Costumed characters at Historical Society's Heritage Day celebration

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By John Curry

EMC News - History will be coming alive at the Stittsville branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 18.

That's when the Goulbourn Township Historical Society will be holding its Heritage Day celebration at the library. This will be taking the form of the appearance by various costumed historic characters who will be available to chat with visitors, talking about their historical pasts.

Among the costumed characters present will be the Duke of Richmond himself, early Richmond tavern keeper Maria Hill, an early storekeeper, a "fashionable lady" from days gone by and a lady from the 1940's. Just the costumes alone will make this something that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys and appreciates history and heritage.

But there's going to be even more.

Train enthusiast Graham Copely will be in attendance, along with his trains. This will be a special treat for children but really who doesn't like trains? It will appeal to people of all ages.

Given the railway history that exists in both Stittsville, where trains were a part of the landscape from 1870 through 1990, and Richmond, which this year is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the railroad passing through the village, having trains as part of a Heritage Day celebration for the community is most appropriate.

This Heritage Day celebration by the Goulbourn Township Historical Society at the Stittsville library will be taking place on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is most welcome to attend and enjoy this look-back at the history of Goulbourn through the dress and words of today's costumed historic characters.

In addition, the entries in the Goulbourn Township Historical Society's 2011 Heritage Photo Competition are currently on display on the ArtSpace Wall at the Stittsville library, adding another heritage feature that should merit a look by those who visit the library that day.

And, as with all Historical Society events, there will be refreshments available for everyone to enjoy.

It all promises to be a Heritage Day celebration worth remembering and indeed one well worth attending.

john.curry@metroland.com