Jump Ahead: Wire Wrapping Jewellery Workshop / The Nutcracker Tea / Wreath Workshop / Christmas in the 1920s / Holiday Bouquet Workshop / Past Programs and Events
The Leacock Museum is home to a variety of magical programs for all ages to enjoy. There is always something fun to experience at the museum during every season!
Follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming programs @leacockmuseum
Upcoming Programs and Events
Wire Wrapping Jewellery Workshop
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Learn a new hobby, meet new people, and make a gift for yourself or someone else! Join us for a Wire-Wrapping Jewellery Workshop in partnership with R.L.B. Creations. Guests will be led in the creation of a wire-wrapped necklace AND pair of earrings. The workshop will begin at 6:00p.m., but guests are invited to arrive anytime after 5:30p.m. if you would like to do a self-guided tour of the museum beforehand (museum admission is included with the purchase of a ticket).
Cost is $65/person plus applicable fees and HST.
Offered November 13, 2024
Arrive between 5:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. (workshop begins at 6:00p.m.)
The Nutcracker Tea
The highly requested Nutcracker Tea has returned for 2024! Enjoy a three-tiered treat selection prepared by FARE Restaurant with unlimited tea while seated in the decorated and historic living room or dining room of the Leacock Museum. Tickets to the Nutcracker Tea also include a self-guided tour of the museum.
Cost is $45/person plus applicable fees and HST.
Menu:
Orange Truffle Balls, Thumbprint Cookies, Custard Tarts, Wild Blueberry Scones, Cranberry Chicken Salad on Mini Croissants, Spinach Tomato Feta Mini Quiche, Chive & Dill Egg Salad
Offered November 24, December 8, and December 15, 2024
11a.m., or
2p.m.
Wreath Workshop
With the holiday season in full swing, join us to learn how to make a yarn wrapped wreath! In partnership with R.L.B. Creations guests will make their own wreath to use for years to come! The workshop will begin at 6:00p.m., but you're invited to arrive anytime after 5:30p.m. if you would like to do a self-guided tour of the museum beforehand (museum admission is included with the purchase of a ticket).
Cost is $65/person plus applicable fees and HST.
Offered December 4, 2024
Arrive between 5:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. (workshop begins at 6:00p.m.)
Christmas in the 1920s
Experience Christmas 1920s style! Stroll through the Leacock Museum stopping at different stations to participate in 1920s Christmas traditions. Learn about the history of each tradition as you go and leave with classic decorations and new traditions for your own home! Light refreshments will be served throughout the night.
Offered December 13, 2024
Drop-in from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. (pre-registration required)
Holiday Bouquet Workshop
Ticket Options
Once again the Leacock Museum is partnering with Florillia Floral Design to bring you a bouquet workshop just in time for the holidays! Participate in a flower arranging class and build your own bouquet to gift to someone else or keep for yourself. Guests will take home their bouquets in ceramic reindeer vases!
The workshop will begin at 6:00p.m., but you're invited to arrive anytime after 5:30p.m. if you would like to do a self-guided tour of the museum beforehand (museum admission is included with the purchase of a ticket).
Offered December 18, 2024
Arrive between 5:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. (workshop begins at 6:00p.m.)
Check back for more updates on upcoming programs!
Past Programs and Events
2024
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Click to see our 2024 programs and events below:
Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds
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The Leacock Museum was back with our wildly popular Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds! This year was the biggest ghost season we've seen so far with surprise guests, treats and spooky happenings told that made guests get goosebumps! Guests joined one of our spooky tour guides to learn about the haunted happenings on historical Old Brewery Bay. Ghost walks took place on the grounds of the Leacock Museum. Refreshments were served after the tour!
Offered October 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2024 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.
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Halloween Crafts and Stories for Kids
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A drop-in program took place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A wonderful day of Halloween activities for kids was had by all! Activities included pumpkin carving, making monster bookmarks, and our special guest author, Jeremy John (author of "The Strange Grave of Mikey Dunbar, and other stories to make you poop your pants") who told his spooky camping stories and created balloon creatures!
Children 3+ were welcome. Children were to be accompanied by an adult.
Offered October 20, 2024
Drop-in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (pre-registration was required)
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Special "Monster, She Wrote" Ghost Walk
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in celebration of the Monster, She Wrote exhibit opening!
This year, in celebration of the Leacock Museum's new temporary exhibit Monster, She Wrote, a special one-night-only ghost walk took place. The Leacock Museum had a spooky new exhibit on its way! The museum welcomed guests to join the exclusive opening event on October 5th to welcome, "Monster, She Wrote."
This exhibit explores horror novels through the centuries, written by women and is planned in collaboration with authors, Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson!
But, we couldn't let the spookiness begin without first performing a special Ghost Walk for a select number of guests! For this tour only, guests were touring inside the house...at night!
Refreshments were served after the tour.
Offered October 5th, 2024
7:30p.m.
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Jeremy John Author Event at Shop by the Lake
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Jeremy John is a Canadian treasure. His stories are hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes bone-chilling.
The Leacock Museum and the Orillia Farmers' Market welcomed Jeremy John, author of two collections of short stories, “Robert’s Hill (or the time I pooped my snowsuit) and other Christmas stories", as well as "The Strange Grave of Mikey Dunbar, and other stories to make you poop your pants" both published by Dundurn Press. His career in broadcasting has included co-hosting shows on 680 NEWS, KiSS FM, and Breakfast Television.
Offered Sunday September 22, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. on the front porch (entertainment and light readings)
3:00 p.m. on the front porch (specially scheduled book reading)
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Shop by the Lake - Pop-Up Orillia Farmers' Market
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The Orillia Farmers' Market was back at the Leacock Museum this fall! Guests stopped by to see the grounds come to life with more than 40 vendors, featuring food, crafters, and artisans!
Offered September 22, 2024, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You didn't want to miss author, Jeremy John, who read his humorous short stories and provided entertainment on the front porch of the museum. Jeremy also performed a special reading at 3 p.m. on the porch.
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Doors Open 2024
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Guests celebrated Doors Open 2024 at the Leacock Museum and Boathouse! For two days only, the Leacock Museum openedg all its doors to the public and provided FREE access to everyone!
Offered September 14 and 15
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3 p.m.)
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House and Grounds History Tour
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Guests to the museum enjoyed a tour of the Leacock house and grounds led by one of our experienced tour-guides. Guests will learned about Leacock, his family and Old Brewery Bay. With the purchase of a History Tour ticket, guests had special access to Leacock's Boathouse to see the exhibit "Boating Old Brewery Bay."
Offered May 18 to August 31, 2024.
11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
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Pirate Day at the Leacock Museum
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In association with the Port of Orillia's Pirate Party Event
Arrrr! The Port of Orillia's Pirate Party was upon us and this year, Old Brewery Bay was under threat of attack! The "Pirates of the Orillian Sea" had set their eyes on the Leacock Museum and were headed our way! We were asking for the help of the community to work on boat-building crafts and to try to solve the museum's treasure hunt! Crafts and the treasure hunt were available all day long. Guests just had to visit the museum's giftshop to get their supplies (please note these activities were created for kids, but if you were a child at heart you could participate also)!
We'd gotten word that the pirates would be attacking Old Brewery Bay at the Museum around 11:30 a.m. so if you heard cannons fired, you made sure to let us know! The waterfront and the boathouse dock were both great spots to get a good view of the pirates and their ships!
Offered August 31, 2024
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No tickets or preregistration was required! Watching the pirates in the bay was free of charge. Crafts and boatmaking were free with regular museum admission ($5/person).
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K. Valerie Connor Poetry Competition Celebration
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Our annual celebration was held in the living room of the historic Leacock Museum! At this event, winners were awarded their certificates and prizes, and given the opportunity to read their winning poems. The event was accessible via the ramp at the front of the museum and the double-wide doors from the porch. This free event was open to the public, giving all guests the opportunity to hear the winning poems and form connections in the literary and arts communities. Available judges, winners, and members of the Connor family were in attendance. Cake and light refreshments was served. More information can be found here.
Offered August 25, 2024 at 2 p.m.
No tickets or registration was required.
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"How To" Workshops in the Boathouse
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"How To" Workshops -- Guests learned a new skill while enjoying the atmosphere in the historical boathouse on the Leacock Museum grounds. Event took place on select Sundays throughout the summer.
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Sunday Serenade
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Sunday Serenades took place on the Leacock Museum grounds this summer! Guests enjoyed the beautiful gardens with different local musicians and lawn games! Guests were encouraged to bring picnics, blankets or chairs to enjoy a calming Sunday afternoon.
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Jeremy John Author Event at the Orillia Farmers' Market
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Jeremy John is a Canadian treasure. His stories are hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes bone-chilling.
The Leacock Museum and the Orillia Farmers' Market welcomed Jeremy John, author of two collections of short stories, “Robert’s Hill (or the time I pooped my snowsuit) and other Christmas stories", as well as "The Strange Grave of Mikey Dunbar, and other stories to make you poop your pants" both published by Dundurn Press. His career in broadcasting has included co-hosting shows on 680 NEWS, KiSS FM, and Breakfast Television.
Offered Sunday June 9th, 2024 in the Leacock Museum living room.
12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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Shop by the Lake - Pop-Up Orillia Farmers' Market
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Nestled along the picturesque Lake Couchiching, a pop-up Orillia Farmers' Market took place at the Leacock Museum on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market came to life with more than 40 vendors, featuring food, crafters, and artisans. The Orillia Secondary School Band filled the market with music.
Vendors at the market included a vast array of familiar favourites and unique craftspeople, including those selling butterfly release kits, mobile dog nail trimming, on-site massage therapy, mediums, and more.
The Leacock Museum was open for self-guided and guided tours.
An author event was also planned for 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with author Jeremy John, who read his humorous short stories.
The Orillia Farmers' Market will return to the Leacock Museum in September, 2024!
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A Bouquet from Me - Kid's Activity
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Children 3+ welcome! Join the Leacock Museum for a hands-on activity to celebrate someone special this May! Your child can select flowers and create a lovely bouquet and greetings card that they can give as a gift.
This activity took place in the Leacock Museum boathouse. Children had to be pre-registered and accompanied by an adult.
Offered Saturday May 4, 2024.
Between 10:00a.m. and 3:00p.m.
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How we Kept Mother's Day Mini-Exhibit Tour
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The tradition of celebrating Mother's Day began in 1908. In the early 1900s, Canadian author, Stephen Leacock, observed the idea with a funny short story about a family who takes advantage of the holiday by going fishing while they left their mother at home to enjoy her special day (after doing all of the cooking, cleaning, and preparation for the occasion, of course).
Stephen Leacock's real-life mother, Agnes Butler Leacock, was a force to be reckoned with. Agnes's life tells the tale of a strong, independent woman with a very interesting backstory. Agnes spent much time at the Leacock summer home at Old Brewery Bay during her life and even had her own room in the household.
To help celebrate this mini-exhibit, the Leacock Museum provided tours and a reading of "How We Kept Mother's Day."
Offered May 3 and 4, 2024
11:00a.m. or 2:00p.m.
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Roses and Rosé Spring Package
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This packaged experience included:
A specialized flower arranging class, courtesy of Florillia Floral Design
A flower bouquet to take home that guests made themselves
An intimate tour of the Leacock Museum showing original photographs from the late 1800s/early 1900s, as well as a look at the museum's newest exhibit, "From War to Wonders: Mapping Escapism in a Time of Turmoil"
A specially-crafted Rosé beverage at Orillia's only waterfront dining experience, Fare Restaurant, to end off the day (mocktail also available!)
Offered April 11, 2024
5:30p.m.
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A Leacock Love Story Valentine's Tour
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Stephen Leacock's house in Orillia was a labour of love. He built it for his wife, Beatrix. Unfortunately, Beatrix did not live to see it completed. Something did survive though... Discovered during restoration inside Stephen's bedroom closet -- Beatrix's final letters. Guests saw the letters up close and heard the romantic story in detail.
Guests learned about their love story and life together and why Beatrix was not simply, Stephen Leacock's wife on a walking tour led by Leacock researchers.
Offered February 3 and 17, 2024
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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2023
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Click to see our 2023 programs and events below:
Holiday Centrepiece Workshop - Roses and Rosé (Package)
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The Roses and Rosé package returned for the Holiday season! This special collaboration with Fare Restaurant and Florillia Floral Design was a great way to get festive and relax with friends!
This package included:
- A specialized winter holiday flower arranging class, courtesy of Florillia Floral Design
- A flower bouquet in a reindeer ceramic vase to take home that guests made themselves
- A Holiday-themed guided tour of the Leacock Museum's lit pathway
- A specially-crafted winter cocktail at Orillia's only waterfront dining experience, Fare Restaurant, to end off the day (mocktail version also available!)
Offered December 6, 2023 5:30p.m.
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Christmas Tour & Story
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Guests joined an experienced tour guide for the Leacock Museum Christmas Tour & Story. The tour began with an outdoor stroll on the grounds. Guests saw the twinkling lights along the trail, enjoyed a special stop at the Boathouse, and ended off their tour with the story of "Hoodoo McFiggin's Christmas" in Leacock's warm, cozy living room!
Offered November 30 and December 1, 2023 5:30p.m., or 7:30p.m.
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The Nutcracker Tea
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The Nutcracker tea was back by popular demand! Guests enjoyed a three-tiered treat selection prepared by FARE Restaurant with unlimited tea while seated in the comfort of the living room and dining room.
Offered November 23, 24 & 25, 2023 11:00a.m., or 2:00p.m. |
Paint your PRIDE
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Postponed from September 9th, 2023 -- Guests joined us for the opening of the "Decoding Anne Lister: History's First Modern Lesbian" exhibit. The event began with an introduction by museum staff, a self-guided tour of the museum and the opportunity to explore the new exhibit, followed by an artist-led painting workshop. A limited number of spots were available!
Offered November 26, 2023. Noon - 2:15p.m., or 1:45p.m. - 4p.m.
- Art Instructor (both sessions): M Nowick (They/Them)
- Guest Speaker (noon session): Amy Rae Miller (They/Them)
- Guest Speaker (1:45p.m. session): Dr. Chris Roulston (She/Her)
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Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds
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For those who love a good haunting, what better place to host a Ghost Tour than an old historic building such as the historic Leacock Home?
Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds was back after a successful run in 2022! Join one of our spooky tour guides and a secret special guest to learn about the haunted happenings on historical Old Brewery Bay. Ghost walks take place on the grounds of the Leacock Museum. Refreshments will be served after the tour!
Remember to dress weather-accordingly as the tour takes place outdoors in rain or shine!
Offered October 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2023 6:00p.m., or 8:00p.m.
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Fall High Tea
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Back by popular demand! Fall high teas returned this fall with six different dates. Guests enjoyed a three-tiered treat selection prepared by FARE Restaurant with unlimited tea while seated on the porch or in the comfort of the living room. Reservations were required.
Offered October 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28, 2023 2:00p.m.
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Roses and Rosé - Fall Edition (Package)
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The Roses and Rosé package returned for the fall season! This special collaboration with Fare Restaurant and Florillia Floral Design was a great way to get creative and relax with friends!
This package included:
- A specialized flower arranging class, courtesy of Florillia Floral Design
- A fall flower bouquet to take home that guests will make themselves
- A full guided tour of the Leacock Museum (including the newest exhibit: "Decoding Anne Lister: History's First Modern Lesbian")
- A specially-crafted autumn cocktail at Orillia's only waterfront dining experience, Fare Restaurant, to end off the day (mocktail version also available!)
Offered October 11, 2023 5:30p.m.
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House and Grounds History Tour
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Enjoy a tour of the Leacock house and grounds led by one of our experienced tour-guides. Guests will learn about Leacock, his family and Old Brewery Bay. With the purchase of your History Tour ticket, get special access to the Boathouse to see the newest exhibit: "Boating Old Brewery Bay."
Offered May 23 until August 31, 2023.
Tour times:
Tuesday to Friday – 11a.m. and 2p.m.
Saturday – 11a.m.
*The Leacock Museum House and Grounds History Tour will return in May 2024!
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Roses and Rosé (Package)
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This packaged experience included:
- A specialized flower arranging class, courtesy of Florillia Floral Design
- A flower bouquet to take home that guests made themselves
- A tour of the gardens, rose garden & "A Leacock Love Story" exhibit at the Leacock Museum
- A specially-crafted Rosé Prosecco beverage at Orillia's only waterfront dining experience, Fare Restaurant, to end off the day (mocktail also available!)
Offered August 24, 2023 at 5p.m.
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K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration
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The K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration is an annual province-wide literary contest run by the Leacock Museum in honour of one of our museum's cherished volunteers, Valerie Connor. This contest supports original works of poetry from Ontario residents in three age categories and offers $2100 in total cash prizes.
Learn more about the 2023 contest
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Historic Places Day
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Date: July 8, 2023, 11a.m. – 12:30p.m.
Guests heard from author, Lynn Holden as she recounted her experiences traversing all 20 Canadian UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Her journey began in 1982 with a visit to Nahanni National Park in the Northwest Territories. After spending 40 years visiting them all, Lynn began writing a book featuring her experiences, information on each site, and photographs in 2018. Lynn’s talk will explore her experiences, the sites, and the book. After the talk, signed copies were made available for purchase. Entry was by donation on the day! The event was held in the Leacock Museum living room.
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Gatsby Garden Party
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Date: June 17, 2023, 1 - 4p.m.
Guests joined us for a family-friendly Gatsby Garden Party which combined the decadence of the 1920s with the simplicity of a picnic style outing. Guests packed a picnic lunch and joined us on the Leacock lawn. There was live entertainment for adults and children, lawn games, and a silent auction. Guests who attended the event participated in the awards ceremony and reading for the K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration. It was a great way to ring in the beginning of summer!
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Boating Old Brewery Bay Launch
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Location: Leacock Museum Grounds, House & Boathouse
Date: May 20, 2023 (Victoria Day Weekend), 1 – 4p.m.
To welcome a new boathouse exhibit, two associations – the Orillia Heritage Centre, and the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association – joined us to showcase historic boats, canoes and model ships. There were crafts and activities for children, as well as paddling, seat-weaving, and other demonstrations! Guests were welcomed to tour the boathouse and the museum. The day was ended by listening to Leacock's famous "Sinking of the Mariposa Belle" told by storyteller, Tim Greenwood.
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2022
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Click to see our 2022 programs and events below:
Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds
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Location: Leacock Museum Grounds, 50 Museum Drive\
For those who love a good haunting, what better place to host a Ghost Tour than an old historic building such as the historic Leacock Home? Tours featured tales of haunted happenings on the property.
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Mary Pickford Exhibit Closing & Silent Film Screening
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Date: October 20, 2022
Time: 6:00pm
It was time to say goodbye to the first installment of the Leacock Museum’s new exhibit series “Entertaining Entertainers: Mary Pickford, Queen of the Silver Screen.” To do so, the Museum planned a closing event where guests could tour the exhibit one last time. Guests were invited to screen “Fanchon the Cricket” an autumn-themed silent film starring Mary Pickford herself.
The film had been re-mastered and re-released by the Pickford Foundation and was shown in the living room space of the Leacock home. Light refreshments were served.
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