Celebrate Heritage Month in Burlington!

Joseph Brant

All February long there are exciting events that will allow you to explore the fascinating history of our area. From 18^th-century refugees to early medicine in Burlington to the War of 1812 to fashion of the 1920s, there is sure to be a Heritage Month event that you will enjoy. 

Come and visit the Heritage Fair tomorrow (Feb. 12^th) from 9:30am-3:30pm at Central Library for a variety of seminars, speakers, and displays. Throughout the day in the Holland Room, you can learn about Victorian courtship with Joanne Stevenson, how to uncover the oral history of your own family with Diane Wales, and the story of Canadian refugees in 1784 with Pat Blackburn from the United Empire Loyalists. Adam McDowell will talk about the local historical treasure, Crawford Lake, early in the afternoon, followed by a seminar by Dr. Pat Sweeney about the history of medicine in Burlington. Finally, delve even deeper into our past with Jane Irwin from the Burlington Historical Society when she speaks about Burlington’s buried history. If you prefer more of an independent, “walking tour” of our heritage, visit the exhibitors in Centennial Hall which will be set up all day as well. Learn about Burlington’s role in the War of 1812 and receive a free Burlington postcard from Tourism Burlington at the War of 1812-14 Commemorative Committee’s display. Discover how to preserve and present history through scrapbooking, and find the answers to your heritage questions from all of the other knowledgeable exhibitors on hand from Heritage Burlington, Museums of Burlington, A Different Drummer Books, Halton Region Museum, Doors Open Burlington, the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group, and many more!

Burlington’s wonderful museums will be hosting special open houses and tours throughout the month to continue showcasing our history. On Tuesday February 22^nd at Ireland House, enjoy baking demonstrations and samples, crafts, tours, and even an authentic Victorian tea party! Admission is free to the museum, with registration and tickets required for the tea party. Contact Ireland House at 905-332-9888 for more information. Come to downtown Burlington on Feb. 23^rd to explore Joseph Brant Museum for their free Heritage Month Open House. Tour “The Crazy Years: The Fashion Renaissance of the Roaring 1920s” exhibit, visit an antique clinic, and learn through hands-on activities. Just a short drive from Burlington to Milton, the Halton Region Museum is “Remembering the Brant Inn” with their Heritage Day event on Sunday February 27^th. The afternoon celebration will commemorate the historic hotel through guest speakers, a photography exhibit, live music, and refreshments.

The rich history of Burlington will come alive for you this month all around the region. Visit http://www.tourismburlington.com/ and click on the link on the home page to discover even more ways to learn about the people, places, and events of our community’s colourful heritage.