NEWS
POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO BE DETERMINED Norfolk Historical Society presents: Thursday 19 March 2020 7:00 p.m. Norfolk Public Library Simcoe Branch (Meeting Room) The Fenian Invasion of Canada in 1866 Author Dr. David Richard Beasley will discuss the consequences of this important event, using his novel Spiral. NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
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Norfolk County Budget Deliberations 2020
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**UPDATE** As reported in the Simcoe Reformer (Monte Sonnenberg), Council decided on 28 January 2020 that they would: |
Norfolk SOS (Save Our Stories) is a grassroots coalition that aims to raise awareness and oppose Norfolk County municipal 2020 budget cuts to heritage, culture and museums.
In a County press release about budget deliberations at the end of January 2020, the Mayor signalled that museum funding was being reviewed with an eye to reductions, and possibly handing over some programs and facilities to 'community groups'. (Such groups of course already tend to face funding and volunteer challenges.) Norfolk SOS started a social media compaign on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, encouraging people to comment, and to post a photo of themselves in front of their favourite County museum or heritage location. People could also write their concerns directly to Mayor Chopp and/or their local councillor, and attend the budget deliberations at the Council Chambers in Simcoe from 28-29 January 2020. _________________________________________________________
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There will also be a sell-off of (yet-to-be-determined) 140 acres of municipal land. We'll provide updated information as it becomes available. |
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The Norfolk County Archives
& Eva Brook Donly Museum 109 Norfolk St. South Simcoe, Ontario (519) 426-1583 re-opened to the public on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 Operating Hours Archives - Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Eva Brook Donly Museum - Tuesday to Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thank you to all of the passionate supporters who helped save this institution! ***UPDATE*** Norfolk County decided in its 28 January 2020 budget deliberations to permanently close the museum component, and relocate the artifacts to other County museums. We will keep you advised as information becomes available. |
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Norfolk Historical Society presented: Thursday 21 November 2019 7:00 p.m. Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM) 159 Nichol Street, Waterford The Erland Lee Museum and the Founding of the Women's Institutes Guest Speaker Alyssa Gomori is curator of the Erland Lee Museum. NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
The Norfolk Historical Society hosted its 2nd annual Trivia Night! Thursday 14 November, 2019 7:30 p.m. at Army, Navy & Airforce Unit 255 53 Water Street, Simcoe Registration deadline November 8, 2019. To enter your team please contact: Andy Blackwood [email protected] $100 per team of 4 to 5 |
History Trivia Night with food available, a cash bar, and prizes! Put together a team of four or five people and come and join in the history challenge. Andy Blackwood, retired History teacher, has carefully planned the questions to encompass all aspects of History, so everyone can be an expert. Team members will have opportunity to share their knowledge and expert trivia within their team, and then eventually with the other teams. And yes, it can be a bit competitive! |
Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM) presented:
Saturday 2 November 2019 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. at the museum, 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Waterford Skateboard Park & Museum Fundraiser An evening at the museum with Wine, Beer, Nibbles and Music! Tickets $30 per person (age 19+ to attend) Tickets includes food and 2 samplings of your choice from: Bonnieheath Estate Winery, New Limburg Brewing Company, Ramblin Road Brewery Farm & Villa Nova Estate Winery. Additional samples $3 each. Catering by Kerry’s Eatery, with local music presented throughout the evening. All proceeds shared by the Waterford Skateboard Park and the Museum (future home of the Skateboard Park). |
Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM) presented:
Thursday 24 October 2019 7:00 p.m. at the museum, 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Mummy Unwrapping An interactive theatre performance. Wind the clock backward to 1895…. Infamous antiquarian, Dr. Eugenia Mooney, will take audiences on a journey from ancient Egypt to the eccentricity of an English parlour during the Victorian period, where she will attempt to resurrect the dead. Ancient curses, sacrificial animals, secret rituals, and mummification will all be explained as Dr. Mooney slowly removes the mummy’s wrappings. Tickets $15 per person (age 13+ to attend). Pre-registration required. |
Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM) presented:
Friday 18 - Sunday 20 October 2019 7:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. at the museum, 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Moonlight & Mayhem IV Every small town has its secrets. Take a night stroll through Waterford’s downtown and listen to a costumed guide as they tell true stories from our town’s darker past. Who knows? You may be surprised at the deathly tales of murder and mayhem that have emerged from the quaint houses and gentle fields that surround Waterford. Tickets are on sale NOW, $20 per person (age 13+ to attend), and can be purchased in person at the museum using cash, cheque (payable to Norfolk County,) or debit. Pre-registration is required; payment MUST be made during registration to secure a spot. Please Note: The tour involves walking on uneven terrain. The route is approximately 1.5 km in length. Please come dressed with comfortable walking shoes, and for all types of weather as the tour operates under all conditions. |
Norfolk Historical Society presented: Thursday 17 October 2019 7:00 p.m. Norfolk Public Library, Simcoe Branch Meeting Room Abolitionism vs. the Fugitive Slave Law: Causes of the American Civil War Guest Speaker Mike McDonnell will explore causes of the U.S. Civil War, including the Fugitive Slave Law, enacted in the United States in 1850-1851. NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Thursday 19 September 2019 7:00 p.m. Norfolk Public Library, Simcoe Branch Meeting Room Finding My Birth Family: Miracles and Adult Content Doug Grant shares the second part of his journey to find his birth family. NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Sunday 15 September 2019 1:30 p.m. Carillon Tower, Simcoe Historical Walking Tour of Simcoe Tour Duration: 75-90 minutes NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Sunday 28 July 2019 1:30 p.m. Carillon Tower, Simcoe Historical Walking Tour of Simcoe Tour Duration: about 75 minutes NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Saturday 29 June 2019 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. St. James United Church 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe History Book Sale The Society is selling their inventory of old history and related books and documents, due to no longer having a storage facility.
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Norfolk Historical Society presented: Thursday 27 June 2019 7:00 p.m. Teeterville Women's Institute Hall 194 Teeter Rd, Teeterville Women's Property Rights in Norfolk: A Case Study Western University's Dr. Colin Read shares his research on this important topic. NHS Members Free, Others by Donation |
The United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada -
Grand River Branch presented: LOYALIST DAY: WORSHIP SERVICE & FLAG RAISING Sunday, June 16th 2019 10:30 a.m. St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Lot Street, Simcoe, Ontario followed by the Loyalist Flag Raising in Governor Simcoe Square at 12:00 noon All are invited to attend this celebration of the United Empire Loyalists, Canada’s first refugees and pioneers of Norfolk County. |
Norfolk Historical Society presented: Thursday 23 May 2019 7:00 p.m. Clonmel Castle, Port Dover The Famous Five: A Dramatic Presentation of the Persons Case and the women who made it possible This one-act play highlights the struggle for legal ‘personhood’ by five brave and intelligent women in 1916. The Supreme Court of Canada had ruled that women were not 'persons', based on section 24 of the British North American Act of 1867. Emily Murphy, the first women police magistrate in the British Empire, was told that women could therefore not hold legal opinions. She and co-appellants Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Edwards and Louise McKinney challenged the Supreme Court of Canada and the Privy Council in England. $50 per person (included the presentation, a glass of wine, and Gatsby-style appetizers) For tickets contact [email protected] This fundraising event was generously sponsored by MHN Lawyers |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Thursday 18 April 2019 7:00 p.m. OPP Detachment, Community Room 548 Queensway West, Simcoe Policing in Norfolk Retired OPP Officer David Stelpstra shares his research and stories about the police in Norfolk County. Free to NHS members, Guests by donation. |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Thursday 21 March 2019 7:00 p.m. at Army Navy and Air Force Club 53 Water Street, Simcoe A History of Women Pilots by Guest Speaker Mayor Kristal Chopp Norfolk County Mayor and Air Canada pilot Kristal Chopp shared the history of women pilots in Canada. Free to NHS members, Guests by donation. |
Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Thursday 28 February, 2019 7:00 p.m. at Grace United Church 18 Chapman Street W., Port Dover How I Found My Birth Family: Doug Grant's Life-Long Journey by Guest Speaker Doug Grant Follow the exciting journey of Doug Grant in search of his biological family. Free to NHS members, $10 for Guests This talk followed on Doug's presentation of last year, with new discoveries! |
Norfolk County Public Library presented:
Saturday 26 January, 2019 10:30 a.m. at Simcoe Branch 46 Colborne St. South, Simcoe Norfolk Letters Home 1918: The Last 100 Days
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Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Thursday 24 January, 2019 7:00 p.m. at Grace United Church 18 Chapman Street W., Port Dover Friday The 13th: Myths & Truths - Port Dover on the World Stage by Guest Speaker Chris Simons Founder Chris Simons recounts how the biggest motorcycle day in the world began in Port Dover. Free to NHS members, Guests by Donation |
Norfolk Historical Society presented: Thursday 13 December, 2018 7:00 p.m. at Port Dover Harbour Museum 44 Harbour Street, Port Dover Port Dover Harbour: A Pictorial History by guest speaker Ian Bell Free to NHS members, Guests by Donation |
Thursday 29 November, 2018
7:00 p.m. 159 Nichol Street, Waterford, ON The Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum presented Kingston Historian & Author Mr. Moe Johnson speaking on: The Brantford Pottery - 50 Years of Domination in Western Ontario as part of WHAM's current history-changing exhibit "The Potters of Brant & Norfolk". This was a not-to-be-missed, highly-anticipated presentation featuring Johnson’s most recent research on a complete study of historic Ontario pottery, specifically highlighting Brantford stoneware and its huge importance during the 19th century. Incredibly rare and historically significant examples produced in Brantford between 1849 and 1900 will be discussed throughout the evening. Johnson, author of the forthcoming book "The Potters Reach", has studied and collected important Canadian artifacts, including stoneware and earthenware pottery, furniture, faktur, textiles and folk art, over a period of thirty-five years. He has written various articles for "The Upper Canadian" magazine and its successor, "Canadian Antiques and Vintage" (in which WHAM was most recently featured), and has lectured on related topics throughout the province. [Exhibit catalogue Potters of Brant & Norfolk available for $10 (limited supply).] All Welcome! |
The Norfolk Historical Society presented:
Thursday 22 November, 2018 7:00 p.m. at Eva Brook Donly Museum 189 Norfolk Street, Simcoe Fighting for the Cause: Canadians in the American Civil War by guest speaker Mike McDonnell (of the Waterford & Townsend Historical Society) Free to NHS members, Guests by Donation |
The Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum
hosted an Opening Gala for its new exhibit: Quilting for a Cause: Red Cross Quilts of the Great War This celebration and exhibition was put together over the last two years, resulting in the largest gathering of First World War Red Cross Quilts ever assembled – including the earliest known example discovered right here in Norfolk County! A total of 20 quilts are on display from across Ontario. There will be a presentation, refreshments, and a full-colour, 76-page history book of the quilts available for $20 (limited supply). Friday 16 November, 2018 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 159 Nichol Street, Waterford, ON, N0E 1Y0 All Welcome! |
Eva Brook Donly Museum and Norfolk County Archives presented:
Thursday 8 November, 2018 7:00 p.m. Eva Brook Donly Museum and Archives 109 Norfolk St. S. Simcoe Out of Old Ontario Kitchens A talk by Lindy Mechefske, award-winning author of "Sir John's Table" and "A Taste of Wintergreen". Her newest book “Out of Old Ontario Kitchens” explores the food stories of Indigenous Peoples and settlers from the perspectives of women at home in kitchens across Ontario. The book is a captivating take on the history of food and culture from the communities that shaped cuisine in Canada today. For more information: 519-426-1583 or email [email protected] By Donation |
The Norfolk Historical Society hosted a Fundraiser! Thursday 8 November, 2018 7:30 p.m. at Army, Navy & Airforce Unit 255 53 Water Street, Simcoe History Trivia Night with food available, a cash bar, and prizes! To enter your team please contact: Andy Blackwood [email protected] or 519-428-2001 $100 per team of 4 to 5, or $25 for an individual member |
The Norfolk Historical Society's monthly talk: Thursday 20 September, 2018 7:00 p.m. at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Knee Deep in Sheep:A Glimpse into the History of Norfolk's Sheep Industry Guest Speaker: Murray McKnight Admission Free to NHS members, Guests by Donation |
The Norfolk Historical Society's monthly talk: Thursday 13 September, 2018 7:00 p.m. at the Delhi Tobacco Museum 200 Talbot Road, Delhi When Tobacco Was King: A History of Tobacco in Canada - A Southerner's Global Journey Guest Speaker: Paul E. Allen Admission Free to NHS members, $10 for Guests |
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Doors to Our Past – A Stroll Through Time
A Guided Walking Tour of Historical Downtown Simcoe, led by a Norfolk Historical Society Board Member. Take a leisurely walk through Simcoe’s history. See landmarks sites and peek into the lives of Norfolk residents, both famous and infamous! There are four tours this summer:
The meeting spot is the Carillon Tower, 203 Norfolk St. N., Simcoe. The cost is by donation. (This tour is not recommended for young children or individuals with difficulty walking long distances or on uneven ground or curbs.) The Norfolk Historical Society is a registered non-profit organisation and funds collected will be used to support NHS activities. |
The Norfolk Historical Society held their monthly talk:
Thursday 21 June, 2018 7:00 p.m. at Canada's First Forestry Station Interpretive Centre 885 Hwy. 24 West - St. Williams Changing Norfolk's Desert ... Into Ontario's Garden Port Rowan/South Walsingham Heritage Association Guest Speakers Anne & Dolf Wynia Expert Guided Tour, and Opportunity to Wander the Grounds yourself to see the Identified Trees Admission by Donation |
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Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Dogwood Awards
Awarded May 2018 Norfolk County’s vibrant heritage and culture community has been built on the tireless efforts of countless dedicated individuals and groups! The Heritage & Culture Department each year recognizes such peoples, nominated by the community.
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The Norfolk Historical Society held their monthly talk:
Thursday 17 May, 2018 7:00 p.m. at Eva Brook Donly Museum Milling about Norfolk: Discussing Grist & Sawmills which once covered Norfolk by Wesley Wilson Norfolk was the Land of Mills! Discover the rich history of our many past Grist & Sawmills. Free to NHS members, $10 for guests |
The Norfolk Historical Society held their monthly talk Thursday 26 April 2018 at Simcoe Branch Public Library: A History of Libraries in Norfolk County by Heather King, CEO, Norfolk County Public Library Those arriving early at 6:30 pm were treated to a free guided tour of the historic building. |
The Norfolk Historical Society held their monthly talk Thursday 22 March 2018
Eva Brook Donly Museum. This sounded to be a fascinating and intimate talk, on a topic that mirrors the personal and genealogical experience of many amongst us. |
The Future of Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives
FURTHER UPDATE 24 October 2017: Norfolk Council has accepted the revised recommendation of its Heritage & Culture Department (endorsed by the Norfolk Historical Society), that Eva Brook Donly become the central archive for Norfolk County (with a full-time archivist), and also continue as a part-time museum (with a half-time curator); it will be open summers, Christmas, and for special occasions. We are very pleased that there has been a resolution allowing both facets of Eva Brook to continue. As Councillor Peter Black was quoted in the Simcoe Reformer: "This museum is part of the fabric of Simcoe. The museum has reached the point where it needs to be taken into the fold of Norfolk County."
More information can be found in the links below:
Eva Brook Donly website statement 13 October
Eva Brook Donly website statement 24 October
Simcoe Reformer article 18 October
More information can be found in the links below:
Eva Brook Donly website statement 13 October
Eva Brook Donly website statement 24 October
Simcoe Reformer article 18 October
UPDATE 11 July 2017: Norfolk Council agreed unanimously at a meeting on Tuesday 11 July to amend their motion from the prior Tuesday (4 July).
Council is still requesting that the department of Heritage & Culture review further options for repurposing Eva Brook, but are no longer restricting use to an Archive only. The department can therefore report to council in September/October with alternatives for Eva Brook that include both a Museum and Archives. We will provide updates as they become available. Thank you to everyone for your interest!
Council is still requesting that the department of Heritage & Culture review further options for repurposing Eva Brook, but are no longer restricting use to an Archive only. The department can therefore report to council in September/October with alternatives for Eva Brook that include both a Museum and Archives. We will provide updates as they become available. Thank you to everyone for your interest!
5 July 2017: Simcoe’s Eva Brook Donly Museum and Archives is at a crossroads, facing the loss of its museum function and collection, after a decision made by Norfolk Council-in-Committee Tuesday 4 July. It’s possible that that decision can be reversed at the next council meeting Tuesday 11 July. The Waterford & Townsend Historical Society will be submitting a letter of support to council for the museum.
Eva Brook is run by the Norfolk Historical Society, which also owns the museum’s collection; the building is owned by the County (it was bequeathed by Eva Brook Donly to be used as a museum or art gallery). The county provides some financial and in-kind support to Eva Brook each year.
Recently, the Norfolk Historical Society has found itself financially unable to continue running Eva Brook. They've therefore been discussing various options with the Norfolk Heritage & Culture department, to resolve the situation in the best interests of the community.
Four options were developed and proposed to Council. The one recommended (Option 4) was that the building become a central archive for county historical papers (papers are currently distributed in different locations) with a continuing smaller role as a seasonal museum. The county would become owner of the museum collection, and take over the running of Eva Brook.
This recommendation was defeated by council 5-4, mainly because of cost. An alternative motion was put forward by council, for Heritage & Culture to further review the matter, and provide new options, but for the site as an Archive only (the Museum aspect was excluded).
This will likely mean loss of the Simcoe museum, and that the collection of important local artifacts would have to be deaccessioned and distributed, whether to Norfolk County museums or elsewhere. (And other Norfolk museums are already at space capacity, and unlikely to be able to take many items.)
The final council meeting before summer recess takes place Tuesday 11 July. It’s hoped that with enough community support, the decisions from the last meeting can be ‘pulled’, and either Option 4 reconsidered, or a new motion put forward that includes the Simcoe museum and its collection (with the archive).
If you’d like to show support for Eva Brook, an online petition has been started by Wesley Wilson (the 2016 Dogwood Awards youth winner); the link is below. Wesley will be making an in-person deputation at the council meeting Tuesday 11 July.
Wesley Wilson: Save Eva Brook Donly Museum, please sign this petition for council to see Norfolk cares!!
You can also show your support by attending the upcoming council meeting, writing a letter of support to council, and/or contacting your local councillor.
For more information, see the links below: a relevant Simcoe Reformer article; the County council meeting documents; and the video of the meeting (view Part 5).
http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2017/07/05/county-eyes-simcoe-facility-as-county-archive
http://www.norfolkcounty.ca/government/agendas-minutes/2017-agendasminutes/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbgKBI7Bhkzcgxh4FgrhcIgp-pUvpLwAj
Eva Brook is run by the Norfolk Historical Society, which also owns the museum’s collection; the building is owned by the County (it was bequeathed by Eva Brook Donly to be used as a museum or art gallery). The county provides some financial and in-kind support to Eva Brook each year.
Recently, the Norfolk Historical Society has found itself financially unable to continue running Eva Brook. They've therefore been discussing various options with the Norfolk Heritage & Culture department, to resolve the situation in the best interests of the community.
Four options were developed and proposed to Council. The one recommended (Option 4) was that the building become a central archive for county historical papers (papers are currently distributed in different locations) with a continuing smaller role as a seasonal museum. The county would become owner of the museum collection, and take over the running of Eva Brook.
This recommendation was defeated by council 5-4, mainly because of cost. An alternative motion was put forward by council, for Heritage & Culture to further review the matter, and provide new options, but for the site as an Archive only (the Museum aspect was excluded).
This will likely mean loss of the Simcoe museum, and that the collection of important local artifacts would have to be deaccessioned and distributed, whether to Norfolk County museums or elsewhere. (And other Norfolk museums are already at space capacity, and unlikely to be able to take many items.)
The final council meeting before summer recess takes place Tuesday 11 July. It’s hoped that with enough community support, the decisions from the last meeting can be ‘pulled’, and either Option 4 reconsidered, or a new motion put forward that includes the Simcoe museum and its collection (with the archive).
If you’d like to show support for Eva Brook, an online petition has been started by Wesley Wilson (the 2016 Dogwood Awards youth winner); the link is below. Wesley will be making an in-person deputation at the council meeting Tuesday 11 July.
Wesley Wilson: Save Eva Brook Donly Museum, please sign this petition for council to see Norfolk cares!!
You can also show your support by attending the upcoming council meeting, writing a letter of support to council, and/or contacting your local councillor.
For more information, see the links below: a relevant Simcoe Reformer article; the County council meeting documents; and the video of the meeting (view Part 5).
http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2017/07/05/county-eyes-simcoe-facility-as-county-archive
http://www.norfolkcounty.ca/government/agendas-minutes/2017-agendasminutes/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbgKBI7Bhkzcgxh4FgrhcIgp-pUvpLwAj