Museum offering next set of lectures

February is that month when winter is too long and spring is too far away . . . so stay cozy with the NOTL Museum virtual lectures  as they continue through the month of February, bringing together a unique offering of specialists, storytellers, hobbyists and lovers of history, says Barbara Worthy in a NOTL Museum news release.

The virtual lectures are offered weekly, via Zoom, on Wednesday mornings — Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 — at 11 a.m. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, says Worthy.

Feb. 14 — Ordinance Boundary Stones: Updates and Restoration

Ted Rumble, former NOTL Museum board member and retired orthopaedic surgeon, has a long-standing interest in history, particularly military history. In this presentation, Rumble will give an update on his efforts, with the Town of NOTL, to restore and protect these stones, honouring some of the oldest historical artifacts in the Old Town.

Thirty-seven military Ordnance Boundary Stones, complete with identifying ‘broad arrows’ stamped on the stones, were installed by the British Army between 1823 and 1854 in the town of Niagara, marking the boundaries between town land and the four military reserves, and continuing a tradition that dates back to the 16th century.

Feb. 21 — The Borderland: Black Agency and Resistance Between Two Nations

In honour of Black History month, Josh Poole, visitor experience specialist from the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Niagara Falls, NY, will discuss the influence and impact of freedom seekers who arrived at this critical borderland between the U.S. and Canada, as well as the role played by the free Black waiters of the infamous Cataract House in Niagara Falls.

“They were pioneers of the anti-slavery movement, right here on this border,” said Poole. He will also discuss how formerly enslaved people grappled with the challenges of their new lives once they crossed that border.

Feb. 28 — Historically Hysterical

Back by popular demand is NOTL Museum’s assistant curator, Shawna Butts, with her presentation on the history of women’s healthcare. Sometimes toe curling, but always entertaining, Butts reveals all the vagaries and experimentations that constituted women’s healthcare for centuries. Misdiagnosis and mistreatments were systematic. “The myths, mysteries and wacky treatments continued well into the 20th century,” said Butts. “It’s no wonder that the term ‘hysterical’ was used so often when a woman visited her physician.”

So join the NOTL Museum’s Virtual Lecture audience this month, and feel free to get as hysterical as you want, says Worthy. A question and answer period follows each lecture.

Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Visit notlmuseum.ca  or call 905-468-3912 for more information.