Historical society making plans for anniversary
DANIELLE VANDENERINK
Staff Writer
The Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village is celebrating 50th anniversary this year, with commemorative events being the topic of discussion at the Ottawa Valley Historical Society’s annual general meeting recently.
“This is a very, very important year for the historical society,” said the society’s president Bob Pilot.
At the meeting, held at the museum, the annual strawberry tea was discussed, which is scheduled for June 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the museum. The anniversary celebrations will be held from August 2 to 4, with a lower-town school reunion planned as well as gala event.
We want this summer to be better than any summer we’ve had,” said Angela Siebarth, manager of the museum.
In the first half of the meeting the society hosted guest speaker Gary Howard, who read excerpts from his new book “The Rassler from Renfrew,” which is about the history of wrestling in the Ottawa :Valley. The society hopes to host a guest speaker each month, said Mr. Pilot.
All events are to show appreciation for the history of the Ottawa Valley, which Mr. Pilot said is important to preserve.
“(The history) could have been lost, but with the foresight of some people we’ve been able to maintain it,” he said.
The Champlain Trail Museum, which is financed by the society and run by volunteers, conducts tours throughout the, summer months for youth and families.
Mr. Pilot said that children benefit from the hands-on approach to learning that is offered at the museum, such as making ice cream or building shelters.
The board requested that representatives from the townships be trustees on the board, and in attendance at the meeting was Ken Brown from the township of Laurentian Valley. The board is hoping for someone from the city of Pembroke to attend future meetings.
Also discussed was a grant received from the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation new technology in the museum which staff .has decided to on new computers, the production of a website and new brochures.
New this summer will be costumed tour guides, which will provide a more authentic experience for visitors, said Ms. Siebarth. In light of the anniversary events, the need for volunteers dominated discussion at the meeting. New volunteers are greatly needed to help around the museum, said Mr. Pilot.
dvandenbrink@thedailyobserver. ca | 
