Museum salutes food Feb. 22; open free Feb. 16 to 22

As part of the 2009 culinary tourism theme for Centre Wellington, the Wellington County Museum and Archives has cooked up new exhibits and programs all on the theme of food.

On Feb. 22, from noon – 4pm, at the museum holds a Heri­tage Festival and cele­brates Heritage Week with a nod to Canadian comfort food. 

Experience an afternoon of entertainment, displays, food, and a presentation by special guest, author and food his­torian, Dorothy Duncan.

Duncan is a consultant and international lecturer on Can­ada’s culinary history and her presentation at 2pm, Nothing More Comforting will review Canada’s food heritage from Aboriginal food traditions, early settler customs, and the transition to the modern food sup­ply system.

Displays will highlight local history groups including the Wellington County Historical Society and the Centre Well­ing­ton heritage committee as well as food displays and samples from local businesses including the Breadalbane Inn and the Elora Farmers’ Market.  There will be activities for families throughout the build­ing.

Entertainment for the afternoon begins with the Grand Celtic Pipe Band, dancers from the McDonald School of Scottish Dance, and a thematic food related presen­tation by Al Koop and Older Voices.  Grand Quilt Guild members will be on site for visi­tors who want to learn about the art of quilting or tour the guilds’ current exhibition A Few of our Favourite Things, on until March 1st.

Some new gallery exhibits include Out of the Blue, an ex­hibition of textiles and objects from the collection, and Child’s Play, an exhibition of toys and games from the collection. A Century of Kitchenware rounds out the culinary theme, high­lighting kitchen gadgets and gizmos from the past. 

The archives reading room will be open for those who are interested in learning more about local family history.

Admission will be free from Feb. 16 to 22 in honour of Heritage Week.  The museum is located between Fergus and Elora. Call 846-0916 extension 221 for more information or to parti­cipate in our Heritage Day celebration.