Canadian Museum of History Tour ~ “Reflections of the Past … Hope for our Future!”? …

Our Tour at the Canadian Museum of History and “THE INSIDE SCOOP” welcomes you to join in some “Scoop” with our Tour guide Michel.

Next was a short escalator ride to the next level. You could see the landscape outside and a clear view of The Grand Hall. We started this leg of the journey and soon found ourselves fully immerged in Canada Hall, all 17 meter high ceilings and a full football field in length. Our timing was perfect to Tour today as this Exhibition will be closing shortly while they create a new Canadian History Hall. We thought we would share our experience with you today, as this is just a taste of what is to come.

As we travelled along, we can across the period of time when wagons were introduced into our lives. Gary, being a McWilliams, has ancestors in Lakefield, Ontario who were the local carriage makers. Our guide seemed to be intently listening to Gary’s story. This is when he told us that the Museum tells “our story”, your ancestors are here, this is the story of your great grandfather, his father and so on. I felt a great connection being there.

Ontario Visited Tour
Canadian Museum of History

Ontario Visited
Canadian Museum of History Tour

We travelled through the Railway where we were told this may be the most important stop, from 1867-1923, were it is said “lets go west my son”. And travel became a possibility, a reality. The multicultural country church in the Museum is an original artifact from Alberta. A Chinese hand laundry building is displayed. Many components of the Museum reflect the plight of the people in Canada and their journey through time.

There are artifacts in the Museum from Medalta Pottery Stoneware which even today is very sought after, being from the period 1915-1924. Looking at the Museum artifacts make me reflect that I need to treasure my own pottery coffee mug, hand made in front of my eyes in St. Jacobs Old Stone Mill years ago, some day it might become an artifact. We moved along to the Points System, where immigration policies to discrimination based on ethnicity, colour, and country of origin. Finally moving to Northern ~ Yukon territories where an amazing display of artifacts, in an authentic environment make you stop and try to imagine the life we have lived in, live in and are heading towards.

As I have mentioned, the Canadian Museum of History has a great website where you can tour many, many components. They have an entire section of On-line tours; you can take your time, digest and come back for more. If you wish to visit their website, check it out at http://www.historymuseum.ca/home .

That is what we plan on doing … getting a full feast of Canadian History; we will be back for more. What an incredible journey, what an amazing Tour.

Ontario Visited Tour
Canadian Museum of History

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
Ontario Visited Tour
Canadian Museum of History

Canadian Museum of History ~ “Food for thought” … “when you’re full, you’re full”…

Our Tour at the Canadian Museum of History and “THE INSIDE SCOOP” welcomes you to join in some “Scoop” with our Tour guide Michel. Michel was also enthusiastic to tell us about the “Information Poll Stations”. As a visitor, this is a great source for reference. If you read the Information Polls, you will learn and understand so much more, and they can assist with your tour by guiding you through logistically.

Michel goes on to tell us the exhibits we are looking at take the “rule of 3 in balance”. The longest totem poll is 16.5 meters in one piece carved and on display in this area. The Village has been recreated to embrace and present the environments that once encompassed these lands.

Canadian Museum of History
Ontario Visited~ Guided Tour

 By a large glass window pain stood a massive white sculpture created by Bill Reid, “Spirit of Haida”. This is the plaster mould that has been used twice. One sculpture stands in the Canadian Exhibit in Washington D.C. They have been pored from liquid bronze. You might recognize from our photos below, that this sculpture has been captured on the new $20.00 bill.

It seemed a good time to ask Michel how long it would take a visitor to tour the Museum. He chuckled when he told us his response … “There are 2 options. Option #1, until closing time or Option #2, until your feet or brain wears out”. He told us that touring the Museum is like “food for thought” … “when you’re full, you’re full”. I wondered today what would happen first, Michel’s enthusiasm and knowledge made me think the Museum would have to close before we were too “full”.

How long one need to tour through the Museum … Michel’s response again was fantastic and true … he would recommend about an hour per floor. If you get turned around on your journey, our guide suggests “go by the panels”, if you take the time to read them, they will guide you through an ultimately enlightening experience.

It is true when Michel suggested that visiting the Canadian Museum of History was a “Seasonal experience”, one that folks should experience during each season. We know that to be true with many Ontario outdoor adventures, visiting different communities in different seasons. I wasn’t sure what he was referring to. Then he explained that as the backdrop outside changes, so does the experience indoors. He goes back to out beginning of our Tour; he reminds us that the outside presence of the Museum is just as important as the inside.

Ontario Visited thanks Tour Guide Michel of the Canadian Museum of History for such an amazing journey through time!

Stay tuned for Canadian Museum of History Tour ~ “Can you dig it?” ~ our Tour continues. In the meantime, if you wish to visit their website, check it out at http://www.historymuseum.ca/home .

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum ... Tractors … a ride to remember …

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
"A Ride to Remember"

We welcome you to come along as Ontario Visited Tours the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum … continues …Tractors … a ride to remember …

After viewing this showcase we entered the exhibition hall to see Tractors and "Taking Care of Beesness" Exhibitions.  What a blast. I felt like a kid again. Here children (young and old) can climb up on and experience the “ride”. On one tractor you could experience the feel of an old metal wheel compared to a rubber tire. None of it felt like riding in the fields with my grandpa though, I think he treated us to the soft hay bails on many rides while I had no idea how “bumpy” it was for him. I am surprised farmers backs hold out. 

The large new technological tractor allowed you to experience high up in a “real tractor” the feel travelling along the fields while a film screen re-enacted the scenery for you. You might be able to tell from the photo that I was laughing, it was an amazing experience and I applaud all farmers who endure such challenging work. Small children have the opportunity to put on denim jackets and really dress the part of a farmer. Again, Kelly was able to tell us, that visitors can experience the animals on the day they get “their nails trimmed”, while the hoof trimmer comes on a regular basis. The Museum offers visitors the opportunity to admire signs and objects used to market these machines, and explore a century of technological advancement through the variety of tractors on display. These include the Cockshutt 30 and the tracked Caterpillar 15.

If you are a true explorer and love adventure, the sister Museums of the CAFM are the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum …. Other great adventures waiting for visitors to explore! Next time you are driving by, stop in, it is worth every moment!

Thank you again to Kelly Ray, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum for our Ontario Visited Behind the Scenes Tour ... 

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum ~ Cooking from “scratch” ~ Spring is in the Air!

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum ~ Cooking from “scratch”
Ontario Visited Interview

Canada Agriculture and Food MuseumKelly Ray with Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
Ontario Visited 

We welcome you to come along as Ontario Visited Tours the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum … continues … Cooking from “scratch”

Cooking from “scratch” …

I wondered why they would have a “cooking class” at the Museum. It was made apparently clear when we got to sample freshly baked cookies. The flour, eggs butter, chocolate and even fresh honey (not from the Farm for visitor health and safety) represent the natural ingredients that would have been generated in days gone by.

Ontario Visited
Kelly Ray, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
with Judi "Scoop" McWilliams

There is a rotating display in the Museum with different features. This time was “cooking” showing us the technology advancements of the appliances and tools, from 100’s of years ago to present. Many found memories came to me as I reflected on days on the farm with my grandmother. She preserved all her own berries, crops, fruits and veggies alike.

A new exciting exhibit of Caring for War Horses will be coming soon, to commemorate the beginning of the First World War. A medical chest, equipment and all kinds of history will showcase this area. Another great reason to return for a visit to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. 

Stay tuned for more “Behind the Scenes” Tour with the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (in the meantime, check out their great website for lots of fun and information at http://cafmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/index.php.) 

Canadian Museum of History Tour ~ “Can you dig it”? …

Our Tour at the Canadian Museum of History and “THE INSIDE SCOOP” welcomes you to join in some “Scoop” with our Tour guide Michel.

Canadian Museum of History
"Walk Back in Time" ... "Our Future"
Ontario Visited Tour

Our Tour Guide goes on to say that this Museum is about Canada and its people. We were welcomed to the This First People’s Hall. Here they attempt to help shed the stereotypes about the First Canadians. One of the mandates of the Canadian Museum of History is to break down the stereotypes, help educate people and create awareness. The name had to be a common name; their own name. The diversity of the culture, clothing was well depicted in the displays. All the displays present a reenactment of the natural environment of the Villages being displayed; from the covered ceilings in tree foliage to the Rock River terrain below your feet. This part of the Museum represented who we were, who we are and our aspirations for our future.

“Can you dig it”? Archeologists love this area, it helps us understand who were the First People based on archeology findings. The Bluefish Cave from the Yukon is 24,000 years old. A mammoth leg bone is the oldest artifact in the Museum. The Museum uses areas that create a story. LeFemme du Ciel and Gloscap is depicted high above dropping from the ceiling.

Michel was sure to just provide us with “information”. Our interpretation of the “fact” and “information” being provided was up to us. Michel goes on to say is it NOT part of the Museums mandate to choose right or wrong, or for that matter give their opinion or observations. They are just providing the scientific presentation for all visitors to embrace.

We asked Michel what we were looking at represented. In part, Michel said it represented the sacrifices the people made to have a better live, as they fought for their freedom. Part of the wonderful opportunity in the Region was the natural resources and the ability to fish, whale resources, fur, timber trade and such.

Ontario Visited Tour
Canadian Museum of History

Ontario Visited Tour
Canadian Museum of History

Stay tuned for Canadian Museum of History Tour ~ “Reflections of the Past … Hope for our Future!” ~ our Tour continues. In the meantime, if you wish to visit their website, check it out at http://www.historymuseum.ca/home .

Volunteers … The Key to Success … Everyone Wins! ~ Peterborough Garden Show ~ Interview

Cauleen Viscoff, Co-Chair, Peterborough Garden Show

“A picture says a thousand words” … then there was the Peterborough Garden Show!

The Peterborough Garden Show is truly a “Magical Place” for gardeners, photographers, grandparents, young families and children who can enjoy a fabulous time at one of “Ontario’s best Garden Shows”!

“THE INSIDE SCOOP” interview continues with Cauleen Viscoff, Co-Chair, Peterborough Garden Show  …

Volunteers … The Key to Success … Everyone Wins!

The Peterborough Garden Show has an incredible 400 volunteer base that put forth an effort that adds to the success of this Show! Ontario Festivals Visited has attended the Show on several occasions and we can attest to the visible positive effort the Volunteers contribute. You experience this from the warm welcome at the front door, to assistance throughout the Show, to walking you out to your vehicle with your purchases.

The Show draws on the Peterborough Community Garden Network, which is made up of about 38 groups. Check it out at http://growpeterborough.org/.

The Peterborough Horticultural Society and the Peterborough and Northumberland Master Gardeners are “not-for-profit” organizations of passionate volunteers who host the garden show to raise money so they can gladly give it back to their community for: scholarships, awards and bursaries to students studying horticultural related post-secondary studies, supporting Master Gardeners in Training along with grants to community gardens.

“For the Love of Gardening” … a bit of history...

The first Peterborough Garden Show with 70 display booths was in 2001 and was presented as a one-time event to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Peterborough Horticultural Society. The response was so enthusiastic that two years later, along with the Peterborough Master Gardeners, they did it again.

2015 marks the Peterborough Garden Show’s 15th year with 8 well-known speakers over two and a half incredible days. The Show hosts 150 vendors and exhibitors who are landscapers, gardeners, growers, teachers and designers along with many not-for-profit organizations; they have garden displays and demonstrations; an ambitious interactive children’s garden; the latest in garden tools, a fashion show and so much more.. 

Peterborough Garden Show
"Family Fun"

“BESIDES FUND-RAISING” – Why else does the Peterborough Garden Show hold this fabulous Show:

The Peterborough Garden Show likes:

¶              to inspire you and celebrate the coming of Spring 

¶              to incite (or renew) your passion in gardening

¶              to help you to learn and grow and ask questions of the hundreds of vendors, speakers and volunteers

¶              to share our hundreds of combined years of experience and knowledge

¶              to introduce you to vendors and exhibitors you may not have met

¶              to show you what is new and innovative in gardening

¶              to encourage and teach you to grow food and flowers

¶              to show you how to make the world more beautiful and more healthy through gardening

If you wish to read about Ontario Festivals Visited “adventures” to the Peterborough Garden Show, you can check our Link . Ontario Festivals Visited welcomes you to visit the Peterborough Garden Show website to stay on track with all the details you will need to make sure you don’t miss one of the “Best Shows” Spring has to offer! Check it out the Peterborough Garden Show http://www.peterboroughgardenshow.com. You can check out the Peterborough Master Gardeners ~ Peterborough Horticultural Society at http://www.peterboroughgardens.ca/.

Fun at the Peterborough Garden Show ~ Interview

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
"Hamming it Up"at the
Peterborough Garden Show
Ontario Festivals Visited

Cauleen Viscoff, Co-Chair,
Peterborough Garden Show

Fun at the Show!

“A picture says a thousand words” … then there was the Peterborough Garden Show!

The Peterborough Garden Show is truly a “Magical Place” for gardeners, photographers, grandparents, young families and children who can enjoy a fabulous time at one of “Ontario’s best Garden Shows”!

“THE INSIDE SCOOP” interview continues with Cauleen Viscoff, Co-Chair, Peterborough Garden Show  …

“Fun at the Show” ~

“The Horticultural Couture” ~ Don’t miss this special show on Opening Night (Thurs. April 2) at 6:30 p.m. where “Volunteers” “Strut their stuff” along the stage accompanied by music and much laughter from the audience. This “Fashion Show” adds a dynamic “fun” component. “Volunteers” dress up as “fairies” and creative creatures, adding garden equipment to the design, creating a lot of buzz. Even the men volunteers get involved for even more comedy to this Horticultural Couture Show and folks can’t wait to see what happens next. This part of the show encourages people to say ~ “I really like that product”; I’m going to check out their booth”.

Little Green Thumbs ~ Children’s Garden ~ A fabulous area for the entire family! Check out this very interactive area where children and their families can “create a critter”, face paint, dress up in flower costumes, plant a flower, play in sandbox, enjoy the “Fairy Garden”, create artwork. Ontario Festivals Visited really enjoys this area. I wish I had my grandkids with me during our visits to the Show. I myself would have enjoyed creating some artwork.

A Floral Art Show will be in the multipurpose area where you can enjoy the work of local artists. The March of Dimes will be in attendance showing works of art, floral paintings, for sale, and raise money for the community and the cause!

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our wonderful interview with Co-Chair, Cauleen Viscoff; Peterborough Garden Show. In the meantime, you can check out the Peterborough Garden Show at http://www.peterboroughgardenshow.com.