CATHERINE LYON: Living dangerously in a war zone

War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration

Credit: A letter by Cathe Lyon on Oct. 16, 1814, from the Archives of Ontario

Catherine Lyon coped with danger every day as the young bride stayed with her husband, Lieut. George Lyon, in British forts under attack on the Niagara frontier. At the Battle of Chippawa, Lieut. Lyon was seriously injured in cannon fire from an American invading army. Catherine later wrote her aunt fearing that if another “dreadful battle” would break out, the British troops would suffer defeat. Luckily, the Americans returned to the United States. 

Discover more about Catherine Lyon at the new exhibit, launching at the Goulbourn Museum on Sunday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration has something for all ages, including historical re-enactors and presentations, War of 1812-themed crafts, new exhibitions and even an old-fashioned photo booth.

Meet the Artists: Julie & Vivianne Stewart

Fine Fibre Finds was started as a recycling project a few years to see if we could do some good for the environment and for ourselves.  We enjoy taking apart, washing and measuring the yarns available for their next life.  Vivianne is an honours student at her French High school as well as an avid equestrian. Julie is also bilingual, enjoys fiber arts along with painting and many activities that inspire her.

 

On Sunday May 27, 2012, Julie will be selling her finds in the Uniquely Goulbourn: Spring Art Show & Sale from 1-4 in the Museum AND facilitating the Museum's Yap & Yarn knitting circle in the History Centre from 1-3. Why not stop by the show, pick up some new yarn and join in the knitting circle? For more information, email us :)

MARIA HILL: Disguised as a man, she went off to war

War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration

An elderly Maria Hill rides in a float for the 1867 confederation parade in Richmond. The image is from a mural painted by Becky Marr-Johnson.

Maria Hill was no stranger to the blood and gore of battlefields as a nurse tending wounded soldiers. She even disguised herself as a man so she could follow her husband to the front lines. The 21-year-old English girl was truly “a daughter of the regiment” as she marched off to war. 

Discover more about Maria Hill at the Exceptional Women exhibit at the Goulbourn Museum on Sunday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration has something for all ages, including historical re-enactors and presentations, War of 1812-themed crafts, new exhibitions and even and old-fashioned photo-booth.

Meet the Artists: Elisabeth Hare

Elizabeth Hare is the Owner/Designer of Precious Bloom Baby Boutique: A healthier home, a healthier baby: located in Barrhaven. She will be showcasing a variety of healthy baby gift packages, with all items hand-made using quality, hypoallergenic, 100% cotton (including organic) fabric. You can find out more about her work on her website.

Elizabeth will be selling her gift packages at the Museum's Uniquely Goulbourn: Spring Art Show & Sale on May 27 from 1-4. Hope to see you there!

Meet the Artists: Claude LeBel

Claude LeBel has been turning wood for over six years.  He is an active member of the Valley Woodturners in Ottawa and has acted as an assistant instructor for the beginner’s woodturning course offered by the club.

Having studied under world-renowned woodturners such as Mike Mahoney and Jimmy Clewes, Claude is passionate about his hobby.  His artistic flare adds to the beauty and uniqueness of his creations. Form and function are important elements in his designs. He believes that not only should his creations be nice to look at, they should be used and enjoyed as well.

With just over six years experience, Claude considers his passion for woodturning a “work in progress”. However the beauty and creativity of his pieces would suggest otherwise.

 You can find Claude's work at Uniquely Goulbourn: Spring Art Show & Sale on Sunday May 27, 2012, from 1-4. 

For more information about Custom Woodturning by Claude LeBel, email him here.

Meet the Artists: Clare Gallant

Clare Gallant makes natural soap and bath and body products.  Crafted in small batches to ensure quality and freshness, and made from natural and beneficial ingredients, these products are a treat for your skin. Email Clare for further information about her products.

Clare will be selling her lovely handmade products at our coming sale called Uniquely Goulbourn on Sunday May 27 from 1-4 at the Goulbourn Museum.

Uniquely Goulbourn: Spring Art Show & Sale

Be prepared to be inspired!

Local artisans will showcase their work in a sale of fine arts & crafts at the Goulbourn Museum on Sunday May 27, 2012, from 1-4 p.m. The Annual Uniquely Goulbourn: Spring Art & Craft Sale, curated by Sheila Cain-Sample, will feature drawings, textiles, jewellery, paintings, bath products and much more.  Support your community and drop by to discover original & distinctive gift ideas. This exhibition will have something for every age & price range. For more information, send us an email :)

Book list: your guide to the War of 1812

This year is the bicentennial of the War of 1812, so inquiries about the 100th Regiment of Foot (who settled Richmond and surrounding area in 1818 after fighting in the War of 1812), have become more and more frequent. It is wonderful to see such an interest in Canadian history, and also to see such an interest in the history of our local community.

To celebrate the bicentennial, we're busy planning for a big event here at the Museum on Sunday June 17, 2012. Our volunteer researcher (and new member of our Board of Directors) Kurt Johnson has spent many months researching the War of 1812, the 100th Regiment, as well as various fascinating women connected to the War for a new exhibit.

Kurt has read so many books on the subject that he wrote an article for the Ottawa Citizen highlighting his top 12 choices. Follow this link to read Kurt's 12 about 1812: A bicentennial guide to a dozen historical book about the historic war. And to purchase your copy of For King & Canada by A. Barry Roberts, click here.

To hear more from Kurt, follow him on Twitter: @kurtjohnson46