Stratford’s Heritage Weekend presents Reflections of 1945, a commemoration of 70 years since the end of World War II June 6-7

(News Release)

Stratford, ON -- Stratford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II June 6 -7 with a weekend of events reflecting life in 1945 in Stratford and around the world.
 

Stratford Cenotaph

Come and see a Holocaust Survivor photo exhibit, Perth County War Brides exhibit, Ladies of the CNR dramatic vignette, an Anne Frank exhibit and a Remembering 1945 concert along with heritage walks, cycling tours and home tours.


Doors Open Stratford kicks off the weekend with the grand opening of the Stratford-Perth Archives Saturday, June 6 at 9:30 am. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., everyone is invited to visit some of Stratford’s finest landmarks and share our WWII stories at 12 sites including the Cenotaph, designed by Walter Seymour Allward, one of Canada’s most prominent sculptors. Admission is free. A map and brochure are available at www.visitstratford.ca/doorsopen.


Explore Stratford’s and Canada’s connections to the Netherlands and the role Canadian soldiers played in liberating Holland at the Anne Frank exhibit at Stratford Perth Museum. Stop by the Dutch Memorial on Huron Street (at William Street) to see a token of appreciation and visit Gallery Stratford presenting a poignant photo exhibition titled The Ghosts That Haunt Us: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors by Jason Schwartz. 



The changed lives of women during WWII are reflected in a dramatic vignette, Ladies of the CNR at the University of Waterloo and the Perth County War Brides display at the City Hall. 


A special concert, Remembering 1945 in Song and Word is presented by author and Stratford native, Bruce Woods along with 29 talented musicians, a student choir from Anne Hathaway School and narrated accounts by Mr. Woods Saturday at St. Andrew’s Church. 


“Community partners have embraced this significant commemoration reflecting on the events of 1945 bringing the personal stories of those that served our country to life, especially at the Royal Canadian Legion, Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans and The Armoury,” states Cathy Rehberg, Stratford Tourism Alliance. 


Also taking place during the weekend are Ghosts of Stratford walking tours lead by costumed Playmakers! Theatre School guides on Friday and Saturday evening, an antique tractor and World War II memorabilia display at Stratford Antique Warehouse, Heritage residential walk and tour of three homes presented by ACO-Stratford Perth County Branch on Sunday along with guided walking and cycling tours. 


Stratford Heritage Weekend and Doors Open Stratford is facilitated by the Stratford Tourism Alliance with support from MacLeods Scottish Shop, Stratford Perth Heritage Foundation, the City of Stratford and volunteers from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario-Stratford Perth County branch, Heritage Stratford and the Stratford-Perth Archives along with community volunteers and generous site owners. Many events and tours are free. 


For more information about Stratford Heritage Weekend events go to www.visitstratford.ca/doorsopen


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