There are many reasons to visit the beautiful historic town Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Niagara Historical Society and Museum provides another one until September
The historical society and museum’s Canada 150 Lecture Series is held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. until September. The lectures focus on settlement, immigration, and refuge in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
These are the speakers and topics.
April 20
Alf Redekopp — Mennonites in Niagara: history and contributions
The presentation will begin with a brief review of the historical beginnings of the Mennonites in general, and specifically the group who had settled in Virgil-Niagara during 1934. Topics include how they arrived in the area and their roles in the community.
Mr. Redekopp worked as a Mennonite archivist for more than 25 years, which grew his interest in the Mennonite community. After retiring as the director of the Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives in Winnipeg in 2003, Mr. Redekopp moved back to the Niagara Region and is active as a board member of the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada.
May 18
Natasha Henry — Tracing Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Black History Roots
June 15
Sandra Joyce — Finding Family at the Tower of London (home children)
July 20
Ron Dale — Draft Dodgers, Deserters and Rebels: Niagara as a Civil War Refuge
August 17
Jane McGaughey — Ireland’s Defender: Colonel James Fitzgibbon and Irish Immigration to Upper Canada
September 21
Gavin Watt — Forced Migration — The Loyalists Settle Niagara.
The lectures are held at the museum at 43 Castlereagh St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tickets are $10 for the general public or free for Niagara Historical Society Members.
Reservations are required as seating is limited. Call 905-468-3912.
From June to September, Lguides provide walking tours through town Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m., beginning at the gazebo in Queen’s Royal Park. Tickets are $10 and include museum admission.
