Something for Everyone

30/6/2022

the sweet delight of freshly pressed apple cider on Apple Day at the Middleville and District Museum

How many events have you attended at the Middleville and District Museum? For some people the answer might be zero, but for others the number may be too many to count. Whatever the number, you’ll be happy to know that not only are there some new events happening, but we hope there are also some old favourites coming back this year.
In June, we held our annual opening tea and celebrated the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth ll. We welcomed back old friends and met many new visitors. It also gave us an opportunity to show our appreciation to the many people who had assisted in our recent renovation project that provided a new kitchen and bathroom for the Museum. We even found time to seal a time capsule and deposit it in the old, stone wall that day. Some visitors donned a fascinator and smiled for the camera at our Pop-Up Portrait Studio.
Looking ahead, July will see a brand new event happen at the Museum. Members of a theatre group, Live History, will perform two shows at the Museum for excited audiences. The shows will center on an actual story from the Middleville community a century ago. The audiences will be tasked with following clues from the actors' performances to discover what the story is while sipping their tea or coffee and sampling some sweet treats. The perfect combination of live theatre and afternoon tea.
Crows beware in August as families are invited to help us make some scarecrows to line the fence at the back of the Museum. Visitors of all ages can join in the fun and collaborate to create some great looking scarecrows. An individual craft will be available for kids who want to make their own mini scarecrow. An enjoyable storytime will take place at the barn doors on the north end of the building during the afternoon.
Information about the people referred to as British Home Children will be highlighted in a display recognizing Home Children Day on September 28th. The Museum has a few books devoted to this subject and is gathering photos and information about local children who arrived in the area under these circumstances. Between 1869 and the late 1940’s, almost 120 000 children ranging in age from four to fifteen were sent from Britain to Canada to be used as farm labourers and domestics. Many local people remember those who arrived as children and had to navigate their way in an unfamiliar place under challenging circumstances. Their stories are a testament to resiliency.
The Museum is hoping to bring back the Apple Day celebration this fall with its beautiful, old apple press taking center stage. Families can bring their own apples or enjoy pressing some available at the Museum. Plan to attend this event and enjoy the sweet taste of some freshly pressed apple cider.
The Museum is very excited to welcome visitors back for in person events. We hope to see you this season. Check out our Events page for up to date details on what’s happening at the Middleville and District Museum in 2022.