Women's Exhibition in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Museum exhibition looks at history through the eyes of women

The Niagara Historical Museum is declaring 2009 “The Year of the Women of Niagara” with a summer exhibition, Through Their Eyes, which focuses on the stories of the women who shaped this town.

The growth of Niagara-on-the-Lake required the resourcefulness, survival tactics and perseverance of women. Women’s lives were shaped by their class, ethnicity, race, religion and age. Although little is known about a majority of the women in the town and township, Through Their Eyes explores the influence and impact of a few of Niagara’s women such as Hannah Hamilton, Janet Carnochan and Elizabeth Ascher. Visitors will witness the actions, work and influence of these individuals in the shaping of a country.

Through displays of photographs, clothing and personal items, the exhibition takes a look at the roles of working women, at women and war, and at the formation of organizations by women.

“Many women in town found their calling through the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, the Women’s Institute or temperance Societies. These organizations created community bonds between women, but also addressed the issues of the poor at home and abroad, the welfare of others and patriotism. It was through these organizations that women were able to tackle the issues that were important to them,” explains Clark Bernat, Managing Director of the Museum.

Through Their Eyes will be on display from April 1st to September 30, 2009. A monthly lecture series will accompany the exhibition beginning in March, with lectures being held the third Thursday of each month until September.

The Museum is located at 43 Castlereagh Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake and is open daily 1pm–5 pm from November to April, and 10am-5pm from May through October. For more information please visit www.niagarahistorical.museum or call 905-468-3912.