Develop a Taste for History with New Beer from Black Creek Historic Brewery

Historic Brewery Launches Black Creek Pale Ale at the LCBO

TORONTO, May 10, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Black Creek Historic Brewery, today announced the launch of Montgomery's Courage at select LCBO stores. The beer is the 3rd Edition in a series of 12 historic beers that represents each consecutive decade of Canadian and brewing history, Montgomery's Courage represents the decade from 1830 - 1839 when the separate colonies of Upper and Lower Canada both revolted against unjust government rule.

In 1837, Toronto's Montgomery's Tavern became the base for a rebellious force led by William Lyon Mackenzie that was quickly defeated. Legend has it that the rebels courage was due in large part to consumption of the tavern's fine ales.

"In 1830's rye based ales like Montgomery's Courage were in abundance,' said Ed Koren, Brewmaster, Black Creek Historic Brewery. "This amber ale is lightly carbonated and balanced to favour a slightly bitter hopping while delivering peppery, spicy notes with a bouquet reminiscent of ripe apples or calvados."

Black Creek Montgomery's Courage (product # 34137) retails for $3.95 per 500 mL (pint) bottle and is available in May and only for a short time. LCBO customers can search the LCBO website, www.lcbo.com to locate stores offering the product, or simply ask for it at their local outlet.

About Black Creek Historic Brewery

Located in Black Creek Pioneer Village, the Black Creek Historic Brewery is a working recreation of a 19th century brewery, an era when beer was both a popular beverage and a staple food. Using only period equipment and no electricity, the Brewery handcrafts the same ale and porter varieties enjoyed in Ontario before Confederation.

Open daily to the public, visitors can chat with costumed interpreters or join guided tours and taste samples drawn from oak barrels. The beer can be enjoyed on the premises at the Black Creek Historic Brewery Restaurant and Pub, or brought home in returnable "growlers."

Public events are held throughout the year at the Brewery; the facility is also available for corporate and private functions. Black Creek ales and porters sold off-site at LCBO stores are brewed at a commercial facility under the supervision of the Brewmaster. Black Creek Historic Brewery is a member of the Ontario Craft Brewers and is operated by Black Creek Pioneer Village in partnership with Pioneer Breweries Limited.

For more information, visit http://www.blackcreekbrewery.ca.

From high seas drama to summer fun at the lake, the Royal Canadian Mint's newest collector coins open many new windows on the story of Canada

OTTAWA, May 9, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadians have countless ways to define their identity; from proud historical moments to fond memories of outdoor life. All of these stories are captured on the Mint's latest offering of finely crafted collector coins which include vivid portrayals in pure gold, silver and platinum of the pitched ocean battle between HMS Shannon and USS Chesapeake at the height of the War of 1812, as well as fine silver coins celebrating the joys of summer of Canada with idyllic scenes of a fishing family and fun at the cottage. Natural themes are also present, along with new coins celebrating Canada's rich heritage by commemorating the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and celebrating the addition of Asian traditions to Canadian culture. These latest products can now be ordered from the Mint and will start shipping on May 14, 2013.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is known world-wide for crafting coins which stand out for their rich designs and exceptional quality and we are proud to delight our customers with spectacular new pieces of numismatic art with uniquely Canadian stories to tell," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "After registering record collector coin sales in 2012, we are pleased to attract new fans in Canada and around the world, and we are committed to expanding the horizons of our numismatic program to get more of the world's best coins into the hands of more satisfied customers."

On June 1, 1813, HMS Shannon, commanded by Captain Philip Broke, clashed with USS Chesapeake 40 kilometres east of Boston in a battle which would sway the morale of Royal Navy grappling with a string of recent losses to U.S. warships. Captain Broke and his outnumbered crew's determination to restore the pride and confidence of the Royal Navy brilliantly defeated and captured USS Chesapeake in one of the bloodiest naval battles of the War of 1812. The epic scene of the height of battle is dramatically recreated by artist John Horton on three new coins preserving this turning point in history on new 5 oz., 99.99% pure gold and silver coins, as well as on a very limited mintage of 1 oz., 99.95% pure platinum coins.

After 200 years of peace on the North American continent, the mood has considerably lightened with a pair of fine silver coins celebrating fun and relaxation on Canada's countless lakes and waterways. The newest release of the $10 fine silver O Canada series pays tribute to the great Canadian tradition of cottage living with artist Claudio D'Angelo's portrayal of dockside swimmers, a Muskoka chair, a canoe and the classic waterfront cottage. Artist John Mantha captures the priceless serenity of a father and child fishing from a dock, with the loyal family dog at their side, on a 99.99% pure silver coin with a $3 face value.

In keeping with its trademark pursuit of innovation, the Mint is also proud to feature impressive technology on several new coins including a selectively coloured $10 fine silver Canadian Tiger Swallowtail and a 50-cent silver-plated coin of the same design from a new Butterflies of Canada series, as well as a selectively gold-plated fine silver kilo coin featuring the Maple Leaf Forever.

Canada's cultural diversity inspires many outstanding coin designs and the Mint's latest expressions of this theme celebrate the unique heritage of Chinese Canadians. Adding to this popular series is a new Blessings of Peace $150 face-value, 99.999% pure gold lotus-shaped coin featuring a dazzling phoenix and the Chinese symbols for peace. A Maple of Peace fine silver coin features the Mint's newest design of a maple leaf hologram radiating from the back of an ornately decorated Asian elephant.

Adding a regal touch to the Mint's latest release of collector coins is a specimen-finish, 25-cent cupro-nickel coin honouring the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It features a vivid colour reproduction of a masterpiece by Canadian painter Phil Richard, who was hand-picked by Her Majesty to paint her official Canadian Diamond Jubilee portrait. Part of the original work, which measures over three metres in height, is captured on a richly coloured 35 mm coin showing Queen Elizabeth II posing at Rideau Hall, with a portrait her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria in the background.

The Mint's latest offering concludes with a new series of 99.99% pure silver coins celebrating different perspectives on the majestic Bald Eagle. The first coin in the series features the dramatic profile of a Bald Eagle's head whose feathers are engraved to stunning detail. The coin is also edge-lettered with "1 OZ FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR".

Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca.

All of these products can be ordered directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. The coins will also be available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through our global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca

Second Annual Genealogy Workshop at the Wellington County Museum and Archives

On Saturday, May 11, 2013 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, there will be the Second Annual Genealogy Workshop at 536 Wellington Road 18, between the villages of Fergus and Elora.

Presenters include:

Gwen Armstrong, Family History Centre, Getting the Most out of FamilySearch.org

Rick Roberts, Global Genealogy, Beginning a Family History Project: 12 Steps for Success and Researching Your Ontario Roots Using Traditional and Online Resources

Susan Dunlop, Curator, Wellington County Museum and Archives, Exploring Lesser Known Resources: A Case Study of the Hollinghead-Everson Family of Wellington County

Registration: $35.00, light lunch included

Call 519.846.0916, X 5225 or Toll Free 1.800.663.0750 X 5225 to register.

Email at karen@wcm.on.ca, and the website is at http://www.wellington.ca/museum

Canada Remembers the Liberation of the Netherlands

OTTAWA, May 3, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, issued the following statement today regarding the 68th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

"The struggle to liberate the Netherlands was an important chapter in the events leading to victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War. Canada's vital contributions helped lay the foundation for a strong relationship between our two countries that we continue to enjoy today.

Many Canadians serving overseas during the Second World War played a role in the Liberation of the Netherlands. Over nine long and grueling months, more than 7,600 Canadians gave their lives to help bring freedom and peace to this country.

In honour of their gift of freedom, the Dutch people have donated tulip bulbs to Canada annually since the end of the Second World War. In Ottawa, we see this symbol of our enduring connection as the tulips bloom each spring.

Even though the cost of lives was heavy and the sacrifice great, Canadians take pride in the role they played as liberators. We remember, with everlasting gratitude, the contributions of all who served and those who made the supreme sacrifice. Lest we forget."

For more information on Canada's contribution to the Liberation of the Netherlands, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at veterans.gc.ca.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca, visit our Facebook "Canada Remembers" page to leave a message of remembrance or follow us on Twitter @VeteransENG_CA.

Doors Open Ontario 2013 kicks off in Guelph April 27

TORONTO, April 25, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Doors Open Ontario 2013 is just around the corner! The season officially kicks off on April 27 with events in two communities - Guelph and Prince Edward County.

Every year from April to October, communities across the province open the doors to hundreds of historic buildings, places of worship, museums, private homes, industrial areas, green buildings, heritage gardens and other interesting venues, some of which are rarely accessible to the public. Many of the participating sites offer special activities, such as tours, exhibitions and demonstrations - all free of charge.

"Our government is proud to partner with the Ontario Heritage Trust in making Ontario's historical buildings, structures, natural heritage sites and trails open and accessible. Growing year after year, Doors Open Ontario is an exciting opportunity to share and celebrate our unique shared identity and vibrant cultural landscape. I encourage people across the province to explore and experience all that Ontario's historical legacy has to offer." - Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Trails and natural heritage sites will also take part. Participants can explore Ontario's breathtaking natural heritage along thousands of kilometres of walking, hiking and cycling trails, many of which will feature special tours and activities.

"The Ontario Heritage Trust is proud to present Doors Open Ontario, now in its 12th year. The theme for 2013, Cultural expressions, sheds light on the relationship between heritage and the arts. Venues such as theatres, opera houses, art galleries, studios and recital halls play a vital role in fostering a sense of creativity and pride in our communities. I do hope you will take the time to experience these and other interesting sites participating in this year's program!" - Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman, Ontario Heritage Trust

Visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca for detailed event information, highlights and site details. The website also offers interactive tools to help users plan their Doors Open Ontario experience - social networking tools to share information with friends and family, a "My Favourites" feature to help create a travel itinerary and keep track of favourite sites, and a quick links tool to help narrow site searches.

Doors Open Ontario is a program of the Ontario Heritage Trust, with funding support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Quick Facts

...Doors Open Ontario 2013 features hundreds of communities participating in 55 events across the province.

...Three new communities have joined Doors Open Ontario this year: Innisfil, Northumberland and Bradford West Gwillimbury.

...Nine out of 10 Ontarians live in a community that has hosted a Doors Open Ontario event.

...In total, nearly 5 million visits have been made to 5,150 different Doors Open Ontario sites since the program's launch in 2002.

...Visitors to Doors Open Ontario events have spent an estimated $39 million to support local economies.

Learn More

Find out more about Doors Open Ontario 2013 and the Doors Open Ontario 2013 Art Contest, and search for participating communities.

The United Church of Canada’s Toronto Archives Is Moving

TORONTO - March 6, 2013 - The United Church of Canada announced today that its Toronto-based archives will be moving this summer from its current location at the United Church’s national office in west-end Toronto to the Toronto Christian Resource Centre in the Regent Park neighbourhood of downtown Toronto.

In announcing the decision on the new location for the archives, Nora Sanders, General Secretary of the General Council, said, “I am pleased that this move will mean not only that we will be saving a considerable amount of money but also that as a tenant we will be financially supporting a local United Church ministry.”

Sanders says that in addition to being able to house the United Church’s archival collection now located at the General Council Office at 3250 Bloor Street West in Toronto, the new location at 40 Oak Street offers more than enough space to accommodate records that are currently stored off-site at an archival facility.

She explains the decision to move the archives ahead of the anticipated relocation of the General Council Office to Bloor Street United Church in 2018 was an opportunity that made financial sense for all parties to the five-year lease agreement.

The United Church of Canada supports a network of archives situated in eight different locations throughout Canada. The archives in Toronto manages the records of the General Council and the Central Ontario Conference records of Bay of Quinte, London, Hamilton, Manitou, and Toronto Conferences and their respective presbyteries and pastoral charges. The church’s archives outside of Ontario are not affected by the move.

The United Church’s Toronto archives moved to its current location in 2008, after more than 50 years on the campus of the University of Toronto’s Victoria University. No decision has been made about whether the Archives will move again when the General Council Office relocates to Bloor Street United Church.

Nichole Vonk, General Council Archivist, will oversee the monumental task of moving close to 20,000 boxes of records to the new site. The church will be contracting specialized movers, the new location will meet the institutional standards set by the Canadian Council of Archives, and all the records will continue to be administered by professional staff.

Although not located directly on a subway line, the Archives’ new location at 40 Oak Street is easily accessible by public transit, will have on-site parking, and is closer to the United Church’s theological school at the University of Toronto.

While planning and preparations are underway to move the collection from its current location,

...the Archives will remain open during regular public hours until June 6, 2013.

...the Archives will not receive any records deposits after April 30, 2013. Records can be donated to the Archives when it reopens in September 2013.

...the Archives will be closed to all researchers June 10–September 15, 2013, reopening in the new location September 16, 2013.

...the Archives will continue to provide reference service for certificates or legal requests while it is closed to the public.

Vonk emphasizes that, throughout the transition, the church remains committed to providing continued uninterrupted, open access to its archival records related to residential schools for the purposes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

For up-to-date information about The United Church of Canada’s archival programs and on the move, see the Archives webpage. Questions and concerns about the move should be directed to Nichole Vonk, General Council Archivist.

University of Guelph to Preserve Sleeman Family History

GUELPH, Ontario - March 25, 2013 - University of Guelph News Release - A few kegs’-worth of Canadian and local heritage have come to the University of Guelph for safekeeping.

The University has acquired the Sleeman Collection, chronicling the history of one of the country’s oldest breweries, for its archival and special collections at the McLaughlin Library.

The collection includes photographs, business records, newspapers, correspondence and other materials showing the brewing dynasty’s impact on Canada in the past 150 years, from industry advancement to infrastructure to politics.

“For many years, we have been accumulating my family’s historical artifacts,” said John W. Sleeman, company founder and chairman and great-great-grandson of the original brewmaster, John H. Sleeman.

“I have always hoped that we could somehow preserve them for the future but also make them available for the public to see and enjoy. I’m delighted to say that, with the University of Guelph’s wonderful archival facilities, this has now been made possible.”

The University will unveil the collection at an event April 3 during Archives Awareness Week.

Sleeman will speak along with Ian Bowering, a beer historian and author, and Rebecca Graham, the University’s chief information officer and chief librarian. The library will display portions of the collection and launch a new collection website that day.

The event will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Academic Town Square, located on the first floor of the library with a reception to follow.

“This is an important contribution to our regional history collection,” said Kathryn Harvey, head of archival and special collections.

“The Sleeman family has a long and rich history in this area, playing a role not just in the brewing business but in the very fabric of Guelph society. They were involved in early transportation, sports and community growth, and contributed to political and social life.”

The University has acquired the material in phases over recent years. U of G hopes to have the collection designated as Canadian cultural property.

Under four main categories – biographies, breweries, regional history, and sports and social clubs – the website highlights the company’s history from its founder’s arrival in Upper Canada through Prohibition to today’s brewing operation. More extensive records on these and other areas are available for study in the collection itself.

Sleeman history highlights:

...John H. Sleeman first opened the Stamford Spring Brewery on the Niagara River. He relocated to Guelph, where he established Silver Creek Brewery in 1851.

...After taking over in 1867, Sleeman’s son, George, doubled production and established outlets in 15 cities.

...George became the first mayor of the new City of Guelph, and helped introduce hydroelectric power and pay for streetcar service.

...Debts incurred after George single-handedly funded construction of the Guelph Railway Co. prompted a bank takeover of Silver Creek Brewery in 1902.

...George and his wife, Sarah, opened rival Spring Bank Beverages in the same year. In 1906, he bought back Silver Creek Brewery and merged both businesses under management of his son Henry.

...During Prohibition, Henry and his brothers smuggled alcohol for more than a decade. They were charged with smuggling and tax evasion in 1933. The family’s brewing licence was suspended and the family barred from brewing for 50 years.

...Nearly 50 years later, John W. Sleeman’s Aunt Florian shared his grandfather’s recipe book and family history and encouraged him to start brewing. Sleeman Brewing and Malting Co. Ltd. opened with the original recipes, bottles and trademarks in 1988.

...The company has grown and acquired several firms over the years and is now a national company with breweries and other facilities from coast to coast.

...In 2006 Sapporo Brewery of Japan acquired Sleeman.

...John Sleeman remains involved with the company on a daily basis and is the company’s chairman.