The NOTL Museum is launching its 2021 fall virtual lecture series on Zoom on Oct. 6.

“The enormous success of our previous Zoom lectures was surprising,” said museum marketing director Amy Klassen, “but the accessibility of Zoom is perfect for these times.”

The series is packed with knowledge and information, from Indigenous treaty negotiations, the nostalgia of the railways, to exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s archeological history.

The series kicks off Oct. 6 with Dena Doroszenko from the Ontario Heritage Trust exploring “Archaeology of the Niagara Apothecary” and digging deep into the secrets of this historic location on Queen Street.

On Oct. 20, Kathleen Powell, curator of the St. Catharines Museum, presents “Triumph and Tragedy: Building the Welland Ship Canal,” where she delves into the fascinating story of the four Welland Canals, the “fallen workers” and how a city evolved beside such an engineering wonder.

On Nov. 3, in honour of Treaties Recognition Week, three guest speakers from Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Affairs will present “Treaties and Land Claims.”

They will look at the significant impact that treaty responsibilities and promises have made on First Nations in order to create a better understanding of collective treaty rights and obligations.

On Nov. 17, local author Peter Mulcaster presents “A Railway History of Niagara-on-the-Lake, 1854-1959,” in which he explores the socio-economic and tourist benefits of what was once a thriving railway town.

On Dec. 1, the NOTL Museum’s own curator is back by popular demand with her “Opening the Curator’s Treasure Chest: Exploring the War of 1812 Collection, Part 2.”

Sarah Kaufman breaks open the NOTL Museum vaults for another fascinating insight into the world of 1812.

The final lecture in the series is on Dec. 15, presented by local historian Rochelle Bush. “The Lesser Known: Uncovering some of the Black People of Old Niagara and Surrounding Area,” shines a light on extraordinary stories of African American freedom seekers who settled in Niagara.

All presentations start at 11 a.m. and require registration through Zoom.

To access the Zoom registration link, go to www.notlmuseum.ca

For more information, contact Klassen by email at aklassen@nhsm.