Canada at War Day held at county museum

ABOYNE – Canada at War Day is running at the Wellington County Museum and Archives on July 24.

The event features a variety of guest presenters, war re-enactors and veterans.

Topics discussed will include the First World War, Indigenous warrior culture, and veterans' post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“These things have an impact on our history,” said Kyle Smith, activity programmer at the museum.

He added the event will cover as much of Canada’s war history as possible and include a wide array of presentations.

The event has been held in past years, typically for students in grades 7 to 10, but it hasn’t been able to run recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Museum staffers are eager to bring it back as it’s an important event, said Smith.

Unlike previous years, this year's event is open to the public and anyone aged 12 and up can register to attend (organizers say the event does include some "heavy" themes).

Tickets are $10 plus HST, and are available for the purchase on the museum website.

Museum staff are working to make sure this event runs, accommodating COVID-19 protocols.

Maximum capacity is 175, divided between a morning session at 9:30am and an afternoon session at 1pm.

Each sessions will see about five presentations.

“We’re going to be following all public health guidelines as best we can,” said Smith.

He added organizers are asking for patience as they navigate COVID-19 procedural changes.