The Wellington County Museum and Archives is hosting a Family Day celebration of military families.
The informative and fun-filled day takes place on Feb. 16 from 1 to 5pm. Highlighting the current exhibit Death and the County Soldier, the event will explore stories about families and what it means to serve in the forces.
Three special guests will share their family story with visitors, starting at 1:30pm. Hawley Johnston will recount the story of her great uncle Charles McGowan of Elora, who is part of the exhibit itself.
James Goring of Eramosa will share a touching story of his father’s time in the First World War and the circumstances that brought him to Canada; and Margaret Blair of Palmerston will discuss the circumstances of her family’s internment in Japanese camps in China during the Second World War.
Blair has recently published two books on her family’s experiences and will have copies available for sale. In addition, the archives will be open for the afternoon with a focus on tips for researching military genealogy.
For the active audience, there will be indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts. Weather permitting, the museum grounds are a perfect location to celebrate all things cold, so bundle up. Bring the family to skate, toboggan or snowshoe – there will be snowshoes available for families to try.
The Moore Family Band will provide entertainment from 3 to 5pm in Aboyne Hall where all visitors will be able to warm up with coffee, hot chocolate and donuts.
Admission to the event is $5 per person or $12.50 per family. The Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on Wellington Road 18, between Fergus and Elora.
