Once again it’s February and the middle of a long winter. But at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, this is
the time you can proudly boast your local residency, make your Toronto relatives green with envy, even
tease your Hamilton pals, because this is Free in February month at the Museum for all Niagara
residents - every day of the week, all month long. This is the time to grab the entire family, and take
advantage of some of the best free deals of the new year:
*Free admission
*Free virtual lectures
*Free Doc Club sessions
*Free learning for everyone in the family
Plus, as we move through this chilly winter, what better place to heat up and learn about the stories and
people that make Niagara-on-the-Lake one of the most unique heritage locations in Canada.
The NOTL Museum has seen a cool 130 years of winter, thanks to the vision of its founder, Janet
Carnochan, (1839-1925), a feisty teacher with a passion for the collection and preservation of local
history. As President of the fledgling Niagara Historical Society, Ms. Carnochan was determined to find a
suitable home for their growing collection. The third-floor room at the Courthouse was busting at its
seams, and so in 1907, during one of Canada’s coldest winters in decades (sound familiar?), the Society
opened its doors to Memorial Hall at 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first purpose-built
museum in Ontario. In 1949, when the Town’s former high school was incorporated into this complex,
the upstairs gallery was named “Janet Carnochan Hall” as a tribute to her efforts and dedication.
During Free in February, the NOTL Museum invites all Niagara residents to experience Ms. Carnochan’s
vision for themselves. The current exhibit in Memorial Hall “The Prettiest Town – Beyond Bricks and
Mortar” explores some of the town’s most stunning heritage homes. For younger visitors, the NOTL
Museum offers ‘Find and Discover’ activity games, challenging them to find unusual artefacts right there
in the museum, and along the way learn about Niagara’s early history. Plus, an overflowing ‘dress-up
trunk’ has garments that will transform anyone into soldiers and settlers, even brave parents.
During Free February, the Museum’s popular ‘Virtual Lectures Series’ continues, with weekly lectures
on Wednesdays at 11am. Check the museum website for full details: www.notlmuseum.ca
And the popular Doc Club series continues. For more info email: bworthy@nhsm.ca
So pack up the kids, enjoy Free February, and learn for free!
Where: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, 43 Castlereagh Street.
When: Winter Hours: 1pm – 5pm daily
Phone: 905 468 3912