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Virtual event by donation

This presentation will be a top ten countdown of what Ken considers the top tips and tricks for finding your ancestors. However, unlike the usual top ten lists Ken won’t be discussing the specifics of doing searches but will instead be looking at the big picture when doing your genealogy and family history research. Ken has been a genealogist for over 20 years and runs the blog Family Tree Knots, he lives in Ottawa.

Jenna Lemay, Chief Joseph Brant’s Family History

March 23, 2023 | 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Virtual event by donation

Jenna has conducted extensive research on Chief Joseph Brant’s family history and in this presentation will share her research methodology and findings on Brant’s genealogy.

Jenna is the Digital Archives Technician at the Shingwauk Residential School Centre in Sault Ste. Marie and an independent genealogist who specializes in First Nations and Métis ancestry.

PERSONALITIES OF THE PAST: OAKWOOD CEMETERY TOURS

Summer 2023 | Dates to be Announced

$20 per person

Join Joshua Klar, Norfolk County Archivist, on an exclusive guided tour of Oakwood Cemetery and hear true stories of prominent Norfolk County citizens from the past. We may even meet and interact with some unique personalities along the way! Pre-registration required.

3rd Annual Norfolk County Genealogy Symposium

September 16, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

$25 per person

A conference style event that includes vendors, a used book sale of local history and genealogy books, a workshop and engaging sessions on family history research from various guest speakers across Ontario. The symposium offers a variety of topics geared for both beginners and avid genealogists! Pre-registration required.

Advent Christmas Junk Journal Workshop

November 25, 2023

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

$50 per person

In this workshop, Kathy will introduce you to the junk journal craft, teaching you how to assemble and embellish your own Christmas Advent Junk Journal. Take your keepsake journal home and fill with your holiday memories or gift it to a friend! Just in time for Christmas. This workshop is perfect for beginners! All supplies provided. This workshop is recommended for ages 18+. Pre-registration required.

2023 Exhibits

CANTELON: THE LIFE & WORKS OF WILLIAM EDGAR CANTELON

Runs Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – Friday, December 22, 2023

Launched in celebration of May is Museum Month, this Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Department wide exhibition highlights historian and artist William Edgar Cantelon. Norfolk County Archives will be showcasing the works of Simcoe and surrounding area and will highlight archival documents and photographs from Cantelon’s private papers.

Arbor Dog Races

June 24 | 11:00am-2:30pm

Event generously sponsored by The Arbor

Calling all dashing Dachshunds! Bring your four-legged best friend and join us in Riverfront Park for the first annual Arbor Dog Races! Weenies will race to claim the prize of fastest hot dog around. Are your dogs a little taller? Don’t worry, we’ll have a Heinz 57 race for everyone else. Enter our Costume contest and parade your pup to the pier! There will be vendors and an awards ceremony for our winning pooches.

Costume contest: $2/dog. Dog races: $5/dog.

11am: Costume Contest on the ALMIDART Dock - open to all breeds

11:30: Costume Parade down to the Pier!

12:15: Dachshund Arbor Dog Race- first heat

1:15: Heinz 57 Race- all breeds welcome

2:00: Awards Ceremony

Register in advance by emailing portdover.museum@norfolkcounty.ca (registration not required but appreciated).

Do you make or sell puppy related items? Email the address above to become an event vendor ($10 Per table).

Port Dover Harbour Museum

2023 Events

SEA GLASS WORKSHOP WITH INGRID ZYMA-IRVIN

March 18 OR March 25 | 1:00-3:30pm

$50 per person

Join Ingrid Zyma-Irvin and make a beautiful heart or fish-themed piece of home décor from authentic Lake Erie sea glass! All supplies are provided. Pre-registration required.

Mactalla Road

April 20 | 7:00pm

$20 per person

We’ve got a great evening of music in the museum planned for you! MacTalla Road’s Carole Pines (vocals, penny whistle, piano, guitar) and Bob MacLean (vocals, guitar, mandolin) are a fun, toe-tapping Celtic/Traditional duo performing songs and tunes with a traditional East Coast and UK feel. Tickets available online (check our website for details) or in person starting February 1.

Diy Doormat Workshop

May 13 | 1:00-3:00pm

$60 per person

May is Museum Month! Join us for some crafty fun by attending a nautical-themed DIY doormat workshop from Blank Canvas Creations. At the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to take home a personalized décor item that perfectly suits your home and personality. Doormats measure 60cm x 40cm. This workshop is recommended for ages 14+. Pre-registration required.

The Salvation Army Jubilee Brass Band Concert

Saturday July 22 | 6:30pm

Join the Jubilee Brass band for an evening concert in Riverfront Park. Bring your own lawn chair. Admission by donation.

Annual Fun Car Rally

September 30

$25 per car

Returning to its original one-day format, our Car Rally is back and better than ever! During this fun family event, support the Port Dover Harbour Museum while cruising Norfolk’s scenic country roads! Drivers, navigators and friends will travel on a secret route, while answering questions about what they see along the way.

*New for 2023: Our Car Rally STARTS at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum. 11am: Registration Cut off; 11:30 am: Mandatory Driver/Navigator Orientation Meeting.

Pumpkin Painting Party

October 21

$5.00 per child

This one’s for the kids! Paint your own pie pumpkin, take part in a Costume Parade around Riverfront Park (weather dependent), and then get your groove on in a museum dance party! Don’t forget to grab your treat bag! Participants must be between the ages 3-10 years old. Pre-registration required.

11:00 Painting Program #1

12:00 Costumed Parade and Dance Party and (included participants from both programs, time to change out of/into your costume included)

1:00 Painting Program #2

Moonlight And Mayhem

October 26, 27 and 30 | 8:00-9:00pm

$25 per person

Join Inspector John Wilson Murray, the Great Canadian 19th century detective, on a guided moonlight stroll to hear true stories of dark secrets, dastardly deeds, and deathly tales set against the backdrop of Norfolk County’s quaint lakeside town of Port Dover.

2024 Event

CAPTAIN’S POLAR BEAR LEVEE

January 1 | Doors open at 1:00pm

Our in-person Captain’s Polar Bear Levee and Fiddle Party is back! Join us at the museum New Year’s Day. Bring your fiddle or other instrument and join in the fun, or sit back and enjoy the tunes and company. Doors will open at 1:00pm and the levee starts after the Polar Bear Dip. Admission is by donation. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Lifeline Food Bank. Remember, this is the perfect time to renew your membership for 2024 and support your museum!