Museum offers new neighbourhood walks

Last year’s museum walks were sold out, and it’s looking like this year’s will be as well.

Two volunteer guides, working with The Niagara Historical Society and Museum, are ready to introduce locals to two neighbourhoods they might not have explored.

Irish Town/Rye Park and Queen Street beyond the shops are unique neighbourhoods which feature their own landscapes and some interesting history.

The museum volunteers will walk the streets of these neighbourhoods with participants and share some of their history during the return of the popular Neighbourhood Walks program during the month of June.

On June 7 and 21, Denise Ascenzo will lead the Queen Street Estate tours, and on June 14 and 28, Judy Thornton will share stories of the Rye Park and Irish Town neighbourhood.

The June 28 tour is already sold-out and others are filling up fast, says Amy Klassen, the museum’s acting managing director.

The 2018 tours all sold out.

“We had many people disappointed to miss out on tours last year, but we cap the group at 25 to make sure that we can keep them together and so that everyone can hear.”

Each tour starts at 6 p.m. and runs for about one hour. Tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased in advance at the museum. Participants are encouraged to wear walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

“We couldn’t do this program without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer tour guides who spend the winter researching the history of these special parts of town. The guides work hard finding interesting stories that people may not know,” says Klassen.

She says the museum hopes to offer the walking tours again in 2020 and welcomes suggestions for future neighbourhoods.

“Or if there is enough interest to repeat some of the 2018 or 2019 tours, call the museum to give them your vote.”

The museum also offers a general history tour every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. from June to September. Tours start at the Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo and are $10, which includes admission to the museum.

For more information on the museum and its special events and exhibitions, please visit www.niagarahistorical.museum or call 905-468-3912.

The museum is located at 43 Castlereagh St. and is open daily 10 a.m. to
5 p.m.