Personal stories of war told at museum Monday

The Niagara Historical Society & Museum will be commemorating the First and Second World Wars on Remembrance Day with a special performance of We’ll Meet Again, which incorporates personal stories and experiences of living through both wars, from oral histories and archival documents collected by the museum.

Directed and compiled by Barbara Worthy, the performance is a collection of memories, readings and songs featuring the talented Patty Jamieson, Peter Millard and Jenny Wright, all associated with the Shaw Festival, with music by Doug Mundy and Penner MacKay. The audience is encouraged to sing along to some wartime classics. 

Each year Worthy adds some new stories, and revives favourites.

This will be the first year with Patty Jamieson stepping in to fill the role played by Gabrielle Jones in the past, who wasn’t free to do it this year, says Worthy.

“I’ve worked with Patty over a number of years. She’ll do a great job.”

The evening is a mix of stories from the two world wars, and each year some new ones are added, and favourites revived. 

All share a history of Niagara and commemorate those who fought and lived through two world wars, including some local history, says Worthy.

The story of Second World War fighter pilot Henry Thornton Crozier (Cro) Taylor, father of Terry Mactaggart and Tim Taylor, has been added. The story of Norm Howe, also a fighter pilot, is a favourite. He died in December, 2018, and his story has been expanded for this year’s performance, says Worthy.

We’ll Meet Again will be presented on Monday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.   

 Now in its sixth year, the museum’s Remembrance Day program has been very popular and fills up fast.  Admission is $15 per person and seating is limited.  Call 905-468-3912 to reserve your spot.

 The museum is located at 43 Castlereagh St. and is open daily 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., November to April. For more information on the Museum’s programs and special events, please call 905-468-3912 or visit www.nhsm.ca.