The Stewart Museum is presenting several interactive exhibits showcasing Quebec’s history beginning Feb. 10. People can participate in the Hall of Games exhibit, which features replica versions of various games that were popular in Quebec between the 16th and 20th centuries.
In Canadian checkers, the same basic rules apply except the board is slightly larger and there are more checkers per player. Visitors can also try the goose game, cup-and-ball and a version of croquet known as jeu de mail. Children 12 and under can participate in a workshop where they’ll make a thaumatrope, a popular toy from the 19th century made of a disk with drawings on both sides and two pieces of string at both ends that creates an optical illusion when spun. On weekends, there will also be storytime for little ones at 1:15 p.m.
For sports enthusiasts, the museum will be holding one-hour sessions of old-fashioned curling on the weekends until March 6. A guide will explain the history of the ice sport that was popularized by Scottish immigrants several centuries ago. Players must be at least 6-years-old in order to participate. The games will take place outdoors, so warm clothes are a must.
For the hardcore history buff, head to the Chapters of our History, which chronicles the history of our country’s Aboriginal people. There will be information on the daily life of the settlers in New France, and the exhibit has nearly 500 artifacts including rare books, legal documents and other objects.
Spring Break activities at the museum will take place from Feb. 27 through March 6. Visitors can enjoy the activities normally reserved for the weekend like curling and storytime during this week and admission is FREE.
Regular museum opening days are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, because of spring break, the museum will be open on Monday, Feb. 29 and Tuesday, March 1, 2016.
General admission tickets cost $10, seniors and students pay $8 and free for children 12 and under. Every Wed. until June 29, seniors over 60 can visit the museum for 60 cents (must have ID). The museum is located at 20 Tour-de-l’Isle Rd. on Île Ste. Hélène.
For more information, call 514-861-6701 or visit stewart-museum.org.
