KAGAWONG – History Day in Kagawong has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds over the past several years and this year would have been quite special as it would have marked the anniversary of the Old Mill Heritage Centre museum, host of the history event.
It should come as no surprise that things are a bit different this year and the in-person gathering in the Kagawong Park Centre was cancelled earlier on—but that doesn’t mean that nothing is going on.
“We were all very saddened by the need to cancel History Day in Kagawong, especially as this was to be the 95th anniversary of the Old Mill and the museum committee had things planned to celebrate,” said curator Rick Nelson. “Instead, or perhaps a better way to put it is ‘for now,’ we have put videos from the previous History Day presentations online.”
If someone had missed previous History Day presentations, this would be a great time to catch up on what you missed,” he said.
“Along with the video presentations on the museum website, on Thursday, August 13, the day we would had been hosting History Day in Kagawong 2020, the Old Mill Heritage Centre is celebrating the 95th year of the Old Mill building 1925-2020.”
As part of the celebrations, the museum will feature a special display featuring a brief story and new pictures of the Old Mill through the years.
But the museum is open to the public, so folks can drop by to help celebrate while distancing. “Also there will be cupcakes,” suggested Mr. Nelson. “Cupcakes will be given away (while supplies last) for visitors on Thursday, August 13, from 10 am to 4 pm. All safety protocols for COVID-19 are in place.”
The videos online include ‘A trip out to Harbour Island,’ ‘History of the Old Mill,’ ‘Canada 150 in Kagawong,’ ‘PM Lester B. Pearson,’ ‘Dodge Family Reunion,’ ‘Northwind Shipwreck,’ ‘Old Mill War Exhibit,’ ‘Kagawong Silent Home Movies’ and ‘Gordon’s 60th Anniversary.’
“It’s something completely different, but we are hoping that people will take a moment to make a donation to help support the museum. History Day in Kagawong was our big fundraiser, so we will definitely be missing that this year.”
But the museum is open weekly, albeit with revised hours. “We are open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, closed Sunday and Monday,” said Mr. Nelson. “We would be glad to welcome folks and we are working hard to keep things safe for all our visitors and staff.”
The videos and other information can be found at the museum website kagawongmuseum.ca.
