Family Day fun at DCMA

February 18, 2015 · 0 Comments

On Monday, February 16th, the Dufferin County Museum and Archives (DCMA) hosted Family Day events, an opportunity for the community to “ask questions, learn and have fun”.
For a nominal fee, local families were able to come out and enjoy a variety of activities – both inside an out – including making shadow puppets, decorating cookies, playing boardgames, making masks, creating a family tree or heart map, enjoying a book in the cozy reading corner, taking part in a museum scavenger hunt and touring the museum and its current exhibits, of course!
“Our Museum is a great place to spend time together as a family (on Family Day or any day that we are open),” said Nanci Malek, DCMA coordinator, marketing and promotions. “The historic buildings and the charm of the Museum had our visitors feeling warm and fuzzy during the cold of Monday’s winter weather.”
Special guest of the day was former NHL/Stanley Cup hockey player Aaron Downey (Red Wings) who signed autographs and played street hockey and ran hockey drills with local children – much to their delight!
Upcoming events at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives:
• Maple Syrup Festival: Tuesday March 17th to Friday March 20th – Maple Syrup Festival
Explore the history and science behind maple syrup. Visit the learning stations in the museum to discover how Dufferin County pioneers made syrup and how it is produced today. Visit activity stations for maple syrup related games, crafts, and storybooks. The DCMA will have horse and sleigh rides as well.
Cost: $14 (incl. HST) per group of 4 / regular admission applies to additional visitors.
BBQ lunch – $3 hot dogs/veggie dogs and beef hamburgers
• Sugarin’ Off Party: March 21st 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join the DCMA for a “Sugarin’ Off” party that kicks off with a “Maple-In” ceremony followed by a pancake brunch, live music, and special demonstrations.
Cost: $26 (tax & brunch included) per group of 4. Regular admission applies to additional visitors. Show your receipt from March 17–20 and only pay for lunch ($3 per person)
• If the Walls Could Talk – An Afternoon of Family Friendly Activities: April 4th, 1–4 p.m.
Remember the good old days when things were built sturdy and meant to last? The DCMA’s Main Exhibit opening will feature learning stations for your child to explore lumbering, bridge building, stained glass windows and the tools and machines used to build strong and stable structures. Tour through the exhibit with your children to explore colours, shapes, materials, construction techniques, and of course, the history of local buildings.
Cost: Admission by Donation
For further details on any of the DCMA’s exhibits, art shows or events or to reserve or purchase tickets, call 705 435-1881 / 1.877.941.7787 or e-mail promotions@dufferinmuseum.com
Please note that the Dufferin County Museum and Archives building is fully wheelchair accessible and has ample parking.
The Dufferin County Museum & Archives is located at Hwy. 89 and Airport Road (936029 Airport Road) in Mulmur.

By Wendy Gabrek

Photos by Wendy Gabrek
Former NHL/Stanley Cup hockey player Aaron Downey with his newphew Cole and the curator of the Dufferin County Museum and Archives Sarah Robinson in front of a glass display case containing museum archives during Family Day activities on Monday, February 16th. Visit the DCMA online at www.dufferinmuseum.com for a complete list of upcoming activities.

Photo Submitted
Former NHL player Aaron Downey plays a good old-fashioned game of street hockey with local children at the DCMA Monday, part of Family Day at the Museum activities.