A new chapter begins for Guelph Civic Museum as they Celebrate Official Opening Weekend with free public tours

photo credit: felixtrio Via Flickr

GUELPH, Ontario, February 24, 2012 – The new Guelph Civic Museum officially opened its doors today at a ceremony attended by representatives of all three levels of government, Museum supporters, the Guelph Museums Advisory Committee and staff. Celebrations will continue throughout the weekend with free public open houses and behind-the-scenes tours today from 5-9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

At 30,000 square feet, the new Civic Museum is more than twice the size of the former Dublin Street location. It features a much larger, interactive children’s gallery; a research room; and ample space for exhibits, archives, and storage for the museum’s collection. The Civic Museum is an adaptive reuse project that gives new life to one of Guelph’s most prominent heritage buildings, the former Loretto Convent, which was once threatened with demolition.

The $12.7 million project was made possible by $1.5 million in funding from the Government of Canada through Cultural Spaces Canada; $5 million in funding from the Province of Ontario; and a community capital campaign that raised $772,000, far exceeding its $500,000 goal.

Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, the Honourable Michael Chan, was on hand for the official opening.

“I am delighted to participate in the official opening the new Guelph Civic Museum,” said Minister Chan. “The McGuinty Government recognizes the value of Ontario’s museums, as they promote local history, conserve our shared heritage and deliver innovative cultural programming. True cornerstones of our communities, museums contribute to our economy by attracting visitors and Ontarians alike to learn more about our rich heritage.”

"Our new Guelph Civic Museum is a beautiful, engaging place to discover the names, faces, and events that tell the story of Guelph," said Mayor Karen Farbridge. "This project is an incredible success story because it provides a new cultural amenity for our community while preserving and renewing a significant and cherished heritage building. Thank you to all who had a hand in its success."

The Loretto Convent was built in the 1850s, with additions in 1872 and 1896. While its exterior retained its original character, its interior had been renovated many times over the years and held little heritage value. The renovated Museum, designed by +VG Architects - The Ventin Group Ltd., has a blend of historic stone elements with modern glass, and provides a bright and functional museum space with stunning views of the city.

The building is located next to the most prominent landmark in Guelph, the Church of Our Lady, and is owned by the Diocese of Hamilton. The City has entered into a long-term lease with the Diocese at a cost of $10 per year.

The Guelph Civic Museum has existed since the 1960s and had been located at 6 Dublin Street South since 1980, where the Museum’s growing collection exceeded the building’s capacity. When funding from the federal and provincial governments was announced in 2008, the new Civic Museum project was able to proceed, and construction began in February 2010.

Canadian Government Commemorates War of 1812 in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, February 22, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Residents of Fredericton and surrounding areas will be able to participate in important commemorations for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Support was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this investment, the St. John River Society and the Fredericton Region Museum will be able to offer programming to help local residents learn more about the role played by New Brunswick during the War. Activities will include a re-enactment of the March of the 104th Regiment of Foot and a special museum exhibit.

During the War of 1812, the winter of 1813 was one of extreme cold and heavy snows. Between February and April, the 104th Regiment of Foot marched more than 1100 kilometres from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to Kingston, Ontario, to reinforce British troops and thwart an expected invasion by the Americans. This effort by a regiment of poorly clothed, frostbitten and hungry soldiers stands as an incredible feat in military history.

"Canada would not exist had the American invasion not been repelled during the War of 1812, and for that reason, the War was a defining chapter in our history," said Minister Moore. We invite all Canadians to learn more about the War of 1812 and take part in many of the activities and events that will pay tribute to our heroes."

"By supporting these activities, our Government will give residents of New Brunswick and tourists from outside the province the opportunity to appreciate this important moment in our history," said Minister Ashfield. "We are proud to help celebrate the heroic efforts of our ancestors and tell the story of the Canada we know today."

"The financial support from the Government of Canada is essential to the success of our many activities commemorating the War of 1812 in our province," said Peter Pacey, Chair of the St. John River Society War of 1812 Commemoration Committee. "New Brunswick played a pivotal role in the War of 1812 and Canada's road to nationhood. This funding, along with strong partnerships, will allow us the opportunity to share this heritage with citizens and communities in our province."

"We believe it is very important to commemorate historical events such as the War of 1812, and we are pleased to have the support of the Government of Canada," said Fred White, President of the York Sunbury Historical Society, which operates the Fredericton Region Museum. "Our special exhibit would not be possible without funding from programs such as the 1812 Commemoration Fund. This exhibit will be an excellent way to highlight New Brunswick's rich heritage and the legacy of the War of 1812."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $142,060 to the St. John River Society and $7,800 to the Fredericton Region Museum, for a total of $149,860. This support is provided through Canadian Heritage's Federal Secretariat for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Secretariat supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of this moment in our history.

Visit 1812.gc.ca for more information about the Commemoration Fund.

Government of Canada Supports Barber House Renovation

WINNIPEG, Manitoba February 17, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Important renovations to Barber House will be completed thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, today announced the funding on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The SISTARS Community Economic Development Co-Op is renovating Barber House and turning it into a heritage facility and community centre to mark the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk Settlement. The funding announced today will help the Co-op undertake the final steps to complete the project.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in and celebrate important milestones like the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Red River Selkirk Settlers in Manitoba," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the renovation of Barber House, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."

"This project provided an ideal way to celebrate an event of such significance to Winnipeg and the Point Douglas neighborhood," said Minister Toews. "With this additional support, the SISTARS Community Economic Development Co-Op will be able to put the final touches on Barber house, transforming it into the multifunctional meeting place it was destined to be."

"The Barber House has gone from a neglected, rundown building to a beautiful ray of light and hope for the Point Douglas neighbourhood," said Sandy Dzedzora, Board Chair of SISTARS Community Economic Development Co-op. "Not only is it a historical gem, but it also provides a safe and caring place for community members and our seniors."

The Government of Canada is providing funding of $28,979 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This funding is in addition to the $301,509 already provided to SISTARS for the project.



Further Information:

Just a little north and east of Ross House, at 99 Euclid Avenue, is another property owned by the city: the E. L. Barber House (built circa 1862). The house was built by Edmund Lorenzo Barber and is another example of the Red River Frame architectural style although this version of the two-storey house has some significant modifications that may have been influence by Barber’s New England birth. The house is designated as a Heritage Building by both the City of Winnipeg (http://winnipeg.ca/ppd/historic/pdf-consv/Euclid%2099-short.pdf) and the Province of Manitoba (www.gov.mb.ca/chc/hrb/prov/p028.html). The house was occupied by the Barber family for over a century. The house is linked to some colourful anecdotal tales about the Riel Rebellion (www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/transactions/3/schultz_jc.shtml).

In 1974, it was bought by the city; however, in 1993, the structure was partially burned and vandalized. At one time, there were plans for the building to be refurbished although currently it stands empty, protected by a chain link fence. Heritage Winnipeg recently received funding to study the possible restoration and conversion of the house so there still may be a chance of its preservation.

2011 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award recipients announced

TORONTO, February 17, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - As part of the province's Heritage Week celebrations, the 2011 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards will be presented for outstanding contributions to the identification, preservation, protection and promotion of Ontario's heritage.

"Conserving our heritage is an integral part of preserving the quality of life we enjoy here in Ontario," said the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. "I'm delighted to recognize these volunteers and communities for their outstanding achievements."

The 2011 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards recognize the following achievements:

...15 individuals will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer contributions to conserving community heritage over a period of 25 years or more

...One individual and one group will receive the Youth Achievement Award for exceptional voluntary contributions by young people to heritage conservation. The individual honouree will also receive a $2,000 post-secondary scholarship, jointly funded by the Ontario Heritage Trust and Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life - sponsors of the Trust's Young Heritage Leaders program.

...One young person will receive the 2011 Black Heritage and Culture award and scholarship in celebration of the International Year for People of African Descent. The $2,000 post-secondary scholarship is being awarded as part of the Ontario Heritage Trust's commemorative activities for the International Year in 2011, with funding from the Government of Ontario.

...Four communities will receive the Community Leadership Award for exemplary leadership in heritage conservation and promotion.

"I am inspired by the exceptional volunteers and communities receiving these awards," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "Their work to protect and promote heritage represents an invaluable contribution to the province and to their fellow Ontarians."

The City of Brampton, Township of Lake of Bays, the Township of Scugog and the Region of Waterloo will be receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership.

"We are honoured that the City of Brampton has been selected to receive the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership," said Susan Fennell, Mayor of Brampton. "We remain strongly committed to preserving our heritage, and this award recognizes the City of Brampton's efforts to keep this rich history alive."

"It gives me great pleasure and I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the Township of Lake of Bays," said Robert Young, Mayor of Lake of Bays. It acknowledges the hard work and perseverance of the many volunteers on our heritage programs and the commitment of the Township and its constituents to the preservation of its heritage. Heritage is irreplaceable."

"Scugog is proud to be recognized with this award," said Chuck Mercier, Mayor of Scugog. "Our community is well known for respecting our heritage, as we actively preserve our diverse history through events, celebrations and education. This has made Scugog one of the most desirable communities to live in and visit - a place where creativity and innovation prepare us for a prosperous future."

"The Region of Waterloo is honoured to receive the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership," said Ken Seiling, Waterloo Regional Chair. "The Region has had a long involvement and commitment to heritage conservation and promotion and we are dedicated to being good stewards of the Region's heritage resources and promoting the same in the broader community."

The Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards are administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust, an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick Facts:

...The Lieutenant Governor will present the awards at a Queen's Park ceremony on February 24, 2012, in the presence of the Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

...Nominations for the awards are submitted annually by municipal and regional councils, First Nation band councils, Métis community councils and schools from across the province to recognize local contributions to heritage conservation.

For additional information on the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards, including how to submit nominations, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca or www.lt.gov.on.ca.

Celebrate opening weekend at Guelph Civic Museum

All invited to enjoy free admission and behind-the-scenes tours February 24 to 26

GUELPH, Ontario, February 14, 2012 – The new Guelph Civic Museum is rolling out the welcome mat on its opening weekend February 24 to 26, inviting the public to open houses that include behind-the-scenes tours of collections storage areas. The Museum will be open on Friday, February 24 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free on opening weekend.

At 30,000 square feet, the new Civic Museum is more than twice the size of the former Dublin Street location. It features a much larger, interactive children's gallery; temporary and permanent exhibits; a research room; an archives room; and ample storage for the museum's collection. Located in the renovated Loretto Convent next to the Church of Our Lady, the Civic Museum gives new life to a prominent 1850s heritage building that was once threatened with demolition.

"We're proud to have achieved our vision for the new Guelph Civic Museum, by creating an inviting and beautiful space for people to explore this city's fascinating history," said Katherine McCracken, Director of Guelph Museums. "Opening weekend will be a unique opportunity for the community to get a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable building and the Museum's collections."

The new Guelph Civic Museum is located at 52 Norfolk Street. Free parking is available at the museum, and overflow parking will be available in the Church of Our Lady parking lot for grand opening weekend. The entrance to the parking lot is off Cork Street.

Following the official opening weekend, the Civic Museum's regular hours will be 1-5 p.m. daily, and admission prices will be $4 for adults; $3 for seniors, students, and children; and $10 per family.

For more information, visit guelph.ca/museum or call the museum at 519-836-1221.

Ontario Heritage Trust launches Heritage Week 2012 with opening of Parliament interpretive centre in Toronto

TORONTO, February 17, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust hosted a special event at its new Parliament interpretive centre to kick off the province's celebrations for Heritage Week 2012, which runs from February 20 to 26, and to launch the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

"As we gather here today at one of the province's most significant historic sites to celebrate the launch of Heritage Week 2012, we are reminded of the people, places and events that have shaped our society," said The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. "This year, the people of Ontario will have the opportunity to mark several notable historic milestones, from the bicentennial of the War of 1812 to the commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee."

"The new Parliament interpretive centre will help educate and enlighten Ontarians on our collective past while honouring our heritage," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "This Heritage Week and in the months ahead, I encourage Ontarians to explore this significant site as the first permanent home of democratic government in our province and learn more on the events of the War of 1812 that have shaped Ontario into the place we cherish today."

This year's theme, "Defending a nation," offers an opportunity for communities across the province to commemorate 2012 as the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 - a significant and defining event in Canadian history. During Heritage Week 2012, communities are also encouraged to reflect on other major conflicts in our history, and examine how they have influenced our culture and our physical environment. Heritage Week events and activities throughout the province are listed on the Trust's website here.

"Heritage Week is a time to reflect upon our rich history and to honour the contributions of those who have helped to preserve our precious heritage resources," said Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "With the opening of the Trust's new Parliament interpretive centre, the story of the birthplace of representative government in Ontario - and the struggles of war witnessed during the province's critical formative years - comes to life."

Today's event, featuring special guest emcee Nil Köksal, weekend anchor of CBC News Toronto, showcased presentations, remarks from dignitaries and special performances by school groups and the Fort York Guard. Also among the highlights was the opening of the centre's exhibit, Foundations & Fire: Early Parliament and the War of 1812 Experience at York.

The Parliament interpretive centre is located at 265 Front Street East, on a property acquired by the province and transferred to the Trust in 2005. It and three adjoining properties comprise the site of Ontario's first purpose-built parliament buildings. Opened in 1797, the buildings were burned by invading American forces during the War of 1812. They were later rebuilt, but were destroyed by fire again in 1824. Today, the site is both historically and archaeologically significant for its association with the beginnings of our representative government.

Next week, a number of Ontario Heritage Trust sites are hosting special events. Free guided tours are being offered at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre and at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse in Toronto. A series of free lectures and guided tours are also happening at Fulford Place in Brockville. In addition, on Friday, February 24, The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will present the annual Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards at Queen's Park, in partnership with the Trust. Visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca for details.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

University of Guelph Hosts War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium

GUELPH, Ontario February 17, 2012 - Some of Canada’s most respected and popular War of 1812 historians will gather at the University of Guelph Feb. 25 for a War of 1812 bicentennial symposium.

The event, which is open to the public, will include re-enactors in period costumes, storytelling, public talks and battle recreations. Registration details

Uniformed “soldiers” will help direct people to the conference, to be held in Rozanski Hall.

The event is sponsored by U of G’s history department and the Cambridge, Ontario based 41st Regiment of Foot re-enactment group, as well as “living history” groups in London and Hamilton, the Wellington County Museum, the Guelph Historical Society and Guelph Museums.

At 9 a.m., keynote speaker and historian David Graves will discuss “Whither the War of 1812,” a review of historical literature about the war over the past four decades. Lt.-Gen. Jonathon Riley will give the closing keynote address on “1812 Coalition War, World War” at 3 p.m.

Adwoa Badoe, a Guelph author and storyteller, will discuss “Richard Pierpoint: A Black Volunteer in the War of 1812” at 1 p.m. Her talk is part of Black History Month.

Concurrent lectures will take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Also featured are a period dinner, dancing and games. A complete schedule is available online here.

Montreal History Museums Web Site Launch

To be launched on the 400th Birthday anniversary of Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve.

MONTREAL, February 13, 2012 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - The Regroupement des musées d'histoire de Montréal is proud to present the publication of its brand new Web site, musees-histoire-montreal.ca, on February 15, 2012. The Web site will be launched exactly 400 years after the birth of Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve, one of the key founders of Montreal.

All of Montreal's history - available at the click of a mouse!

This new Web site will not only be of great interest to professionals working in education but it will also serve the interest of the general public. Its simple interface facilitates navigation and allows the users to easily browse through the pages presenting Montreal's many history museums. Each page will include a hyperlink connecting the page to the respective museum's Web site. In addition to a historical timeline, the Web site will include a section devoted to the promotion of each museum's educational services, arranged according to grade levels. All this information will be centralized in one concise, easy to use tool - what could be more practical for teachers?

Montreal's history museums currently offer a full range of visits that cater to the Quebec education curriculum of all grade levels: elementary school, high school, college, and university. Museum visits help support teachers in their work by allowing students to live a memorable educational experience!

Montreal's history is rich and fascinating!

Immerse yourself in Montreal's rich history by visiting the city's fourteen historical venues. A plethora of exciting and innovative exhibitions addressing diverse themes, programs and activities are waiting for you. Choose your exhibition… and let yourself be captivated!

musees-histoire-montreal.ca

About the Regroupement des musées d'histoire de Montréal

The Regroupement des musées d'histoire de Montréal was created in 1995 to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information between the different institutions devoted to the diffusion of Montreal's historical and cultural heritage

Home Hardware Dealer and Mark Cullen Conceive Charity Event to Save Hockey Heritage Museum

Long Pond Heritage Classic brings together community at hockey's birthplace

WINDSOR, Nova Scotia, February 11, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The inaugural Long Pond Heritage Classic is underway today, celebrating Canada's hockey heritage and raising funds to save the Hockey Heritage Museum in Windsor, Nova Scotia - the birthplace of Canada's game.

The event was conceived by Home Hardware's Gardening Expert Mark Cullen and Windsor Home Hardware Dealer, Jeff Redden in response to reports that the Hockey Heritage Museum was facing closure due to lack of funding.

"Hockey is a Canadian game and is a central part of life in communities from coast to coast. Jeff and I knew something had to be done to ensure that the Hockey Heritage Museum has a sustainable future," said Mark Cullen, Home Hardware's Gardening Expert.

Cullen and Redden approached other local businesses and community organizations and, along with the Windsor Hockey Heritage Society, formed a committee to organize this worthwhile event.

"Home Hardware has a long tradition of supporting hockey across Canada from minor hockey to junior hockey to the pros," said Jeff Redden, Dealer-Owner, Windsor Home Hardware. "Mark and I knew how important this part of our history is not only to the people of Windsor, but to all Canadians. And what better way to support the Hockey Heritage Museum than to bring the community together to play a little outdoor shinny."

The Long Pond Heritage Classic will pit six teams (74 players) in vintage NHL jerseys against each other in a four on four shinny tournament in support of the Hockey Heritage Museum. Following a morning of guided tours at the Museum, teams will gather for lunch at the celebrated Kings-Edgehill School - home of the world's first hockey players - before making the historic trek to Long Pond for the tournament.

Windsor's Long Pond is the birthplace of hockey. Canada's first internationally best-selling author, Thomas Chandler Haliburton, documents young boys playing "hurley" on the ice at Long Pond as far back as 1800.

The tournament will be followed by a meal, reception and an evening of entertainment and auction of hockey memorabilia. Former NHL stars Jaro Sevcik, Terry O'Reilly and Syl Apps Jr. will be in attendance, along with the president and CEO of the AHL, David Andrews.

"The outpouring of support from across Canada has been overwhelming, and we would like to thank everyone on the organizing committee, all the sponsors and everyone taking to the ice on Saturday for supporting this worthy cause."

In addition to the tournament, Home Hardware's Gardening Expert Mark Cullen held a private event at Windsor Home Hardware on January 10 to raise money for the museum.

For more information, or to support the Long Pond Heritage Classic, please visit their website.

About Home Hardware Stores Limited

100% Canadian owned and operated, Home Hardware Stores Limited has a presence in every Canadian province and territory and is the country's largest independent, Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative. Founded on January 1, 1964 by 122 independent hardware Dealers, the cooperative now includes more than 1,080 stores, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners, with annual collective retail sales of more than $5 billion. Home Hardware's independent Dealer-Owners, recognized by the North American Retail Hardware Association as Canada's best-trained Dealer group, have access to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products, a world-class distribution system and draw upon the power of Home Hardware's network to provide their local communities with top quality products and services at competitive prices.

Heritage Canada Foundation Launches Campaign to Save Canada's Lighthouses

OTTAWA, February 8, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) is launching a campaign to encourage federal investment in the efforts of local groups and communities to save their lighthouses.

The Government of Canada owns hundreds of iconic lighthouses. Earlier this year, Canadians were shocked to learn that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) had declared more than 500 lighthouses—including the most historic ones—as "surplus."

The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA), which came into effect in May 2010, was intended to conserve and protect heritage lighthouses. However the Act excludes lighthouses that are declared "surplus" from being designated unless a community group or private owner commits to buy or otherwise acquire them and protect their heritage character. As a result, local groups and communities are now under pressure to assume the financial responsibility for maintenance and protection of almost all of Canada's iconic lighthouses.

The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans stated in their March 2011 Report on the Implementation of the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act that the Act's intent was undermined by DFO's action.

"HCF agrees with the Senate Committee that federal support is essential to help communities save our country's lighthouses before they're lost to demotion and neglect," says Natalie Bull, HCF's executive director. "The Save Canada's Lighthouses campaign is designed to raise awareness, and attract federal support to these important icons."

Canadians are urged to sign the petition at www.savecanadaslighthouses.ca. Time is also running out to nominate lighthouses for designation: To be considered, each lighthouse requires a nomination supported by 25 people and submitted to the Minister of the Environment by May 29, 2012.

The Heritage Canada Foundation is a national registered charity dedicated to the preservation of Canada's historic places.

Beauties of America: Staffordshire Pottery

On a September day in 1822, Staffordshire Pottery owner John Ridgway left Liverpool on a ship bound for Boston, Massachusetts. The purpose of his visit was to view major American cities and also to start new business relationships with American ceramic merchants.

During his two months in the United States, he kept a detailed journal of his activities.

Upon his return to England, Ridgway began creating his Beauties of America dinner service.

The dinner service was produced between 1825 and 1829 and soup bowls, cups, and plates featured views of places like the "new" State House in Boston and the Custom House in Philadelphia.

This delightful website, created by the American Antiquarian Society (AAS), gives interested parties the opportunity to view twenty-two pieces of Ridgway pottery, look at photographs from a talk on the collections, and read an introduction Ridgway's journey by site curator Ruth Ann Penka.

Visit Beauties of America: Staffordshire Pottery

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2011.
scout.wisc.edu

Special postal tributes celebrate iconic Canadians as part of Black History Month

2012 stamps recognize and honour the incredible lives of Viola Desmond and John Ware

OTTAWA, February 1, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canada Post issued two stamps today in celebration of Black History Month, highlighting the experiences and accomplishments of two remarkable Canadians: Viola Desmond and John Ware. The stamp designs combine a collage of historic elements used to give dimension to the lives of Desmond and Ware. A flattering portrait of Desmond is the central focus, with a photo of the famous New Glasgow Roseland theatre and her posthumous pardon granted in 2010 as silhouettes of significance. Ware's life as a cowboy shines through with a rich portrait surrounded by icons of his life in the west including a photo of his ranch, a lasso, and a horse.

"Inspirational Canadians like Viola Desmond and John Ware are part of Canada's rich culture and history," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia. "These commemorative stamps are a wonderful tribute to these heroes who have shaped and continue to define how we live as Canadians."

"Viola Desmond is truly an inspirational and proud part of our history having faced prejudice and overcoming with such determination and grace. Her pardon in 2010 speaks immeasurably to her incredible legacy," said Jim Phillips, Director of Stamps Services at Canada Post. "John Ware was the ultimate cowboy, a folk hero who helped to create a viable and solid ranching industry in Alberta. With undeniable skill and a keen sense of adventure, he was the perfect pioneer for the future of steer-wrestling."

Viola Desmond was arrested in Nova Scotia on November 8, 1946 for sitting in the "whites only" section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow. Dragged from the theatre to the local jail where she spent the night, Desmond was tried without counsel and convicted of defrauding the province of the additional one-cent tax for seats in the "whites-only" section. She was also fined $20, which she paid, but went on to fight the charge. Unsuccessful at overturning her conviction, she used her returned fee to fund activities of the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People. In 2010, the government of Nova Scotia formally apologized and granted Desmond a posthumous pardon - the first such to be granted in Canada.

John Ware was a cowboy who helped to establish the ranching industry in part of the prairies that would become Alberta. Born into slavery, Ware made his way to Texas after the Civil War where he became an experienced cowhand. In 1882, he drove 3,000 cattle across the border for the North West Cattle Company and then settled in Canada establishing his own ranch in the Foothills. Ware was the ultimate "folk hero" with great stature, adventure and abilities. He pioneered steer-wrestling, winning his first competition at the 1893 Calgary Fair, setting a precedent for what would become a highlight of today's Calgary Stampede.



About the Stamps

The stamps, designed by Victoria's Lara Minja, are printed by Lowe-Martin on Tullis Russell paper and each measure 32 mm x 24 mm (horizontal) and have simulated perforation. Printed using lithography in seven colours plus varnish, the stamps are pressure sensitive and are general tagged on four sides. The Official First Day Covers are cancelled in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and Chatham, Ontario. The stamps are available in booklets of 10 stamps.

Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the news section of Canada Post's website, and photos of these new stamps are also available. Stamps and other products will be available at participating post offices, or can be ordered online by following the links at canadapost.ca/collection, or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA, call toll-free: 1-800-565-4362, and from other countries, call: 902-863-6550.

First results from 2011 Census of Population: Population and dwelling counts

OTTAWA, February 1, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Statistics Canada begins to paint a statistical portrait of the nation this month with the release of the first data from the 2011 Census of Population covering population and dwelling counts.

The results will be released at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on February 8, 2012 on Statistics Canada's website ( www.statcan.gc.ca).

The release will cover detailed information on population and dwelling counts for Canada, the provinces and territories, for all municipalities and for many other levels of geography down to the block level.

A detailed analysis of growth rates, demographic trends and geographic distribution of the population will be available in an electronic report titled "The Canadian population in 2011: Population counts and growth".

Also available will be three shorter analytical articles. The first examines trends in the growth of Canada's population from 1851 to projections for 2061. The second examines Canada's rural population; and the third describes the Census as a useful planning tool for municipalities.

Three other releases from the 2011 Census of Population are scheduled:

...Age and sex: May 29, 2012

...Families, households and marital status / Structural type of dwelling and collectives: September 19, 2012

...Language: October 24, 2012