Saturday, July 10 – Cuthbert Grant Day and Grant’s Old Mill’s 35th Anniversary
2777 PORTAGE AVENUE AT BOOTH DRIVE
10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
For more detail on any or all of the above, contact Judy McPherson HERE for further details.
August 20-22 -MLHS Fall Gathering
For information or to register for this year’s Fall Gathering, contact Carol Douglas – by clicking here.
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The following is a gallery of photos taken of MLHS members at Fort Gibraltar on Canada Day.
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CANADA DAY
FORT GIBRALTAR
11:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Come for the day or for a few hours.
Bring blanket – lunch – project to work on or just conversation.
Several of our people are not able to attend this event as they usually do, so we’re looking for the rest of you!!!!
See you there.
Judy
Great day to be outside!!! We had 31 of our members show up at Fort Whyte today. Erle made soup and tea and bannock. Yummm. Many activities were being demonstrated – from beading to lucet cording to carpentry to musketry to our settler dollies – to chatting with the interested public. Several members were out in their new “sweat shop” created outfits. Two newbies were getting started by observing all the activity. Fort Whyte presented us with a very nice honorarium. Thanks to all for turning out. Great to get together after the long layoff since Festival du Voyageur.
Next up:
May 22 – Fort Gibraltar Bicentennial celebration. – details soon
Ever in the Past
Judy McPherson
Chair
Manitoba Living History Society
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The Manitoba Living History Society has been recognized and honoured in the Manitoba Legislature, in a Member’s statement read aloud to the Legislative Assembly by Erin Selby, MLA for Southdale.
The following is a quotation of the statement read to the Assembly:
Manitoba Living History Society
Mr. Speaker, as members of this H0use know, Manitoba is blessed with a deeply interesting history. The Manitoba Living History Society has been recreating and honouring our province’s history for well over two decades. The MLHS is a community of men and women, young and old, who share a passion for Manitoba’s vibrant past. Through costumes, crafts, research and gatherings, the personages, events and way of life of our ancestors are re-animated and, hopefully, better understood.
In just over two years we will mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Selkirk Settlers in the Red River Valley, an in anticipation of this milestone, two members of the MLHS, Barry and Judy McPherson, have co-authored a wonderful guide to the clothing that would have been worn by the settlers. The People of Red River – A Costume Guide is both a collection of artistic depictions of the manner of dress specific to the early 19th century Red River Valley, skilfully rendered by Janet La France, a young member of the organization, and a collection of art contemporaneous of the era of the Selkirk Settlement.
This valuable project was nurtured in part by a grant from the Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, and proceeds from the sales of the book will help the Manitoba Living History Society plan for 2012′s Selkirk Settlers festivities.
I would like to thank Judy and Barry McPherson for their book. It constitutes both a fun exploration of an engaging chapter of Manitoba’s history and a bulwark against the forgetting of the unique roots of our contemporary culture. On behalf of members of this House, I thank the Manitoba Living History Society for their contributions to our province, and we look forward to the bicentennial anniversary of the Selkirk expedition knowing that our history is in capable hands. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Erin Selby
Ms. Selby attended the MLHS Annual General Meeting on January 23, 2010 where she presented the MLHS with a framed version of the above statement. As a surprise gesture, the MLHS presented Ms. Selby with a beaded shoulder bag, hand made by MLHS member Erle Einarsson.
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Below is a scan of the framed statment presented to the MLHS.
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Here are some images from Tartan Day, which took place April 6, 2010 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
Mississinewa 1812 is one of our favorite events, and MLHS members have attended in some capacity almost every year. Held near Marion, Indiana, I wanted to give those of you who have not had the chance to attend this exciting Rendez-Vous a little taste of the action. There’s something for everyone, demonstrations, battles, duels, performers and of course, merchants. Hope you enjoy this collection of photographs from mine and Chris’ 2009 trip to Mississinewa.
- Janet
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TO ALL MEMBERS -
This year’s FDV was one of the best ever – from several points of view, including the fine weather.
Things went swimmingly well up in the museum this year. As usual, the two weeks that Barry put in on research and production prior to set-up were the creative force for our displays. We had great help from both our members and from FDV staff in carrying the heavy stuff and in set-up and take-down. (Thanks Bill and Chris and Colin and Claire) We had enough people to keep an eye on all the artifacts as they spent time chatting with the public and demonstrating their skills or discussing their display area. (Nothing went missing this year.) 27 MLHS members volunteered a little or a lot of time as volunteers in this year’s Museum. Total volunteer hours just in the museum = approximately 209.
We managed to hang two very large flags from the rafters for “Flag Day”, and then left them up for the week. The quern (thanks Pedro & Wendy) was, once again, a popular display, as was Olivia’s Aboriginal backboard of artifacts. Surgeon Abel Edwards and Dr. White were popular – during the school program we did countless arm amputations, to the slight anxiety of some of the student volunteers who didn’t know exactly what they were volunteering for. Spinning is always popular and this year, Claire started teaching Zaley how to spin. New members Kaley and Sarah-Jane – and Kaley’s daughter, Emily, managed to get new costumes ready within a week, and put in many hours in the museum, and by all accounts, enjoyed it greatly. Erle’s niece, Tiffany, spent time with him in the tepee, and in several of the cabins, but I’m told she was not permitted to try her hand at blacksmithing (women didn’t do that). Enno took to the “Armed to the Teeth” display and I didn’t have to worry about little (and big) boys touching the musket when he was on hand. Louis-Simon, who was going to take over the musket display, decided that he would become senior clerk in the trade shop – a role which he filled admirably.
Enormous thanks to all our willing volunteers for coming out to help – to share your enthusiasm for history – and to just enjoy the ambience that is FDV. Your participation and cooperation make it all come together.
Ever in the Past
Judy McPherson
Chair Manitoba Living History Society 2012 – Bicentennial – Selkirk Settlers
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Settler Sweatshop Report
The first New Settler Sweatshop was a great success! Seven members of MLHS, both old and new, came out to help Zaley make a bonnet, bedgown and to finish her cape. The day started around 10:00am and we worked hard until 4:00pm. Alex made a delicious lunch that everyone enjoyed. The day was not only a success for Zaley, but also for the volunteers who had the opportunity to learn some new skills. I would like to thank everyone that came out and participated with great enthusiasm.
I am pleased to say that the success of the day has inspired me to continue with the Sweatshops and perhaps even expand them! The next Sweatshop will be tentatively in mid March…. Details to come.
I anyone would like to add their names to the volunteer list and/or submit as a candidate for a Sweatshop, please contact me.
Thanks once again to all the volunteers,
Claire
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