(News Release)
Discovery Harbour
in Ontario plans an exceptional season in its continuing Celebration of Peace as part of
the War of 1812 Anniversary, with landmark legacy projects well underway.
A key focal point
is the construction of the fascinating new H.M.S.Tecumseth Centre, which is scheduled
to open to the public in August.
This impressive
new facility, connected to the existing North Visitor Centre, will house and
protect the carefully stabilized original 1815 hull remains of H.M.S. Tecumseth, plus a new permanent exhibit
on the history of the Penetanguishene Naval Establishment and its link to the
War of 1812.
The new exhibits will display numerous “never before seen” artifacts from the site’s
19th century history including the original 1815 clear-glass deck
lights from H.M.S. Tecumseth plus a
wide array of intriguing items including a powder flask, period coins, a brass
platter stamped with the King’s mark, compasses, a carronade, a ship’s anchor,
and even a rum bottle and flask.
Key
historical personalities from the site’s history will also be explored through
displays and a digital touchscreen, including Naval Hydrographer Henry
Bayfield, Captain Samuel Roberts, and Chief Tecumseh. The site’s historical chronology will be
vividly shared in a timeline exhibit, including the raising of the original Tecumseth hull in 1953. “When opened in August, the new H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre will be unique in
Canada and truly serve as a dynamic visitor area to permanently showcase the
site’s 19th century story and its ties with the history of
Penetanguishene, the region, and other heritage sites throughout Ontario”,
noted Jan Gray, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks.
Many activities
will also be offered on the historic site for the season. Themed War of 1812 Tours will be given by costumed
staff beginning May 21, as well as two new War of 1812 Education Programs for
visiting school groups. In addition to
deck tours aboard the schooner Bee, the
public will be able to enjoy visiting the magnificent replica ship H.M.S. Tecumseth (124’) at dockside, which has
now been completely furnished below-decks based on the original ship’s 1815
log. Great new areas to see include the
Captain’s room, cargo hold, bread room, and Pilot’s room. Available free with site admission in May and
June, Audio Tour Wands will provide a personalized tour of the picturesque historic
site in English, French, German, and Spanish.
Visitors can also look forward to the spectacular Tall Ships ® 1812 Tour event the weekend of August 24-25. As part of
this event, Discovery Harbour will be welcoming the American Tall Ships Lynx and Friends Good Will to the King’s Wharf, where they and their
uniformed crews can be visited at dockside by the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
both days.
Also during the event weekend
at Discovery Harbour Canadian folk artists TAMARACK will perform, featuring
songs with War of 1812 themes. Local artists ARIKA will share English and
French tunes, and popular musicians Jill et les Bucherons, Vince Therrien, and
The Salty Sailor Singers will delight crowds each day. Fun family activities on
the historic site will include a “make a model ship” craft, making sailors’
lanyards, quill pen writing, and a chance to participate in historic drill.
Discovery
Harbour will be open Tuesday to
Saturday beginning May 21 to Saturday June 29, and seven days a week June 30 to
September 1. NEW this year, the historic
site will also be open Thursday to Sunday from September 5 to 8 and from
September 12 to 15. For further information visit hhp.on.ca, or call 705 526-7838.
Discovery Harbour is
operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction
of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
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