Summer at the Windermere Valley Museum is fast drawing to a close and the Historical Society invites you to their closing activity on Saturday, September 24 at 2 p.m.
West Kootenay author Art Joyce will be at the museum to speak on Home Children in Canada.
Joyce is preparing a book about the children who were sent from the U.K. to work in our country.
Many of these youngsters, orphans, homeless or even some from very poor homes, ended up on farms or in remote areas of our country. Often they worked with little or no remuneration or love. Most knew nothing of the family left behind. They were lost souls.
If you have a story of a Home Child in your family or suspect that someone in your family may have been a Home Child, come and share the story with others.
You may solve a family mystery!
Summer at the museum was successful thanks to the special efforts put forth by our summer students Dionne and Olivia Rad.
One hundred fifty children attended our weekly children’s programs, learning everything from using a mangle, to milking ‘cows,’ to panning for gold, to building a tipi, and even to earning an allowance for doing ‘chores.’ Thank you ladies, you were great.
Visitors from around the world (and the local day care centres) dropped in to learn about our valley.
Our special exhibit, Toys Alive, brought smiles and memories to everyone.
Among our special visitors was a film crew from Japan. These gentlemen, in preparing a film about the Rockies, became enamored with the story of Conrad Kain and his exploits.
The museum’s display (courtesy of the Conrad Kain Committee) provided information and footage for them.
Thanks to all of our residents who found time to visit the museum and to bring their families, friends and visitors to enjoy our sights and sounds of Valley history.
Winter hours will begin the last week of September. The museum will be open Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Remember, we always welcome volunteers. We’ll find a winter project for you!
Writer Jim Bishop wrote, “Autumn carries more gold in its hand than all the other seasons.”
Take time to enjoy our golden valley.