This year’s VISIT WITH THE PEOPLE OF RED RIVER school program is done. As always, it was a lot of work, with a lot of our members contributing their time, expertise and help. As always, the kids (about 250 altogether) really enjoyed the experience and at least one of the teachers would like to book for next year!! Our program is curriculum based, and good teachers know the value of what we offer.
This year, we had a few changes of stations plus some new station leaders and new assistants. I think it was Chris’s idea to raise the marquee and use a divider to enable it to take two of the quieter stations and that worked very well. Barry and I updated the station notes as required, and I have now packed almost everything back into their places. WHEW! Thanks to those who helped load up at 52 Southmoor – unload at the Museum – and then pack up again in a real hurry as soon as the last kid hit the road.
Claire shouldered the largest amount of responsibility in this year’s VPRR. She not only attended meetings with Carmene at the Museum to plan the rotations and the best way for the kids to experience a variety of stations, but she organized most of the equipment in our basement, got supplies we needed, and then kept the day running smoothly. I know I put in quite a few hours, but I also know Claire put in many more!! Let’s hear a round of applause for Claire – well done indeed.
Ever in the Past….
Judy McPherson
Chair
Manitoba Living History Society
2012 – Bicentennial – Selkirk Settlers
I was pretty amazed and in awe of all our people who showed up yesterday (May, 12, 2012) at the Manitoba Museum. (Maybe it was because there were no concerns about weather.) If you don’t count those of our members who were otherwise occupied (some of La Compagnie’s men and some of the Forces of Lord Selkirk and a couple of Simpson’s Folly people) – we had 34 MLHS-ers in attendance.
But it’s the scale and the depth of our demonstrations that were amazing to behold. Really. From our big flag – to Barb’s big family – to Rachel on the quern – Bill with his carpentry tools – of course the brand new beautiful wheelbarrrow! – Andrew at his clerk’s table – Governor Miles Macdonell – Nathan bending over his silver – to mention but a few. I know the museum was astonished to see so many of us and I hope they were astonished and delighted with not only our presence but our displays. We now have replicas of many of the tools that are hanging on the wall near the Selkirk Settler’s cabin.
Having all the other living history groups there was great as well – and did you see the size of the green Manitoba Day cake? Carol noted that it took several people to get it into Alloway Hall and that it was contoured like our province!!
Thanks all – you did Manitoba Living History Society proud!!
Next up – VPRR and then the Garden Party at Government House in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the 26th.
Ever in the Past….
Judy McPherson
Chair
Manitoba Living History Society
2012 – Bicentennial – Selkirk Settlers
Drizzle and cold did not keep us away, and we had a great turnout of 16 for a small event. Quite a few dignitaries were present, and all kept their comments brief. Half way through the speeches Barb Rieder and her historic ducklings arrived, making everyone present smile. And what a great opportunity for photo ops with Minister of State for Transport, Steven Fletcher, who also took much time in his own speech to address the 5th Earl of Selkirk directly. Governor Macdonell was splendid as well. The rest of us – well – we’re Selkirk Settlers, so ordinary would be the word. Each of us was presented with a Day of Issue cancelled Selkirk Stamp. Check out the pictures here.
Second – Fashion show for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Ladies Association
It took at least ten hours to prepare a 15 minute fashion show. Hmmmmmmm. We seemed to be well received, and from Lady Selkirk (Janet) to Janet Gunn (Marie) – the women covered the spectrum of costume (Vanessa, Claire, and Maryse). The men were all splendid peacocks (Chris, Louis, Barry, Louis-Simon and Erle. Thanks to Debbie for cueing and taking pictures.
Third – the Manitoba Museum to add historic ambience for a national corporate reception.
For these receptions, we are guides to point the way from A to B, plus a few of us set up small demonstrations. While the guests are preoccupied with each other and food, nevertheless, last evening’s visitors stopped to chat with each of us, and I do feel they enjoyed our presence. We had 17 of our members attend which is a very good number. Alex tried to do amputations without success. Nathan demonstrated his skills at making trade silver, and Andrew set up his clerk’s desk in the HBC Gallery. The Nonsuch was opened, so some of us were stationed at or on the ship. The rest of us circulated and smiled and chatted, and were able to enjoy the leftover appetizers before heading home.
Posted: Feb 28, 2012 in Announcements | | Comments Off
MLHS received the following invitation to be forwarded to all our members.
As part of its 2012 celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Selkirk Settlers, Kildonan Community Church invites you to its CEILIDH on Saturday, March 24 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
The evening of Scottish song, dance, food and fun will be held at Red River Community Centre on Main Street at Murray Road.
Tickets are $15.00 and are available from the church office at 339-3502 or email kpresbyc@mymts.net
Once again Manitoba Living History is presenting “The People of Red River” at the FDV Fur Trade Museum in the Partners’ Room on the second floor of the Maison du Bourgeois.
There is a weaving presentation consisting of a floor loom, finger weaving, and a paddle loom, and agriculture display with our new, larger and heavier quern, a tanka (bison hunt) display, a First Nations display, and the new Governor Miles Macdonell display is all its luxury. Other members bringing personal displays as they volunteer – a small display of toys and children skills, a HBC clerk and his desk, and embroidery and tailoring work, to name a few.
The following photos are courtesy of Lauren Martin:
