International Museum Day with the Seaspray Lace Guild

English: Making bobbin lace in Dubrovnik (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

May 18^th is International Museum Day and the Fredericton Region Museum will be celebrating with the Seaspray Lace Guild!

They will be demonstrating the art of pillow or bobbin lace at the museum from 1 to 4pm.  Come and try your hand or watch the lace makers at work on their pillows.  See what crossing and twisting thread can make.

For more information about this beautiful art, visit the Seaspray website.

ADMISSION BY DONATION – MAY 18TH ONLY!!

Children’s Programs at the Fredericton Region Museum!

This summer, the Fredericton Region Museum has lots of fun children’s programs lined up! They will be taking place every Tuesday and Thursday (2:00-4:00) throughout July and August, with a different exciting theme each week! Each program has a cost of $5.00 per child. 

Canadian Secret Agents
Age: 5+
Dates: July 2nd & 4th, 2013
Sign up to become a Canadian spy from World War II. Learn about Camp X, Canada’s secret spy school, and real Canadian secret agents. Undergo some spy training and partake in a mission!

Queen Victoria’s Underpants
Age: 5+
Dates: July 9th & 11th, 2013
Hear the story of Queen Victoria and her role in making underwear so popular. Learn about the history of underwear and make some paper dolls to take home!

Hop into History
Age: 5+
Dates: July 16th & 18th, 2013
Visit our most popular frog at the museum! Listen to stories about the Coleman Frog, play games, and make some fun crafts.

Chocolate Bar Wars
Age: 5+
Dates: July 23rd & 25th, 2013
All based around the history of the Fredericton chocolate bar wars of 1945! Children will learn about the chocolate bar boycotting done by Fredericton’s youngest generation, and will even get to make their own chocolate bars to take home!

History of Toys
Age: 5+
Dates: July 30th & August 1st, 2013
Come and see our collection of toys at the museum and make some old-fashioned toys to take home!

War of 1812
Age: 5+
Dates: August 6th & 8th, 2013
Learn about New Brunswick’s role in the War of 1812 and make a cool craft to take home!

A Fashionable History of Make-Up and Body Decoration
Age: 5+
Dates: August 13th & 15th, 2013
Discover what people have considered beautiful throughout history. Also learn about how people have used war paint, face painting, and tattoos.

A History of Fashionable Hairstyles
Age: 5+
Dates: August 20th & 22nd, 2013
Hairstyles of men and women have changed over the years. Come explore the history of hairstyles and of course moustaches and wigs!

Become a Curator
Age: 12+
Dates: August 27th & 29th, 2013
Hands-on cataloguing program for children – Learn what it means to be a museum curator and how to handle artefacts!

Follow this link to register your kids for any of these awesome programs! http://www.frederictonregionmuseum.com/content/218155

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by phone at (506)455-6041 or by e-mail at yorksunbury@nb.aibn.com

Fredericton Region Museum’s 6th Annual Colouring Contest

Thank you, Joshua, for colouring a sword plate picture to use on the blog!

In commemoration of New Brunswick’s role in the War of 1812, the Fredericton Region Museum and the York Sunbury Historical Society are having a colouring contest.  Children are invited to colour a picture of a Sword Belt Plate that belonged to Lieutenant William Barry Phair of the 104^th Regiment and courtesy of the New Brunswick Museum. Children may also colour picture of a member of the 104^th based on a work by artist, Derek Fitz James.

Prizes will be awarded on the basis of creativity to children in the following age groups:

A) Preschool  B) Kindergarten through Grade 2  C) Grade 3 through Grade 5

1) Print and colour a page (or pick one up at the museum).
2) Fill out your name, grade/age, and phone number on the back of the page. (Please be careful not to include any personal information, such as name or phone number on the front of the page as the artwork will be displayed at the museum).
3) Drop your masterpiece off at the museum for a chance to win some great prizes!

The contest runs from May 4 through July 1, 2013.  Entries will be on display at the museum during the contest and up to a week after.  Winners will have two weeks after notification to pick up their prize.  The contest is not open to employees of the Fredericton Region Museum or their immediate family.

104th Soldier Download (PDF – 1206 kb)

104th Sword Plate Download (PDF 529 kb)

Local Artist Publishes History Picture Book

Sheffield: A Place in Time by Linda J. Bartlett

Linda J. Bartlett is excited to announce the upcoming publication of her book, Sheffield:  A Place in Time in May 2013.  The self-published book showcases over 60 original works of art illustrating the built heritage of Sheffield, New Brunswick.

Linda has been painting for more than forty years.  She received her training from the Saint John Vocational school, where she nurtured her passion for painting.  Her favoured subjects include historical locations in New Brunswick, architectural subjects and countryside landscapes.  Her interest in New Brunswick history and the 250th anniversary of this area are the inspiration for this publication.  Contact the Fredericton Region Museum for more information.

The books will be $12 each and available for purchase from Linda, at the Fredericton Region Museum (571 Queen Street, Fredericton) or by mail order with postage charges extra.

From Our Collection: Autograph Book

The cover of Jessie Hill’s autograph book (1991.8.1)

Managing a large collection can be both challenging and rewarding.  I’m fortunate to have several amazing summer students and volunteers who work at the Fredericton Region Museum.  Without them, we would never be able to keep up with the many objects that have been donated to the museum over the years.  The Chair of our Collections Committee, Brian, is one of the hardest working volunteers that I have met.  He has been working with our archival collection and has done an amazing job organizing it and unearthing many treasures.

Occasionally, Brian drops by the office with an item that needs to be researched and leaves it with me.  Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of time to devote to research but when he handed me this little green autograph book, I couldn’t resist.  I had to see if I could find out more about it.

Each artefact in the collection has a file that includes a catalogue worksheet, pictures and copies of research that may have been completed.  My favourite files are thick and full of information but this file was neither.  Using the information that was in the file and I learned that the Autograph Book was donated in 1991 by Mrs. Marion Hanson and assigned number 1991.8.1.  A note on the catalogue worksheet said that the book belonged to Jessie Hill.

“Jessie, That you may be good & happy is the sincere wish of your mother, Christmas 1877”

When I opened the book, I noticed that the first inscription in the book says,

“Jessie,
That you may be good & happy is the sincere wish of your mother
Christmas 1877”

The book must have been a Christmas gift to Jessie from her mother.

After much digging, I found the following information:

HILL:  Charles E. born circa 1829, listed in the 1871 census as a mill owner and merchant, married Mary Susie, born circa 1839:

Children:

• Neil Balfour, born circa 1855 in Milltown, died 11 January 1921 in Nashwaaksis, York County, married 11 November 1914, Mary E. Bailey of Nashwaaksis, York County
• Mary Todd, born circa 1857, married James Stewart Neill
• Jessie Maria
• Marshall James, born circa 1864

Charles E. Hill is listed in the McAlpine’s York and Carleton Counties Directory for 1884-85 on page 40. The 1871 census lists him as a mill owner and merchant.

MORRISON:  Frank Inches, born 9 November 1857, Fredericton, New Brunswick, died 19 October 1909, Fredericton, New Brunswick son of John A. Morrison and Lucy Everett of Fredericton married 16 December 1886 Jessie Maria of Pokiok, New Brunswick, born 24 November 1860, died 6 April 1932, Fredericton, New Brunswick:

Children:

• Luke Stewart Morrison

MORRISON:  Luke Stewart, born 19 September 1888, Fredericton, New Brunswick,  married 19 September 1911, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Margaret MacDonald Wiley daughter of John McCausland Wiley and Margaret Anne MacDonald, born 9 July 1887, Fredericton, New Brunswick:

Children:

• Marion Hill, born 2 August 1912, Fredericton, New Brunswick, died 7 August 2009
• Frank Inches, 8 June 1914, Fredericton, New Brunswick, died 19 April 2005
• Margaret Anne, 23 February 1916, Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Jack
• Patricia

HANSON:  Horace Allen of Fredericton, New Brunswick, son of Benjamin M. Hanson and Henrietta Marion Allen, died 1985, married 21 September 1940, Marion Hill Morrison, born 2 August 1912, Fredericton, New Brunswick, died 7 August 2009

Children:

• John
• Patricia
• Richard
• Elizabeth

MARION MORRISON HANSON’S OBITUARY

I would love to know more about Jessie’s parents.  If anyone can assist with her genealogy, post your notes in the comments. 

Thank you!

Fredericton Region Museum Artist-In-Residence Program

The Fredericton Region Museum (FRM) is seeking applications for its 6 week summer artist-in-residence program.

About our Organization
The FRM was founded in 1934 by the York Sunbury Historical Society and has gained an enviable reputation over its 75+-year existence as a pre-eminent facility for the collection, storage and display of important New Brunswick historical objects, artefacts and records.  It has demonstrated, over the years, a consistent ability to acquire, look after and exhibit artefacts of high quality items, encompassing furniture, decorative arts and technology, aboriginal, military and archaeological artefacts, archival photographs, and papers, books and textiles.

Project Description
The FRM’s Artist in Residence program seeks to inspire artists with Fredericton’s diverse and rich heritage.  Art inspired by history can enhance connections between the museum and the public through its various forms.  The program is open to local artists, working in a visual media, whose work relates to Fredericton’s history.

The artist studio will be located in one of the main floor galleries.  During their six week residency, the artist will be expected to work in the studio allowing visitors access to view the creative process.  They will be expected to provide at least one of the following: a public lecture, a program geared towards the youth community or a workshop.  They will also agree to participate in media interviews intended to promote the program.  Artists are to provide their own working materials.

The FRM will provide a gallery in a heritage building (approximately 9.5’ x 14.6’) to be converted into a studio, artist stipend, advertising as well as two opportunities to showcase and sell their work, their existing artwork in the gallery during their residency and their new work at the end of it.

Essential Qualifications
The Artist-in-Residence will be a practicing artist with a portfolio of published or exhibited works.  Applications are accepted from visual artists and other creative individuals.

Dates of Residency
The residency is for July and August, with the Artist-in-Residence on site for 6 of the 8 weeks.  The exact dates within the residency are flexible and will be detailed in the signed agreement.

Hours of Residency
A minimum of 4 hours a day and five days each week, preferably in the afternoons plus Culture Crawl events.

Application Process
·  Current curriculum vitae, including exhibition record
·  Visual-work examples – jpeg format DVD, CD (image 300 dpi)
·  Short statement of interest and a description of work to be carried out during the residency.  The applicant should also describe why they wishes to do the residency, and what particular perspective they will bring to the program
·  Advice of your preference for either a workshop, a public lecture or a one session youth program;  in 2 to 3 lines provide an outline of the selected activity
·  Two artists may make a joint application, each submitting visuals and other information, if they are prepared to share the stipend and working space
·  Applications must be received by May 15, 2013 for summer residencies

Contact the FRM for more information.

This project is funded by the City of Fredericton Arts, Culture and Heritage Funding Program.

2013 Summer Student Employment Opportunities

Agricultural Exhibit at the Fredericton Region Museum (2010).

It is that time of year again.  The summer student grant application deadlines have come and gone and the Fredericton Region Museum has submitted applications to three organizations.  There is no guarantee that we will receive funding but if you are a university student and interested in working at the museum then you should be registered with SEED and Young Canada Works, as well, check out the Canada Summer Jobs website.  If any of the grants are approved then we will be updating the museum website and posting it to Facebook so check back on a regular basis!

We will not be approved for all grants so if you are interested in working at the Fredericton Region Museum during the summer then please apply for more than one position.  Interviews will be scheduled once funding commitments are received.

The Fredericton Region Museum has submitted student grant applications for the following positions (click the job title for details):

Young Canada Works
- Artefact Cataloguing Officer
- Manager of Education and Interpretation
- Museum Operations Coordinator

Canada Summer Jobs
- Development Assistant

SEED/PEP
-Collections Assistant
- Exhibits Officer and/or
- Public Program Officer

Application Process
Apply by May 1, 2013 in person to the Executive Director at 571 Queen Street or by mail / email if you are not in Fredericton (PO Box 1312, Stn A, Fredericton, NB E3B 5C8) during regular business hours.  Resumes received after a stipulated competition end date will not be considered.

It is preferred that applications are dropped off in person since we sometimes do a pre-interviews on the spot if time permits.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application should include a current resume, cover letter and 500 word writing sample.  Indicate in your cover letter how you meet the granting agencies qualifications.

If you are applying for a Young Canada Works position, fill out the on-line profile.

March 2013 Newsletter

New Exhibit Coming Soon!!; Upcoming Programs; Do you have a passion for history?; From Our Collection: Virginia Morrison; AGM & By-Law Amendments

Click here to download the PDF (9826 kb)

The York Sunbury Historical Society is now taking applications for a summer retail outlet!

Kirkbride Craft Store (2010)

The Fredericton Region Museum has a small space to share with an enterprising individual or individuals.  Located on the main floor, the summer retail outlet is at the second entrance on the north end of the museum building.  Consisting of two small rooms, the New Brunswick Craft Council rented the space during the summer months in 2010 and in 2011; Cavelle used the space as an art gallery and gave art lessons at the museum.

Our ideal neighbour would offer local, hand-made items, preferably with a heritage related twist.

Cavelle’s Art Gallery (2011)

Room Sizes
8’ 4” x 7’ 7”
Approximately 63 square feet

7’ 11” x 7’ 11”
Approximately 60 square feet

See Summer Retail Space picture gallery here.

If you are interested in operating a retail outlet at the FRM this summer, then read our guidelines and submit an application.

Frances Louisa King Sampler

Frances Louisa King Sampler

It was an exciting day at the Fredericton Region Museum!  After weeks of correspondence and hours of research, we received the Frances Louisa King sampler donated by Philip Johnstone Burpee of Alberta.  Thank you, Philip!

MCLEAN:  William Alexander born 14 Sep 1810, died 28 Sep 1864, son of Archibald McLean of Isle of Mull Scotland and Susan Drummond of Staten Island, NY, married Fanny Louise King of Fredericton, York County, born 25 Jun 181(?), died 1880:

Children:

• Margaret 1847
• Anna 1850
• Jessie 1853 married 15 February 1881, New Edinburgh, Ontario William McLean
• William 1855 married 1881 Barbara A Haines