How to Do Flashback February 2021
2021 marks the 4th annual Flashback February event: a week-long exploration of Prince Edward County’s heritage coinciding with Ontario Heritage Week.
This year’s incarnation of Flashback February looks a lot different than previous years. All but one of the dozens of activities will be offered virtually. But Flashback February programming still represents every corner of The County, from Wellers Bay to the South Shore. It’s all happening February 15-20 and we’re here to help you make a plan to explore all things County heritage.
The variety of events on offer is bound to make you forget that we’re all stuck at home. Or at least add a little fun, curiosity and learning to your time chez vous.
Family Friendly
Family Day kicks off the week! To celebrate, Live History, a Kingston-based theatre company, will host “A Timeless Gathering at Macaulay House” – an interactive online mystery. Participants interact with costumed characters via Zoom. You’ll solve a mystery involving the Macaulay family, the namesakes of Picton’s lovely Macaulay Heritage Park. This event is sure to appeal to both kiddos and the young-at-heart. There are four timeslots available, but the later timeslots at 3pm and 7pm are best for ages 16+.
Historic Whodunnit
The only activity not presented via video conference is Escape Camp Picton’s play-at-home escape game, “The Arrow’s Secret”. A puzzle box is delivered to any location in Canada. Players must work together to determine who killed Canada’s famous Avro Arrow project, and why. Explore the amazing history of the Avro Arrow (and some creative fiction) while discovering clues, deciphering codes and solving puzzles in your own home.
Makes you Think
On February 16th, the Museums will present Melissa Mikel, Director of Education at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. Melissa’s presentation focuses on Canada’s post-war connections to the Holocaust, including stories of both survivors and war criminals. It will be a serious, but very interesting addition to the week.
Heritage Buildings
On February 17th, the Prince Edward Heritage Advisory Committee will host Kendra Fry of the National Trust. Kendra’s presentation focuses on re-imagining heritage spaces and responding to the constantly shifting narrative regarding their value. The event also includes an update on the Heritage Advisory Committee’s heritage inventory project.
Also on February 17th, The South Shore Joint Initiative hosts Architect Edwin Rouse. Edwin will lead a discussion on the philosophies and principles related to the restoration of historic properties. Viewers are encouraged to participate: you can ask Edwin questions about your own restoration projects.
Natural Heritage
Respected gardener and author Lorraine Johnson will join the Museums for an evening talk on February 16th. Lorraine will discuss the value of using native plants in your garden, and how they are a tangible link to our natural heritage.
The Friends of Wellers Bay present well-known local naturalist Terry Sprague on February 20th. His talk will explore Prince Edward County’s incredible (and varied) natural history. Tune in for stories of The County’s cattail marshes, wooded swamps, Sandbanks Provincial Park, shipwrecks, waterfalls, and more.
What’s Your Story?
Over the course of the week, Seventh Town Historical Society will host six unique Facebook Live events, each touching on an intriguing element of The County’s past. Volunteers from the Marilyn Adams Genealogical Research Centre will provide tips on how to research genealogy. Learn about the many research tools available right here in The County.
After Dark
The County Museums and Prince Edward Historical Society will present a livestreamed edition of the ever-popular Graveyard and Gallows tour on February 19th. Tour goers will meet residents of the graveyard at the former St. Mary Magdalene church and hear their stories. The tour moves onto the Picton Courthouse where we learn about Peter Lazier’s murder in 1883. His story ends with an infamous double hanging, based on what some say was dubious evidence.
Details on all of these events can be found at www.flashbackfebruary.com.
