Artisan Profile: Kerr Pottery

Creations by Kerr Pottery.

"The idea of working with the basic elements in nature - earth, fire, air and water - to make beautiful and useful objects fascinates me," says Carol Holmes-Kerr, owner of Kerr Pottery.

"My work is a combination of functional tableware and sculptural, alternatively-fired pieces.  Pieces include bowls of various sizes, mugs, mixing bowls, casseroles and yarn bowls."

Kerr Pottery will be among the many talented vendors at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market this Sunday, November 30th. Hope to see you there!

Kerr Pottery: Website

Artisan Profile: Crazy 4 Crafts

Colourful pyjama bag puppets by Crazy 4 Crafts.

Mary Cooke, owner of Crazy for Crafts, started honing her crocheting and cross stitching skills over 30 years ago when her children were small. She immortalizes Sesame Street characters as hand puppets and pyjama bag puppets, and creates an assortment of character hats, as well as teddy bears and blankets.

Mary will have her colourful creations on display at the Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 30th. Save the date!

Crazy 4 Crafts: Facebook 

Artisan Profile: Carruthers Cakes and Candy

Carruthers Cakes and Candy

Everything is better with chocolate! 

"I believe that we eat with our eyes," says Cyndie Carruthers, owner of Carruthers Cakes and Candy. "My truffles are piped, dipped and decorated in chocolate."

Look for Cyndie's decadent creations at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on November 30th. Buttery peanut brittle, dipped and decorated pretzel sticks, soft sugar cookies traditionally decorated for Christmas – these are just a few of the divine treats you will find at her booth and be proud to give as gifts (or enjoy for yourself!).

Artisan Profile: Jewelry by Barbara

“My mother was an artist and both my parents were award winning craftsmen who made hand wrought agate jewelry,” says Barbara Steacy, owner of Jewelry by Barbara. Despite the early exposure, it wasn't until recently that she returned to her roots and started stringing her own stones.

Barbara's fashion jewelry is designed using semi-precious stones, minerals and fresh water pearls. “I also use Swarovski elements crystals, pewter, silver and gold plate, as well as sterling silver,” she says.

Whether you're looking for a Christmas gift for someone special or a new addition to your own jewelry box, be sure to stop by Barbara's booth at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market between 10 a.m - 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 30th.

Artisan Profile: Limestone City Pen Turner

Hand turned pens and pencils available in a wide variety of styles and prices. These beautiful writing instruments are made from exotic woods and unique acrylics. Custom designs are available upon request.

Limestone City Pen Turner pens and pencils make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, retirements, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas or any other special occasion. Owner Tim Jamieson can even arrange custom engraving with individual names or a business logo for a gift that's treasured for years to come.

Limestone City Pen Turner will have a vast assortment of custom handmade pens and pencils on display at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on November 30th.

Limestone City Pen Turner: Website 

Artisan Profile: Wooly Warmth

Wooly Warmth specializes in handmade knitted and crocheted scarves, cowls and hats.

“I picked up the tools of the trade after my second baby was born and I wanted to be able to make knitted items for my girls, and myself, says owner Julie Kavanagh. "Turns out people liked what I made and the custom requests started to roll in!”

Julie will be peddling her Wooly Warmth wares at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on Sunday, November 30th.

Wooly Warmth: Facebook 

Artisan Profile: Button Box Originals

Button Box Originals creates unique, hand-made earrings using upcycled buttons and beads.

“I rarely create the same pair twice," says owner Karen Mitchell. "I find it exhilarating to come up with the designs and then have people of all ages not only excited to buy them but to come back and tell me how much they love them.”

If you're looking for a colourful gift or that perfect stocking stuffer, Button Box Originals will have a booth at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on November 30th. Save the date!

Button Box Originals: Facebook

Artisan Profile: Marketa's Creations

Marketa's Creations have whimsy.

Born and raised in Prague, Marketa Stastna has always been surrounded by art and first dabbled in pottery as a wee lass. Although a lot has changed since those early days of oddly shaped clay blobs, what hasn't changed is her child-like passion and enthusiasm for the medium.

Owner of Marketa's Creations, she creates pottery, loosely based on traditional Czech designs, with a playful twist. Her pieces are decorative, usable and fun. Whether it is a whimsical bowl, mug, necklace, wall hanging or even a nativity scene that your home, heart or soul desires, Marketa's Creations will have it.

"I put love, care and unique character into each and every piece. All of my work is handmade, original and will most definitely put a smile on your face. Let's clay!"

Own a Marketa Creations' original by visiting her booth at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on Sunday November 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Marketa's Creations: Facebook 

Artisan Profile: Touch of Glass

Started as a retirement hobby 20 years ago, Touch of Glass creates one of a kind stained glass pieces including sun catchers, windows, lamps, jewelry boxes, light houses, kaleidoscopes and more.

Owners Paulette and Ed Grassi, residents of Stittsville, say their business is a true labour of love. In fact they often immortalize their favourite places and things as stained glass pictures.

Be sure to visit Touch of Glass at our Outdoor Artisan Market on Sunday, November 30th.

Artisan Profile: Sheila Cain-Sample Pencil Artist

I am a pencil artist who loves detail. The contrast between black and white is the most appealing. I am drawn to intricate patterns that appear in nature and life. I work in graphite and coloured pencil depending how the day presents itself.

I began my artistic journey at a very young age creating pastel drawings for classmates. I continued to experiment with medium, keeping many art/sketch books and filling them with portraits, patterns and colours. After art school I found my way to graphite and coloured pencil and began refining my passion...and here I am.

Sheila Cain-Sample will be selling her art cards, prints, journals and much more at our Outdoor Artisan Market on November 30th.

Sheila Cain-Sample Pencil Artist: Blog  |  Facebook  |  Etsy  |  Twitter 

Artisan Profile: Clare's Old Farmhouse Soap

Clare's Old Farmhouse Soap

Clare began making soap in 2006 in order to provide her family with a more natural alternative to conventional soaps. Her passion for soapmaking was instant and soon grew to other products such as body butter, lip balm, lotion and sugar scrubs.

Today, Clare's Old Farmhouse Soap boasts over 25 different soaps and body products made entirely with natural ingredients. Her products are offered for sale throughout the Ottawa Valley and featured in local Bed & Breakfast Inns but you can get your hands on them at our Outdoor Artisan Market on November 30th.

Clare's Old Farmhouse Soap: Website

Artisan Profile: Kobbit

Whimsical creation by Kobbit.

Kobbit specializes in small clay sculptures affectionately known as “Toppers”. These whimsical creations are made to sit atop a picture frame, window sill, mantelpiece, or computer monitor.  The artist also handcrafts zipper pulls, candle holders, and garlands and has completed many custom orders including cake toppers.

You can see Kobbit's one-of-a-kind creations at Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on Sunday, November 30th.

Kobbit: Website

Artisan Profile: Tracy Kerr Elements Photography

The Red Chair Project

Tracy Kerr Elements Photography specializes in wildlife and landscape photography in both colour and black-and-white. Travel photography from North America and abroad are also featured as well as whimsical personal ventures such as The Red Chair Project and The Wanderlost Project.

Tracy Kerr Elements Photography

Tracy first ventured into film photography nearly 25 years ago. This hobby exploded into obsession with the transition to digital imaging 10 years ago and became a a serious venture in the last two years with the launch of Elements Photography.

Tracy will be bringing her exquisite art to the Goulbourn Museum's Outdoor Artisan Market on Sunday, November 30th. She will be selling matted prints, fine art cards and calendars.

Tracey Kerr Elements Photography: Website  | Blog | Facebook 

Artisan Profile: Dragonfly Dreamers

Dragonfly Dreamers

Dragonfly Dreamers’ main focus is jewelry created using a combination of metal smithing techniques. Anything from sawing, stamping, and hammering, to riveting and patinas may be used on a single creation.  Artist Wendy Southin also creates altered art pieces on canvas, mirrors, and other interesting objects with a vintage, grungy look and feel.

“I’m inspired by texture and layers in everyday life and nature itself and this is reflected in my work. I use a variety of elements and techniques in both my jewelry and altered art creations. Although my favourite metal to use in jewelry is copper, you will also find other metals, semi-precious beads, found objects and resin.  My altered art projects are created with anything from paper to paint and ink, to metal embossing and found objects.”

Dragonfly Dreamers will be at the Goulbourn Museum's Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 30th.

Dragonfly Dreamers: Facebook | Etsy | Website | Pinterest

Artisan Profile: Sandee's Country Kitchen

Quality comfort food, made from scratch

The Goulbourn Museum's Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market takes place Sunday, November 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the weeks leading up to the big day we will be introducing each of the the talented artisans.

Our first profile is of Sandee's Country Kitchen. Owner Sandee Rosien makes all of her baked goods from scratch ensuring they are preservative free. She specializes in homemade bread, pies, tarts, cheesecake, handmade pasta, handmade ravioli, and dinners for busy families.

After 30 years in real estate, Sandee decided to completely change careers.

"Old-fashioned comfort food became my thing. I live, breathe, and dream quality preservative free scratch cooking. We need to eat the way our grandparents ate, making food from scratch without the junk ingredients that are on the labels of the food we buy in grocery stores today.  People are busy and don't have time to cook everyday and that is where I can help - making great meals and desserts for the busy professional."

Website |  Facebook

Old-Fashioned Christmas & Artisan Market

Scenes from last year's Old-Fashioned Christmas

Goulbourn Museum will be hosting an Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market on Sunday, November 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Take an old-fashioned photo with Santa and get a head-start on your Christmas shopping at this holiday celebration featuring local artisans, baked goodies, old world entertainment and festive crafts.

There will be oodles of free activities for all ages. Children can write letters to Santa with expert help from The Calligraphy Society of Ottawa, play with old-fashioned games and wooden toys, and watch rope making demonstrations by Tom Stephenson of The Kettle Boys. Each child will get their very own handmade skipping rope to take home.

Families can pose for a photo with Santa in our Village Store, enjoy free hot chocolate and hot apple cider compliments of the Walmart Kanata South Supercentre, roast marshmallows by the fire, and buy an authentic Neapolitan wood fired pizza from Pizza All’Antica for lunch.

This year's list of handmade vendors features something for everyone including jewelry, wood turned pens, pottery, knitwear, stained glass art, photography, chocolates, baked goodies, natural soaps, and more!

There will be indoor and outdoor activities so be sure to wear warm boots and a jacket so you can enjoy all the fun. For regular updates, join our Facebook Event.

Vendors Needed for Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market

A scene from last year's Artisan Market.

Calling all artisans! Goulbourn Museum is accepting applications for its Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market being held Sunday, November 30th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2014.

The Museum is currently seeking talented vendors selling original handcrafted items to fill 14 positions in a variety of specialties such as: clothing & accessories (for kids, adults & pets!), bath & body, toys, home décor, Christmas greenery, art, textiles, treats, and baked goods.

In addition to the artisan market, this annual family event also offers festive old-fashioned Christmas activities including a children’s station for writing letters to Santa, vintage games and entertainment and photos with Santa.

To apply, send an email to marketing@goulbournmuseum.ca with: your name, your business name, contact info and business sites (web/blog/facebook/etsy), and three quality photographs (Jpeg only, please) of your product(s) including one photo of your booth setup. DOWNLOAD THE VENDOR FORM.

Space rental is $45 and includes one 6’ x 3’ table and two chairs. Vendors will be required to provide one item valued at a minimum of $10 for a fundraising raffle and each vendor must provide their own table covering to fit the table provided.

This is a juried event and vendors will be chosen carefully to ensure a balanced representation of each category. For further details about the Museum or how to become a vendor at the Old-Fashioned Christmas & Outdoor Artisan Market please visit: www.goulbournmuseum.ca or follow the Museum on Facebook.

Meet Sarah Norton - Community Programmer and Marketing Assistant

Sarah Norton

This is my second summer working at Goulbourn Museum as a summer student. I do a wide variety of jobs including; off site presentations, assisting with Family Craft Days, and various other tasks that make every day new and exciting.

I am currently finishing my General Degree in Cultural Studies and Anthropology at Trent University and this fall I will be entering my first year of the Applied Museum Studies Program at Algonquin College.

By working at the Goulbourn Museum I am able to explore an assortment of jobs and tasks which sustain and maintain local heritage. This position has also allowed me to assist in the development of research and educational programs to keep local history alive.

Meet Mackenzie Bridgenaw - the Museum's Curatorial Assistant for the Summer

Mackenzie Bridgenaw

This is my first summer working with the Goulbourn Museum as one of their Curatorial Assistants. Needless to say, I was thrilled when hired and am enjoying my work with the Museum. In general, I have a broad amount of tasks to fulfill – largely working with the collection, accessioning and caring for it.

I have recently completed my studies at Algonquin College with the Applied Museum Studies program, and will be attending Carleton University’s Canadian Studies program this fall. My previous experience in the museum field was with my internship at the Museum of Canadian History (formerly Civilization) where I assisted in maintaining the ethnographic collection, managing loans and updating current exhibitions.

My experience with the Goulbourn Museum compliments the skills I will require in the future, and I am happy to work with such an exceptional staff.  I look forward to the coming months and all the experiences I will share with my colleagues.

DOORS OPEN: Get a behind-the-scenes tour of Goulbourn Museum's collection

Members of the 100th Regiment will be at Goulbourn Museum
this weekend for Doors Open Ottawa.

Goulbourn Museum cares for over 8,000 artefacts and this weekend only the public can get a rare private tour of the collection.

The Museum is once again participating in Doors Open Ottawa, a two-day event offering free access to over 120 of our National Capital’s most prestigious and architecturally appealing buildings; many of which are not normally open to the public.

Goulbourn Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th and Sunday June 8th.  In addition to taking a scheduled tour, visitors can also learn the history of the buildings, enjoy spinning and weaving demonstrations by the Richmond Village Spinners and Weavers Guild, and historical reenactments by the 100th (Prince Regent's County of Dublin) Regiment.

We hope to see you this weekend!

Please note that our Homegrown Heroes exhibit will be under construction during Doors Open. The official opening of this exhibit will be at our Father's Day event on June 15th.

Beechwood Cemetery’s Annual Historical Walking Tour this Sunday, June 8th

Costumed actors bring historical figures to life during the tour.

Save the date! It's Beechwood Cemetery's Annual Historical Walking Tour this Sunday.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of its outbreak, the theme for this year’s tour is the First World War. The tour includes five stops at the gravesites of men and women who fought in the trenches in Europe, cared for the injured or guided the country through the difficult war years. The tour will include war-time Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, nurse Minnie Gallagher and Lt Alexis Helmer, whose death inspired John McRae’s famous poem, ‘In Flanders Fields.’ Costumed actors will bring these historical figures to life.

Don’t miss this stroll through beautiful and historic Beechwood, the National Cemetery of Canada.

Date: Sunday June 8, 2014
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Beechwood the National Cemetery of Canada, 280 Beechwood Ave.

For more information contact Nicole at 613-741-9530 ext 121, or email: info@beechwoodcemetery.com

The event is outdoors. Refreshments will be served after the tour. Enter by Beechwood Avenue entrance. Tour and parking are free. Wear good walking shoes.

HOMEGROWN HEROES - Free Father’s Day Event at Goulbourn Museum June 15

Step back in time this Father’s Day for Homegrown Heroes – a free family event commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the First World War and the 75th Anniversary of the Second World War.

Challenge dad in the military obstacle course, send messages in Morse Code and check out a WWII jeep. Visitors can also add the name of a loved one to the Museum’s Memorial Tree, a new addition to the site that was generously donated by the Fallowfield Tree Farm.

The event will feature military groups, demonstrators and re-enactors, games, silent auction, book sale, and an old-fashioned photo booth with professional photographers from Henry’s. The Glen Scottish Restaurant and Pub will be onsite with their Tartan Kitchen serving up their famous fish & chips.

This WWII jeep is from the personal collection of long time
Stittsville resident Jeff Mosher.

The Museum will also be launching a new exhibit that tells the story of how WWI & WWII impacted the social history of Goulbourn Township. Visitors will learn about the changing role of women, war-time economy, and the evolution of the family dynamic.

All ages are welcome and admission is free.

Young Barrhaven Students Conduct Research on WWI Veterans from Richmond

We recently met Rob More, a teacher at St. Emily's Catholic School in Barrhaven, and learned about some great research his students have been doing on WWI Veterans from Richmond.

The students first searched the regiment number and looked up each veteran’s attestation papers online. They then went onto ancestry.ca and looked at census rolls to find out family information.  Finally, Mr. More went to the cemeteries and gave them the death information.

Following a format that was established by fellow teacher Blake Seward of Smiths Falls High School, students prepared brief bios and recorded them.  Five videos featuring 37 biographies can be found on the Goulbourn Museum’s YouTube site.  One pupil even represented her class at the Regional Heritage Fair and presented her findings on veteran Peter Haggerty.

Mr. More’s love of research also extends beyond the classroom.  He and Brian Tackaberry have just completed a commemorative booklet on the 103 men from Almonte who died in WWI.  The book is being released in August. He is currently compiling research on the Lanark veterans which will also be coming out in booklet format in August. You can see what he has accomplished HERE:

Next year Mr. More is publishing a booklet on the Beckwith WWI veterans and, in two years’ time, has his sights set on a publication about the WWI veterans from Barrhaven/Richmond.

Spring Cleanup: Volunteers Needed to Help Get our Site in Ship Shape for Summer

The Goulbourn Museum is seeking the community’s help to get its site in ship shape for the summer season.

The Museum has registered with the Tim Hortons Cleaning the Capital campaign and spiffying up the site will take place on Monday, May 12th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date is Monday, May 26th.

Help will be needed sweeping sidewalks, picking up litter, raking and seeding the lawn, pruning shrubs, prepping garden beds and planting. The Museum will have a supply of plastic gloves but we suggest bringing your own garden gloves if you have them.

Whether you can help for the whole day or just for an hour, all cleanup contributions are welcome. And if students are in need of last minute volunteer hours and have time in their school schedule to lend a hand, staff will gladly sign their forms.

For more information please call 613-831-2393 or email: education@goulbournmuseum.ca

We're Hiring! Application Deadline for Summer Student Position is May 7th

The Goulbourn Museum is looking for a Curatorial Assistant for 37.5 hours per week for 14 weeks at $11.00 per hour. Job duties include: registering artefacts and conducting an inventory of the collection; assisting with public programs and exhibitions; providing museum tours; and creating content for newsletters and social media sites.

The successful candidate will be a post-secondary student enrolled in a history, museum studies, arts or business program. The position requires strong English language skills, both oral and written. Computer competency is required, particularly in Microsoft Office and the Adobe Creative Suite. The ability to use a digital camera, experience using a database, French language skills, and First Aid training is desirable. The successful candidate will be required to obtain a police records check. The Goulbourn Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

Job shifts include Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.  There is no public transportation to the Museum site.  Applications will be accepted by email, post, or in-person until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014.

To be eligible for this position, the candidate must:

•         Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status

•         Be legally titled to work in Canada

•         Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment

•         Be a full time post-secondary student who intends to return to school

•         Be registered in the YCW candidate inventory

Goulbourn Museum

2064 Huntley Road, Stittsville ON, K2S 1B8

goulbmus@rogers.com 

613-831-2393

Seeking Nominees for Board of Directors

Combine your love of heritage with your personal skills and play a major role in the success of the Goulbourn Museum.

Goulbourn Museum’s mandate is to disseminate the material and oral history of the Goulbourn community by collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting local artefacts. The Museum offers a range of education programs to increase the public’s understanding and enjoyment of local history and offers a History Centre for local history and genealogical research.

The management of the Goulbourn Museum is overseen by an elected Board of Directors and that Board currently has two vacancies. The Museum is seeking nominations to fill those positions; elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting of the Museum on April 26, 2014.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member or would like to nominate someone else for candidacy, please submit a statement to the Museum by March 31, 2014 describing the skills, knowledge and experience you can offer. All submissions must be marked to the attention of the Nominating Committee and can be emailed to: info@goulbournmuseum.ca or delivered to the Museum at 2064 Huntley Road, Stittsville, ON K2S1B8.

Board meetings are currently held during the morning of the second Friday of each month. A list of the current Board Members can be found on the Goulbourn Museum’s website. Click here to download the Nomination Form and By-laws.

Declaration: I do make oath

After the initial recruitment and a doctor’s examination, soldiers enlisting in the 100th Regiment of Foot in the early 1800s had to read an oath declaring they met all requirements and had enlisted voluntarily. Play the video below to hear the declaration.

"I [name] do make oath
that I am a protestant
and born of protestant parents;
that I am no apprentice,
nor belong to any regiment of Militia,
or to any other regiment in His Majesties’ service,
and that I have no rupture,
nor was ever troubled with fits,
that I am in no way disabled by lameness or otherwise; but have the perfect use of my limbs,
and that I voluntarily enlisted myself
to serve His Majesty King George,
as a private soldier,
and that I have received all the enlisting money
which I agreed for."