Submitted by Ruth Bainbridge
Last week, the St. Edmunds Museum hosted an outdoor exhibition of the work of local quilters. The quilters group, which meets on Wednesdays at the Light and Life Chapel, displayed more than 30 superbly crafted quilts on the museum grounds.
A large number of tourists and local residents came out to admire them. This was one of several occasions throughout the year, when the museum showcases the modern culture and art of the upper Saugeen Peninsula. For example, on Wednesday, August 10 there will be a display and demonstrations of the work of our local carvers.
The museum also preserves and celebrates the culture of the past. The upper peninsula was occupied from time immemorial by the Chippewas of Nawash whose story, set out in the recent court case, is now lodged in the museum. The early settlement by Europeans is depicted in several beautifully crafted dioramas in the main building along with several artefacts, a restoration of part of the original schoolroom, a chapel and, away from the main building, one of the first houses built in Tobermory with some of the original furnishings.
The museum is the only one of its kind on the peninsula and it is visited by hundreds of tourists from all over the world. They all express fascination with the pioneer life and many, even from India, find that their own grandparents had similar experiences. The museum tells the story of the people of the peninsula, how they lived and survived in a subsistence economy. According to TripAdvisor and other internet sources, the volunteers who work at the museum do this brilliantly.
As a municipally funded museum, we contribute three to four thousand dollars in donations per year to support our operating expenses and ongoing projects. It is a growing concern. This year another of the original settler cabins will be moved to the site to enhance our knowledge of life 150 years ago. The museum committee has also decided to build a pavilion as a venue to display the many modern arts and cultural activities in the community and to shelter the artisans.
As well as the quilting exhibit, the museum hosts events by the wood carvers and weavers and spinners. In the past, there have also been special exhibits of tatting, wedding gowns, stringed instrument making, and early photography.
Veterans are celebrated for their central role in the community’s life. The main building contains a comprehensive display of Tobermory’s veterans. Some, such as Bert Hopkins who served in the elite US/Canadian Black Devils Brigade in WW2 and later with the UN in the Congo, had extraordinary military careers. There is also a large archive of newspaper clippings, photographs, history books and family genealogies.
In July and August, the museum is open everyday from 11am to 4pm. If you would like to become part of this exciting and creative project contact the museum.
