Westfield Heritage Village
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Westfield Heritage Village is a living history museum with over 35 historical buildings to tour.
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From all the staff and volunteers at Westfield we wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to seeing you at our next Special Event taking place in March. Join us for a Sweet Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival.

Join us for one last time this 2015 season at Westfield Heritage Village. We will be open Saturday, December 19, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. It should be a busy night with lots of activities including fireworks at 6:30 p.m., carol singing in the Church, musical entertainment in the Gillen House, and a craft in the School House. Our Eddie D. Cat Confectionery Store has yummy Christmas treats and one of a kind gifts are available in the Gift Shop for those last minute shoppers. Tickets are available at the door. An adult admission is $11.00, a senior 65+ is $10.00, a child 6-12 years is $6.50 and a child 5 and under is free. We look forward to seeing you at Westfield.

Thank you to John Overmeyer for this amazing photo of our Fireworks display.

Rocca Sisters and Associates greet our visitors.

While the weather was not very "Christmas like" - there were almost 800 people who enjoyed the afternoon that included horse drawn wagon rides, musical entertainment from Turkey Rhubarb and yummy popcorn. Thanks to the Rocca Sisters who sponsored the day and made it possible for visitors to enjoy a free afternoon.

Christmas has arrived at Westfield Heritage Village. Join us on Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. If the weather permits we will have fireworks starting at about 6:30 p.m. There will be musical entertainment in the church and our costumed interpreters are ready to show off their Christmas decorations.

We will also be open on Sunday, December 13 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Thank you to the Rocca Sisters who are sponsoring this event.

Free admission to the site includes horse drawn wagon rides and a visit with Santa.

Be sure to check out our latest video. We hope it gets you into the spirit of Christmas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyRwnUj3GKE

On Sunday, November 15, Westfield and Hamilton Conservation Authority Staff had the opportunity to thank Westfield Volunteers for all their hard work and dedication to Westfield. Each year over 20 000 hours are donated to Westfield making it possible for the museum to be open to the public offering a wide range of special events, education programs and other activities. This year's appreciation was an Edwardian styled tea with lots of yummy treats. A special congratulations goes to our award recipients Lloyd, Margaret and Joy.

Join us Saturday, December 5, 12, and 19 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Sunday, December 13, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. and begin a new family Christmas tradition. Watch here for details and to see the latest Westfield video. All coming very soon!

Do you have your Witch attire ready for the big night? Come to Westfield's Witches' and Warlock's Convention. We are celebrating someone's special birthday. There will be games on the green, a craft in the school house and potions for sale in the confectionary store. If you are up to it- visit the Haunted Train station. Westfield will be open Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission for an adult is $11.00, a senior 65+ is $10.00, a child 6-12 years is $6.50 and a child 5 and under is free. You may also use your Nature's Reward Pass which admits up to 6 people including 4 adults. Tickets are available at the door starting at 6:00 p.m. and the Village gates will open at 6:30 p.m. The Ancaster Lions Club will have the Ironwood Hall open selling light refreshments.

Yummy treats from the Lockhart kitchen, fun games on the Village green and some new volunteers pose for a picture. It was a fun day for all who came out. Join us for our Haunted Halloween Event on October 30 and 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The 2nd Annual Witches’ and Warlocks’ Convention will take place in Rockton at Westfield Heritage Village on the evenings of Friday October 30th and Saturday October 31st from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Witches and warlocks of all ages are welcome to join in the fun at this special Halloween event. Come dressed as a witch or warlock and be a convention delegate! At Westfield you can brush up on your broom-making skills, marvel at the glowing display of carved pumpkins and dance in the bandstand under the twinkling lights. Younger visitors will enjoy making a special Halloween craft in the one room school house. Braver souls can risk visiting the Jerseyville Railway Station and the Walk of Doom!

“The Halloween program is one of our favourite events at Westfield. The historic village is a fascinating place to be at night time.” says Lisa Hunter, head of programs. “This year is even more fun because the second of our two events is actually happening on October 31st. This is the first time ever that you can visit Westfield on Halloween night!”

This year’s convention features opportunities to learn about the history of Halloween traditions and to take part in a special all-ages witch and warlock fashion show. Discover the village by moonlight and lantern light, hear traditional ghost stories, make a craft in the one-room schoolhouse and visit the village drug store to learn about magic potions. There will also be a very special 511th birthday celebration for a very important warlock (it’s a surprise!) which will include theatre, music and a unique and amazing birthday cake. There will be so much to see and do, and lots of photo opportunities!

“Our volunteers here at Westfield are so excited about Halloween and the Witches’ and Warlocks’ Convention theme, “says Lynn Felker, Volunteer Coordinator at Westfield. “We will have a full crew out on both Friday and Saturday night to help create some very special experiences for our guests.”

Come to Westfield Heritage Village on October 25 from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. for Pumpkin Sunday, a fun-filled event for families. Enjoy pumpkin-themed games, activities and demonstrations in Westfield’s beautiful historic, rural setting. Lots of special photo opportunities. Free pumpkins, in exchange for a food donation, will be available from 1:00 – 3:00, while supplies last. Regular admission rates apply.

The 7th Annual Telling Tales Festival:

An Awesome Celebration of Literacy

Canada’s FREE children’s literary festival happened on Sunday, September 20th at Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ontario – and it was AWESOME! A crowd of over 7,000 children and their families were entertained by over 25 of Canada’s best children’s authors, illustrators, storytellers and musicians.

The Book of Awesome author Neil Pasricha launched his brand new children’s book Awesome is Everywhere to the world during the Telling Tales Festival. In fact, only those attending had a chance to buy an advance copy before it hits bookshelves next week!

David Bouchard shared stories about his Metis culture and treated the crowd to his flute playing. Poet Sheree Fitch mesmerized the crowds with her tongue twisting rhymes. Werner Zimmermann offered illustration lessons to fans young and old. Richard Scrimger shared writing tips and advice to fans. TVOKids’ Ranger Kara kicked off the Reading Rangers Book Club Tour with a special reading. It was an exciting day of sharing and experiencing stories.

The Telling Tales Festival is really a celebration of literacy. "Our goal is to foster a love of reading by exposing kids to authors and illustrators," explains Susan Jasper, Telling Tales Founder and Chair. "The presenters on our stages are literary stars – kids have a chance to ask them questions, listen to advice and even get their autographs."

This year’s theme was "Let your imagination soar". During the Telling Tales Festival books and stories jump off the page; you can travel into a story, meet characters and even step back in time. It’s all about creating fond memories around storytelling – whether it’s a story told in a book, through pictures, in music, or through movement.

The Telling Tales Festival is a day where kids can talk to authors, get drawing tips from illustrators, and sing and dance along with musicians. It’s also a fun family day to simply play and explore. There were so many fun family activities including costumed characters, a giant Book Swap and Shop, Bryan Prince Bookseller onsite book shop, children’s activity centre, contests and prizes. Plus, in the large meadow there were special birthday crafts to celebrate Hamilton Best Start’s 10th anniversary, an opportunity to try different musical instruments, and fun activities to get the kids moving with the YMCA.

To see a complete list of all the presenters and for more information, please visit the Telling Tales website at www.tellingtales.org.

AWESOME COMES TO TELLING TALES

Experience stories in all forms and ignite your inspiration! Let your imagination soar at Canada’s FREE children’s literary festival on Sunday, September 20th, at Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ontario. Join 30 of Canada’s best children’s authors, illustrators, storytellers, and musicians who promise to entertain and delight over 7,000 children and their families. This year’s festival features international bestselling author NEIL PASRICHA, who will launch his new children’s book, AWESOME IS EVERYWHERE, at the festival.

SHEREE FITCH, Canada’s female Dr. Seuss, is a wonderful new addition to Telling Tales with well-known titles for our younger audience and tweens. Canada's bestselling Aboriginal author

DAVID BOUCHARD will share his passion for stories and Aboriginal culture. We’re also bringing back some fan favourites. Author and illustrator WERNER ZIMMERMANN returns with his fun interactive stories, and RICHARD SCRIMGER is a hilarious author with an incredible ability to catch the attention of teens and tweens.

"This is a special year for the Telling Tales Festival," explains Susan Jasper, Telling Tales Festival Chair & Founder. "NEIL PASRICHA is launching his new interactive picture book, and TVOKIDS' RANGER KARA will be kicking-off TVO’s Reading Rangers Book Club Tour with a special reading. Plus HAMILTON BEST START is celebrating 10 years in the local community with birthday party crafts and activities in the Large Meadow. September 20th is going to be an awesome day of celebration!"

Other attractions include live performances, book signings, readings, costumed characters, a giant Book Swap and Shop, Bryan Prince Bookseller onsite book shop, Children’s Activity Centre, contests and prizes – all in a beautiful historic village setting.

The 7th Annual Telling Tales Festival takes place on Sunday, September 20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ontario. Admission is free. There is free parking at the Rockton Fairgrounds and our free shuttle service will bring you right to the Festival. Please note: there is no parking at Westfield during the Festival. Visitors are welcome to bring their children in strollers and are reminded to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and umbrellas to join in the fun – rain or shine!

Westfield Looks to Future

Seeks Community Input

Westfield Heritage Village is known for looking at the past, but is also very interested in the future. The popular living history museum has been working with consultants to assess the future needs of the site and to consider the possibilities for the creation of a Visitor Centre. This new facility would enhance the experience of its visitors, volunteers, school patrons and other members of the community. If you are interested in finding out more, you are invited to attend a Visitor Centre Feasibility Study Open House on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Westfield Heritage Village is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, just off Hwy. 8, midway between Dundas and Cambridge. For more information, please call Westfield at (519) 621-8851.

Readit! Readit! Readit!

Come to the Ironwood Café and enjoy some sweet treats - including sugar cookies.

Seventh Annual Telling Tales Festival will be taking place on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Westfield Heritage Village. Experience more than 25 of Canada's leading children's writers, illustrators, musicians and storytellers. And- it's free admission. Visit www.tellingtales.org for all the details or follow along on facebook.com/tellingtalesfestival or twitter.com/tellingtalesffs

Susie Smythe and Peter Lloyd have been hard at work this summer giving some tender loving care to the Potts Spinning Wheel Shop at Westfield. George Potts built the Potts spinning wheel manufactory on his property in 1866 which was located in Norfolk County. George Potts had acquired the patent rights to "Doolittle's Improved Spinning Machine." By May 1976 the building had been moved to Westfield and it was opened to the public. This coming week Westfield staff and volunteers will get their first glimpse at the results of the hard work and the Potts building will re-open as a business making apple crates. Photos by Melissa Fletcher.

Enjoy the warm weather at Westfield and see how various fibres are processed. The weaver will be working the mid-19th century barn loom. Master spinners will be spinning raw wool into yarn. Perhaps you would like to try your hand at carding sheep's wool or use the drop spindle. The Cambridge Spinners and Weavers will also be on hand with their natural dye baths. Visit the Tailor Shop or watch a demonstration showing how flax plant fibres are transformed into the raw material used to make linen fabric.

Special Tour of Dundurn Castle’s Kitchen Garden a Great Learning Opportunity for Westfield Volunteers and Staff

Several Westfield volunteers and staff members were treated to a wonderful tour of the amazing kitchen garden at Dundurn Castle today. Victoria, one of Dundurn’s knowledgeable and passionate historic gardeners, shared her wealth of botanical knowledge with everyone during this in-depth tour. Bed after bed of beautiful and fragrant fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs were admired, inspected, tasted and photographed by the enthusiastic group. This 1.5 acre plot was originally managed by Sir Allan MacNab’s long time gardener William Reid, and has been lovingly and authentically restored by Dundurn. Now in its 6th growing season, this garden is a unique way to learn about the growing methods and preferences of the mid-19th century. Many thanks to Victoria and Dundurn National Historic Site for providing this opportunity for Westfield.

The hard work put in by Scott and Liz is paying off at the Lockhart Farm. Westfield is open each Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. and the volunteers are ready to show off what they have been working on during the summer months. Come see the quilt on the frame at the Gillen House, check out the wood working at the Cabinetmaker shop or watch the spinners and weavers at the Marr Shop.

Just pulled from the Lockhart Farm garden!

Westfield Volunteers On Their Way

A group of our Westfield Volunteers is on their way to Toronto today to tell visitors to the Parapan Am Games about Westfield and share a little of early Ontario history. They make a very colourful group. If you are heading that way you may see them strolling along the Harbour Front.

Get your flax straight!

Westfield’s Textile Day Coming up Soon

On Sunday August 23, Westfield Heritage Village’s Sunday afternoon program will have a special focus: the methods of textile fibre production in early Ontario. A variety of demonstrations and activities will take place in select areas of the village throughout the afternoon. At the Marr Spinning and Weaving Shop, you can see a weaver hard at work on a massive mid-19th century barn loom. You can also try your hand at carding raw wool, learn to use a drop spindle or watch a master spinner at the wheel. Outside the shop, the Cambridge Spinners and Weavers Guild will be demonstrating how natural dyes are used to tint sheep’s wool and other fibres. You will also discover how rope is made! In the Tailor Shop, you can learn about how clothing was produced for both men and women using both hand and machine stitching. Nearby, you can watch the fascinating process of transforming the coarse flax plant fibres into the raw material that is used to produce linen fabric. As you tour the village, there will be many opportunities to see antique textiles, including quilts, clothing, decorate arts and floor coverings.

Westfield Heritage Village is living history museum in Rockton that preserves and interprets more than thirty-five heritage buildings. Here you can visit a one room school house, train station, blacksmith’s shop, print shop, homes, businesses and much more. Authentically costumed interpreters will take you back to earlier times and places. Guests can enjoy baked goods and other treats from the General Store, or visit the Gift Shop.

Visit Westfield Heritage Village for Fibre Day on Sunday August 23 from 12:30 to 4:00 pm. For more information, please visit www.westfieldheritage.ca or call (519) 621-8851. Westfield is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, off Hwy #8, midway between Hamilton and Cambridge.

Regular Admission Prices - Adults $8.50, Seniors (65+) $7.50 and Children 6-12 years $5.50. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

Chill! Westfield’s Ice Cream Carnival

is Coming Up Soon!

For many families, a trip to the Ice Cream Carnival at Westfield Heritage Village has become an August long weekend tradition, and with good reason! Who wouldn’t enjoy a day in the country eating delicious, cool ice cream, taking in the delights of an Edwardian summer carnival and touring the village on a free horse and wagon ride? There is so much to see and do, you will want to plan your visit carefully so that you don’t miss anything!

Ice cream is the theme of the day, and visitors will have a chance to discover how it is made the old-fashioned way. Westfield volunteers will be working hard at six traditional ice cream churns, producing cool and delicious homemade ice creams that are based on period recipes. You are welcome to try your hand at the cranking, and sample the tasty results of your efforts! If you’ve never tasted ice cream made with real cream, fresh fruit and other delicious ingredients, you are in for a wonderful surprise!

If the ice cream sampling has you craving a more substantial treat, eighteen traditional and modern flavours will also be available from the Crazy Cravings ice cream truck, where reasonably priced cones await you. Westfield’s Ironwood Hall will be featuring a special treat this year – pie and ice cream! Treat yourself to this old-fashioned summer dessert and claim a spot under a shady tree to enjoy it. Traditional carnival foods will add to the fun. Saratoga chips, Pickle-on-a-Stick, cool lemonade, bottled soda, baked goods and old-fashioned candy will be available for purchase at the General Store. The Copetown Lions food truck will also be serving their delicious food throughout the day. At Westfield, visitors are always welcome to bring their own picnic.

One of the special activities featured on this day is an Edwardian-style carnival. Stroll among the colourful tents and step back to a time of simple amusements and charming games. Chat with a fortune teller, take your picture on the moon, knock down the milk bottles, jockey your horse to the finish line, fish for a fish, and much, much more. This is fun for all ages, and you can play as much as you like - no tickets required!

The Ice Cream Carnival will be held at Westfield Heritage Village on Sunday August 2nd and Monday August 3rd from 10:00 am. to 4:00 p.m. Horse and wagon rides begin at 12:00 noon.All other activities are ongoing throughout the day.Adult admission is $11.00, seniors (65+) $10.00 and children 6-12 years $6.50.Children 5 and under are free.Parking is free.Westfield is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton.For more information, visit westfieldheritage.ca or call (519) 621-8851.

Westfield is a large community of volunteers dedicated to come out to present and preserve Candian history. This sometimes includes feather friends too! Meet the new crew at the Lockhart barn. They plan to be here each Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. They will be "eggcited" to see you!

First Egg!

Sunday July 5th is Mountsberg Day at Westfield

The Mountsberg Methodist Church was built by Charles Mount in 1854. Now preserved at Westfield, this beautiful historic building will be the focus of a special day commemorating the Mountsberg community. The day will begin with a special service in the church at 10:00 am. Friends, neighbours and former residents of Mountsberg, as well as any descendants of the early settlers, will be there. All are welcome. Those attending the service are urged to bring a picnic lunch and stay for the day at no charge, enjoying all that the village has to offer. A free will offering will be taken up during the service, and this will be donated to the Mountsberg Cemetery Committee, a group raising much needed funds for the restoration and beautification of this historic cemetery.

Photo by: Melissa Fletcher

The afternoon will feature opportunities to share memories of life in early Mountsberg. You can also join in an old fashioned hymn sing, take in a fashion show featuring costumes from the late 1800s and early 1900s and enjoy a Sunday school picnic, with traditional games for the children. A selection of Mountsberg memorabilia will be on display also. Throughout the afternoon, a range of interesting historical activities and demonstrations will be presented by the volunteers of Westfield Heritage Village.

Mountsberg Day will take place on Sunday July 5, 2015. A special church service at the historic Mountsberg Church will begin at 10:00 am. The village will be open for a public program from 12:30 – 4:00 pm. Regular admission rates apply for the afternoon program for those not attending the morning service.

Canada and the American Civil War

With close economic and cultural links, the citizens of the United Province of Canada were affected in many ways by the American Civil War. This Sunday, June 28 from 12:30 to 4:00, visitors to Westfield will have an opportunity to learn more about how individuals were affected in these years through personal stories, conversations and demonstrations related to life in 1860s Ontario.

Bring a Picnic for Father's Day on Sunday, June 21 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Treat Dad to a day in the country. Bring your own picnic to enjoy the beautiful, picturesque setting at Westfield. Purchase sweet treats and cool drinks from the General Store.

Here's what is happening at Westfield...

·The Rockton Antique and Hobby Association will be partnering with us again for Father’s Day. A wide range of antique farm vehicles, steam engines and cars will be on display in various locations throughout the village. A “parade of vehicles” through the village will take place, beginning at 1:30 pm.

·There will be a display of model trains and engines at the Hardware Store.

·Hunter’s Corners, a musical duo of Bill Nesbitt and Brad McEwen, will be performing early English and early Canadian folk music at the church, beginning at approximately 2:15 pm. (Following the parade of vehicles.) If the weather is nice, they may perform outside.

·Visitors have been encouraged to bring a picnic for Father’s Day. Antique vehicles will be displayed in the picnic area, but tables will still be available for visitors. Other locations on the green, at the bandstand, or under a tree, are also available to our guests.

See you there!

Having some fun at Westfield. Join us on Sunday, June 14 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Until then check out this new video...

Number 5 Company, Crown Forces North America depicts British Army infantrymen from 1815. Its members are drawn from War of 1812 re-enacting units across southern Ontario who will be travelling to Belgium in June to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. They are here today to help prepare for their trip by performing authentic early 19th century military drill and musket firings.

This year is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte returned from exile, marshalled his French forces and again threatened Europe. The British and their Prussian allies together defeated the French on the rain soaked farm fields of Belgium near Brussels on the 18th of June.

There probably weren’t many Canadians, if any, in the British forces at Waterloo in 1815, but in the 200th anniversary re-enactment of the battle over 100 Canadian re-enactors will join the British Forces. In preparation for the expedition, members of Number 5 Company of the Crown Forces North America will be training at Westfield Heritage Village in Hamilton near Rockton. The members of Number 5 Company come from Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton. They have been training together as a unit at Fort York and Fort George since January. All 16 of the red coated soldiers in the Company portray infantry and are members of various British, War of 1812, re-enactment regiments.

At Westfield, on Sunday the 24th, they will be practicing early 19th century battle drill, manoeuvres, and tactics. The uniforms they wear and the weapons they use, are exactly the same as the British equipment of the period. The re-enacted Battle of Waterloo will be fought on the same ground as the original battle and will be the largest Napoleonic era battle re-enactment ever held with over 5000 infantry, cavalry and artillery on the field.

Members of the public are welcome to visit Westfield Heritage Village on the 24th and witness the soldiers of Number 5 Company practice. There will be demonstrations of black powder musketry and members of the re-enactment group will be pleased to answer questions and discuss Napoleonic era battle tactics.

Westfield is a stunning collection of over 30 historical buildings which has made Westfield one of the most interesting historical destinations in Ontario. Carefully restored and staffed with costumed interpreters, the buildings capture the true charm and spirit of early Canadian culture. Westfield is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road (formerly Regional Road 552), off Highway 8 in Rockton. For more information, call 519-621-8851 or e-mail: westfield@speedway.ca Westfield is open Sundays and holidays from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. April to October. Special events run from March to December, hours may vary.

Conducted by Hamilton Philharmonic Cellist Marsha Moffitt, the Mercoledi Strings Orchestra performed at Westfield for a large and appreciative crowd on Victoria Day. This was the orchestra's third performance at Westfield.