Barbara Worthy
Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report
February is that month when winter is too long and spring is too far away … so stay cozy with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum’s virtual lectures as they continue through February, bringing together a unique offering of specialists, storytellers, hobbyists, and lovers of history.
The virtual lectures are offered weekly, via Zoom, on Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m.: Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28.
Feb. 14 — Ordnance Boundary Stones: Updates and Restoration: Ted Rumble, (former NOTL Museum board member and retired orthopedic surgeon), has a long-standing interest in history, particularly military history.
In this presentation, Rumble will give an update on his efforts with the town of NOTL to restore and protect these stones, honouring some of the oldest historical artifacts in the Old Town.
Thirty-seven military ordnance boundary stones, complete with identifying “broad arrows” stamped on the stones, were installed by the British Army between 1823 and 1854 in the town of Niagara.
They marked the boundaries between town land and the four military reserves, continuing a tradition that dates to the 16th century.
Feb. 21 — The Borderland: Black Agency and Resistance Between Two Nations: In honour of Black History Month, Josh Poole, visitor experience specialist from the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Niagara Falls, N.Y., will discuss the influence and impact of freedom seekers who arrived at this critical borderland between the United States and Canada.
He will also talk about the role played by the free Black waiters of the infamous Cataract House in Niagara Falls.
“They were pioneers of the anti-slavery movement, right here on this border,” said Poole.
He will also discuss how formerly enslaved people grappled with the challenges of their new lives once they crossed that border.
Feb. 28 — Historically Hysterical: Back by popular demand is NOTL Museum’s assistant curator, Shawna Butts, with her presentation on the history of women’s health care.
Sometimes toe-curling, but always entertaining, Butts reveals all the vagaries and experimentations that constituted women’s health care for centuries.
Misdiagnosis and mistreatment were systematic: “The myths, mysteries and wacky treatments continued well into the 20th century,” said Butts. “It’s no wonder that the term ‘hysterical’ was used so often when a woman visited her physician.”
So, join the NOTL Museum’s virtual lecture audience this month, and feel free to get as hysterical as you want.
A question and answer period follows each lecture.
Registration is required to receive a Zoom link: notlmuseum.ca.
