The Prince Edward Heritage Advisory Committee, the Prince Edward
Historical Society, The County Museums, the Prince Edward County Library
and Archives, the Friends of Sandbanks, History Lives Here, and the
Regent Theatre have teamed up to organize Flashback February during
Ontario Heritage Week Feb. 17-25.
“Prince Edward County is a crossroads of history,” says Jennifer Lyons,
Head Curator of The County’s museum system. “This area has been an
epi-centre of the development of Eastern Ontario and Canada’s 150 years
of social, economic, and cultural achievements. That history is all
around us in street names, historic properties, and the cultural
landscapes that make this a special place. We hope to create some
history ourselves by making this an annual celebration of who we are.”
The inaugural Flashback February will include hands-on learning
opportunities, live demonstrations, talks, culinary offerings, film
screenings and stories – all exploring the relationships of past,
present, and future in Prince Edward County. Talented chefs, experts,
curators, artists, and innovators will be on hand to spark conversation,
lead activities, and dig into our rich history.
“We often think of heritage in terms of conservation, but it is just as
important that we take the time to recognize and celebrate our many
cultural, natural, architectural, and archaeological resources that we
strive to protect,” says Robert Quaiff, Mayor, County of Prince Edward.
“Heritage might be our past, but it still informs who we are today. I
look forward to a fun and active exploration of that history throughout
Flashback February.”
Flashback February will kick off with a launch event on Saturday, Feb.
17 from 2-5 pm at Parsons Brewing Company in Picton, one of a number of
local companies pioneering the development of the craft brewing industry
in the area.
Sunday night features a County-themed Trivia Night hosted by the Museums at the Wellington Legion.
On Monday, Feb. 19 starting at noon, the Friends of Sandbanks Park will
host Family Day outdoor activities at Maple Rest Heritage House at West
Lake. As an indoor option that day, Suzanne Pasternak presents County
History, Legends & Music, an event for kids and grownups. Also on
Family Day, the Friends of the Wellington Heritage Museum will host a
pancake breakfast at the Wellington and District Community Centre from
8-10 am.
Two afternoon lectures at Macaulay Heritage Park anchor the mid-week
events – one by Peter May of Research Casting International in Trenton,
one of three companies in the world making replica dinosaurs for world
museums. The second lecture highlights the work of artist Gesina
Laird-Buchanan of Napanee who creates life-size models of iconic
historical figures like Mohawk leader Molly Brant and artist Tom Thomson
from wool. The Museums and the Libraries will also team up for a series
of demonstrations replicating historical objects through 3-D printing
processes, with sessions for children and general audiences.
A mini Film Fest will be held at the Regent Theatre on Friday, Feb. 23 beginning at 1 pm, presenting films on County history.
Heritage–inspired dinners, prepared by local chefs Lee Arden Lewis and
Michael Hoy, will be held in the evening on Thursday, Feb. 22 and
Saturday, Feb. 24.
During the day on Saturday, Feb. 24, expert Moe Johnson will offer a
presentation about the pottery of early Ontario, including the
Hart-Lazier earthenware that was unique to the Bay of Quinte area.
The week-long celebration concludes Sunday, Feb. 25 with an all-day
Victorian culinary workshop at Macaulay House in Picton, where a
multi-course period dinner will be prepared and enjoyed by registrants.
For more information and to view the week’s schedule of activities,
please visit
www.thecounty.ca/county-government/departments/museums/whats-on/flashback-february/.
To purchase a ticket for one of the heritage-themed dinners or to attend the Film Fest, please visit the Regent Theatre website www.theregenttheatre.org/tickets/ or call 613.476.8416.
