The Family Day weekend is all about hockey at Wellington County Museum and Archives, as the Hockey Hall of Fame experience passes through the museum’s exhibition space.
Wellington County is noted for its hockey culture and history, and officials expect a mob through the facility over the three days of the long weekend event. The museum, at 0536 Wellington Road 18 between Fergus and Elora, is about 24 kilometres from downtown Guelph.
Hockey Hall of Fame — Family Day Weekend happens Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 each day, or $20 for families.
There are three components of the special event, including an original legends exhibit, five interactive games, and three National Hockey League trophies. Think of the Hockey Hall of Fame experience you might have at the 30 Yonge St. museum in Toronto, only on a much smaller scale, and with some important local artifacts and memorabilia.
For the original legends component, the museum has picked items from its own collection, as well as canvassed local families who have a strong connection to hockey in the community. “We have some childhood personal effects from the McGinn boys,” said Libby Walker, activity programmer for Wellington County Museum and Archives, speaking of current NHLers Brock, Tye and Jamie McGinn, natives of Fergus.
As well, items of memorabilia related to former NHLers, and local boys Nick Spaling and the late Doug Rombough will also be on display. “It’s a fun mix of things that will complement the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits, which include three trophies, five interactive games, and twelve exhibition cases” Walker said.
The Hockey Hall of Fame elements, which are visiting for just five days, are part of the renowned museum’s outreach program. The local memorabilia will be blended into the upcoming exhibit Wellington County Sports Champions.
“We’re sort of bracing ourselves,” said Walker, who expects a large turnout over the weekend. “This is a really strong hockey community, and I think there will be quite a bit of interest.”
The Winter Art Workshops program is also coming up at the museum, starting on Friday, Feb, 24 and running through to Feb. 27. It spins off the Summer Art Workshops program, and is in response to demand for a winter season series.
“We’re offering four courses over a long weekend,” said Walker. One of the classes is already sold out, she added.
One course will explore traditional Celtic illumination design and painting. There is an easy introduction to printmaking, a silver jewellery making course, and one on painting white flowers in watercolours. Learn more here.