Flashback February

Week-long exhibits explore the heritage of the County

Flashback February began six years ago as a celebration of County heritage as part of Ontario Heritage week and has since evolved into an exploration of the rich and diverse history of this area. “We have a lot in our history to celebrate, but we also have a lot to unpack as well,” said County Museums curator Jessica Chase. “We have a very rich and complex history, and we want to explore stories we haven’t really looked at yet. This is an opportunity to look back and relish the history of this place.” In contrast to the past two years, most of the events scheduled for Flashback February will be inperson, and are a mix of free, paid or by donation. There are barn tours at Karlo Estates Winery, music and trivia at the Waring House, a silent movie and a fundraising music concert at the Regent Theatre, and events at both Wellington Museum and at Macaulay House.

The events explored during Flashback February will span across three centuries, from the start of the Mohawk Settlement in the Bay of Quinte in 1784, to the establishment and operation of Camp Picton in the mid-twentieth century. Historian Trish Rae and Tyendinaga archivist Karen Lewis will speak about the history of the Mohawk settlement, which was established when what was then known as Upper Canada was under military administration. As a result, the Indigenous settlement continued their traditional governance, but that era would not last when civil administration came to be in force. On Sunday, February 19, there will be a special screening at the Regent of the silent film Carry on, Sergeant, a Canadian World War I film that premiered on November 10, 1928. The original score will be played live by John Hall. The Regent’s grand piano was purchased in 1928 by founder George Cook especially to play the music to go with this movie, and now—95 years later—that piano will once again accompany the film.

On Saturday, February 18, Sandra Latchford of the Historical Society and Krista Richardson of the PEC Archives will lead a Zoom presentation about the cholera pandemic of 1832. Latchford became intrigued after seeing the headstone of Ann Carnahan, a caregiver who died during the pandemic. “We thought it would be interesting to look back at pandemics of times past. We think of ourselves in this time of Covid as being the first to experience anything like this, but there have been pandemics that have had an incredible impact on the people of Prince Edward County and how they lived their lives. The cholera pandemic of 1832 was a really devastating event for the residents here,” said Chase.

One of the signature events in Flashback February is a concert at the Regent by a Tragically Hip tribute band, Grace 2. The concert is a fundraiser for an exhibit called The Path Forward that will be on display at Macaulay Heritage Park in September of this year. The exhibit is a partnership between the County Museums, the Tyendinaga Language and Cultural centre (Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na) and the Downie-Wenjack Fund, and will explore efforts in the County towards Truth and Reconciliation.

The funds will be used to commission artworks and stories for the exhibit. The Macaulay Church will also be the site of an Evensong Service to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Anglican parish in the County. The Macaulay Church building was the original site for the Anglican church until St. Mary Magdalene Church was built in 1913. The order of service will hearken back to the time of Reverend Macaulay.

The Macaulay family also features in an event at Macaulay House, where members of Shatterbox Theatre, in period dress, will read letters that were written by various members of the Macaulay family. “There were hundreds of letters between William Macaulay and family members since he was a student at Oxford, and we will get an inside look into the family. The letters are so hilarious and so moving, and performers playing the parts of the family will be reading the letters,” said Chase. Returning after a two-year absence is the very popular Trivia Night, led by Steve Campbell. This will take place at the Waring House and is open to teams and individuals. “Trivia kind of goes hand-in-hand with County history,” said Chase. “Steve is so great and so funny, and he’s a natural MC for this, plus he knows his stuff as well.” For more information about Flashback February events, please visit visitthecounty.com/flashback- february.