by Amy Zoethout | Oct 26, 2020 | Archives, Blog, For Teachers and Students, Investigating Huron County History, Uncategorized
This military badge is from the Canadian Medical Corps worn on a Nursing Sister uniform by Maud Stirling, a First World War Nursing Sister. This artefact is one of more than 3,000 artefacts currently available on the Huron County Museum’s online collection.
by student Museum Assistant Jacob Smith
As a final year history student, I have grown accustomed to spending several hours preparing and writing essays. This is an important skill that takes years of practice. If you are developing an essay that is based on local history, the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol has several resources that can aid you in your studies.
The first research tool is the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol’s online collection, which can be found here. This is a database where the public can view over 5,000 artifacts and archival materials in the Museum’s collection. This tool provides background information on the artifacts, such as its provenance, dimensions, and past owners, and allows viewers to examine objects that are not currently on display. Examples of objects currently available in the collection include textiles, tools, personal items, furniture, photographs, documents, and much more.
Another excellent research tool is the Huron County Museum’s Digitized Newspapers. Here, researchers can glance at newspapers dating from the mid-1800s to the late-2010s. This database is free, easy to use, and accessible from the comfort of your own home! The digitized newspapers provide a vast wealth of information, ranging from local news and gossip, fashion, and global affairs.
The Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol also has an extensive archives collection. Here, researchers can locate coroner’s inquests, assessment rolls, court records, voter’s lists, and many more. By booking an appointment with the Archivist, researchers have access to a vast collection of resources, and a knowledgeable staff member to assist you.
This World War I propaganda poster was found through the Huron County Museum’s digitized newspaper database (Source: The Exeter Advocate, 1918-8-22, Page 2).
A bonus resource! Ancestry.ca is a helpful tool that allows people to research, share information, and connect with others. Sources such as military death, and census records, images, and family trees. This source requires a paid subscription, but often has free trials that allows researchers to access its extensive content. Researchers can also access Ancestry Library Edition free from home until Dec. 31, 2020 with a Huron County Library card.
While writers may feel overwhelmed at the thought of composing a research essay, there are helpful resources close to home or even accessible without leaving home. With the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol’s resources, writers have the exposure to a wealth of extensive resources, which are readily available from your personal computer. Keep these resources in mind when you are composing your research essay.
by Amy Zoethout | Sep 30, 2020 | Media Releases/Announcements, Uncategorized
Even though the Huron Historic Gaol remains closed this season, visitors can still go behind bars at the new selfie station found just outside the Gaol walls! And to celebrate this new feature, we are hosting a selfie contest and invite you to put yourself behind bars for your chance to win a Huron County Museum merch bundle!
The new selfie station features a recreation of the Gaol’s iconic iron doors by local blacksmith Jim Wallace and can be found at the Gaol entrance. This permanent structure is now available year round for visitors to share their visit to this National Historic Site.
To enter the contest, simply take a selfie behind the bars and post it to Facebook or Instagram by Oct. 12 using #HuronHistoricGaol. A random draw will take place on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 13. The winner will take home a bundle featuring some of the Museum’s favourite merch, including a Gaol t-shirt, Museum tote bag, the famous two-headed calf stuffie, four visitor passes for admission to the Museum and Gaol (when it reopens), and more!
Thank you to Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4) Shareable Moments Challenge for providing funding for this project.
Please note that the selfie station is not monitored and does not have sanitizer available. Please use at your own risk.
by Amy Zoethout | Jul 30, 2020 | Blog
There has never been a better summer to get outside to explore the broad streets and to enjoy the collection of well-preserved Victorian-era buildings found in Huron County’s towns and villages. To help guide your explorations, give one of these heritage walking tours a try!
BAYFIELD
Wander through Bayfield’s heritage district, along tree-lined streets, and past harbour views with the Self-Guided Walking Tour booklet ($5) from the Bayfield Heritage Centre & Archives or Village Bookshop.
www.bayfieldhistorical.ca
BRUSSELS
After officially becoming a village in 1855, Brussels grew into a prosperous community with its own railway station, many local industries, several churches and community groups, and a main street of fine brick blocks.
www.huroneast.com
EXETER
A leisurely stroll down Exeter’s Main Street will tell the stories of the historic family businesses built by Exeter’s first settlers.
www.experienceexeter.ca
GODERICH
The Goderich Municipal and Marine Heritage Committee has put together a series of four enjoyable scenic walks that explore Goderich’s rich history. www.goderich.ca
SEAFORTH
Seaforth is a quintessential small Ontario town, with a story stretching back to the early 1850s.
www.huroneast.com
VANASTRA
Visit the small community built on the historic site of a top secret Royal Canadian Air Force training base, once used to train over 7,000 radar technicians and staff for American, British and Canadian forces during World War II.
www.huroneast.com
AUDIO TOURS
Download one of the Huron County Historic Walking Tours walking audio tours from Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Choose from 12 walking tours in Bayfield, Blyth and Goderich. Full list of audio tours and download links available at ontarioswestcoast.ca/things-to-do/arts-culture-heritage/heritage-audio-tours/
SUMMER IN YOUR BACKYARD
For more opportunities to explore all Huron County as a local this summer, check out the 2020 Spend This Summer in Your Backyard visitors guide. https://www.ontarioswestcoast.ca/plan-your-trip/guides/
