events & programmes
The Society runs a variety of events to provide entertaining and educational activities for the residents and visitors of Niagara-on-the-Lake. From quality lectures to musical performances in the galleries, the Society works hard at being a focal point of culture in Niagara.
Lectures
ART & FASHION LECTURE SERIES
- 21 Mar: title and speaker TBC
- 18 Apr: Back to the Future-the Museum and Deaccessioning - David Aurandt
- 16 May: “Exposed” - A Brief History of Underwear - Rita Brown
- 20 Jun: Canadian Crowns: An Exhibition of Vintage & Contemporary Millinery by Canadian Designers – Norma Shepherd
- 18 Jul: Jonathan Walford (title TBA)
- 15 Aug: title and speaker TBC
- 19 Sep: Bring me back a t-shirt: the history of the t-shirt and its role in fashioning the tourist landscape- Sonya de Lazzer
Tickets are $10 for the general public or free for Niagara Historical Society Members.
Reservations required as seating is limited
Generously Sponsored by:
ST. ANDREW’S LECTURE SERIES:
225 YEARS
Historical lectures held in the church sanctuary at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to honour their 225th anniversary. Lectures are held Wednesday mornings at 10 am and admission is by donation. Refreshments to follow in the Kirk Hall, 323 Simcoe Street.
- 20 Feb: THE SCOTS PRESBYTERIANS’ WITNESS TO THE LIGHT: COMPLETION OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN THE NEW CAPITAL and
PERPETRATED OUTRAGE IN ST. ANDREW’S CEMETERY: THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE LATE WILLY BLAIN – Richard Merritt - 20 Mar: THE MCFARLANDS OF ST. ANDREWS – David Hemmings
- 10 Apr: THE CROOKS FAMILY: MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN UPPER CANADA – Rick Meloen
- 8 May: TOMMY, OWS YER SOUL? - CHURCH PARADES OF THE NIAGARA GARRISON
– Ron Dale
community days
On the third Monday of each month, we are offering a free community day in appreciation of increased funding from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Admission is free to the galleries and the popular Famous & Infamous biography series will also be free and open to all.
FAMOUS & INFAMOUS
January - November | 2 pm
Join us in the gallery for a presentation by a local resident, followed by a lively discussion about the life of a famous or infamous person from the past.
28 Jan Sheila Hill: Rex Whistler
25 Feb Suzanne Hebert: Shah of Iran, Pt 2
25 Mar David Sydor: Lloyd Dennis
22 Apr Betsy Masson: Hannah Peters Jarvis
27 May Michael Clark: Theodore Roosevelt
24 Jun David Aurandt: Col Sam McLaughlin
22 Jul Julian Rance: Francesco Franco
26 Aug Ted Rumble: Dusko Popov
23 Sep Richard Merritt: William Claus
28 Oct Linda Fritz: Vanessa Bell
25 Nov Craig Tallman: Clementine Churchill
walking tours of old town
June - September
Join our guides for a walk through town, Saturdays & Sundays at 11 am beginning at the gazebo in Queen’s Royal Park. Tickets are $10 and include Museum admission.
June | NEIGHBOURHOOD WALKS | 6 pm
Explore the history of two unique neighbourhoods on Friday evenings in June. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited.
June 7: Queen Street Estates – tour meets outside the Post Office
June 14: Irish Town/Rye Park – tour meets at Rye Park
June 21: Queen Street Estates – tour meets outside the Post Office
June 28: Irish Town/Rye Park – tour meets at Rye Park
July 9 | SCANDAL & GOSSIP TOUR
Part of a series of events called “Museum Meetups”, a partnership through the Museums of Niagara Association. This evening tour will take you on a walk around Old Town NOTL uncovering some of the scandalous stories of the past as well as some of the myths and gossip that has perpetuated over the years. Tour includes stops at a couple local pubs for a drink and snack along the way. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.
kid curators camps
Discover history in your community at this week-long day camp for children ages 6-12. Camp runs Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm. Cost: $125 per child. Space is limited.
July 15-19
August 12-16
Special Events
February 20 | MEMBERS’ TRIVIA NIGHT (7 pm)
Open to Niagara Historical Society Members only. Join us for 6 rounds of trivia at a fun casual event that is free for members. Light snacks and refreshments are included
June 4 | JANET CARNOCHAN DAY
Celebrate the Museum’s founder with free admission all day
August 5 | THE PAST IS PRESENT HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Join us on the Museum’s front lawn for a “treasurers” sale, historic demonstrations, heritage activities, food, live music and more! Free admission from 11 am to 4 pm.
September 11 | CANADIAN FORCES SNOWBIRDS
The Niagara Historical Society welcomes the Snowbirds on September 11, 2019 at the Niagara District Airport. Come to be spellbound by the world-famous Snowbirds as they perform amazing aerobatics. Details can be found at www.notlsnowbirds.ca
September 20, 21, 27 & 28 | THEATRICAL CEMETERY TOURS
Meet the spirits of local residents buried at St. Andrew’s Church. Tours starts at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm. Tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance. Call 905-468-3912 to reserve your tickets or visit www.niagarahistorical.museum for more information.
November 11 | “WE’LL MEET AGAIN” (7 pm)
Join in the singing and share in the memories with this tribute to the First and Second World Wars. Featuring Gabrielle Jones, Peter Millard, Jenny Wright and Barbara Worthy with music by Doug Mundy and Penner Mackay. Tickets are $15.
December 7 | ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT
Details to be announced.
