By Staff
August 4th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
As the day draws to a close Burlington moves into the last long weekend this summer. The days following are Heritage Week, an opportunity to Celebrate Burlington’s History
The September long weekend doesn’t really count – the focus then is getting the kids ready for school.
Heritage Week events that are happening in Burlington Downtown …
Saturday, Aug. 5th from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony (St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 1382 Ontario St.)
In-person. No registration required.
Join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Indigenous Spiritual Healer White Eagle, Town Crier David Vollick, St. Luke’s priest in charge Reverend Michael Coren and other special guests at the circa 1834 St. Luke’s Anglican Church property as they formally launch Heritage Week. The ceremony will include a plaque presentation for the newest addition to the City’s Honour Roll of Trees, a special anniversary recognition event and other activities. Enjoy music by a quartet of the Burlington Symphony Orchestra who is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Saturday, Aug. 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (approximate end time)
Spencer Smith Park and Area Walking Tour
In-person and register at hb@burlington.ca.
St. Luke’s Anglican Church: One of the more direct links to Joseph Brant and the history of the city.
Alan Harrington of the Burlington Heritage Society will provide a memorable walking tour of the historic area surrounding St. Luke’s. The tour will highlight places of interest and the stories of several Burlington residents who left a lasting legacy with the community. Meet at the north side of the St. Luke’s Hall (1382 Ontario St.) by the cemetery gate. The tour will end at the Gazebo in Spencer Smith Park. Comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen or other weather-appropriate wear are recommended for your enjoyment.
Monday, Aug. 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stitching in History Quilt Exhibit (St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall)
In-person. No registration.
Take a walk through the world of quilts with the Halton Quilters Guild. See award-winning quilts through our history. Learn how quilts make a difference in our community (e.g. donations to our community partners, hospitals) and can build a community well beyond its boundaries. Watch demonstrations of quilt-making and have an opportunity to create something to take home. Donations accepted to the Burlington Food Bank and Compassion Society.
Monday, Aug. 7th from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (approximate end time)
Beachway Park Waterfront Trail Walking Tour
In-person and register at hb@burlington.ca. Parking lot fees may apply.
What was once a railway line is now a delightful walk from the western edge of Spencer Smith Park to the canal
Join Alan Harrington of the Burlington Historical Society on a walk from Spencer Smith Park to the Beach Canal/Lighthouse. Enjoy hearing stories along the route and looking at locations of interest. The beauty of the walk is much of it takes place in the shade along a paved trail. Hear about the history of this unique natural area and community. This walk will include the use of some modern technology; see how it can blend together with heritage. Meet by the clock next to the Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park at 1400 Lakeshore Rd. The walk will end at the canal bridge or may be extended to a visit to the outside of the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage on the southside of the bridge with the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group. Comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen or other weather appropriate wear are recommended for your enjoyment.
Tuesday, Aug. 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Museum open)
Movie screenings in Shoreline Room from 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
Museums of Burlington Exhibit and “The Eyes of Memory” Film Screening
(Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd. East)
In-person with a maximum of 40 people per screening time. Register online.
For Heritage Week, the travelling exhibit, Canada’s Waterscapes, will offer insights into our natural heritage. In the evening, step back in time and explore Burlington’s past with a film screening of “The Eyes of Memory”. Produced by Burlington-based film company Cinema 16, the film premiered in 1973 for Burlington’s Centennial celebrations. Regular Museum admission will apply to enter galleries when open during the day. Free evening movie screening with attendance including light refreshments and popcorn (while supplies last).
Thursday, Aug. 10th from 7pm to 9 p.m.
So You Think You Know Burlington Trivia Night
(Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio, 440 Locust St.)
In-person with a maximum of 160 participants. Register by clicking here.
Join Don Thorpe, Burlington Historical Society and David Craig, History Pix, for a fun evening of trivia about Burlington’s past and the characters that made it. Be ready to be surprised, possibly shocked and definitely to laugh as you decide whether to go with your first answer or your second answer. Come by yourself or with a group to compete to answer questions and win points for bragging rights for what you know.
Saturday, Aug. 12th from 1pm to 2 p.m.
The Weight of Clay Tour
(Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd.)
In-person. No registration.
Suzanne Carte, Senior Curator at the AGB
Join Suzanne Carte, Senior Curator as the AGB celebrates a milestone exhibition and programming series honouring the artists, curators, educators, volunteers and donors who have built the Gallery’s holdings and contributed to the intellectual growth of ceramics in Canada. Over the last 40 years, the AGB has amassed the largest comprehensive collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics in the world, totalling over 4,000 works. Check the gallery’s website at agb.life for other activities.
