Fun activities await you at the Canadian Museum of Civilization during Winterlude

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Gatineau, Quebec, December 11, 2012 — The Canadian Museum of Civilization has some exciting activities planned for visitors of all ages during Winterlude 2013.

Throughout the three weekends of Winterlude, families are invited to turn off technology, slow down and Explore the Wintry Side of History, by taking a stroll through the Museum. There they will discover how Canadians have come to embrace winter and how snow and sub-zero temperatures contributed to the evolution of winter sports from Victorian society to modern times.

Visitors can Explore the Arctic through the Eyes of Diamond Jenness by attending a talk by biographer Barnett Richling. From New Guinea to the Arctic and beyond, Dr. Richling weaves an intriguing story about one of Canada’s foremost anthropologists, Diamond Jenness—a man who joined the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913–1918. Richling’s collection of tales and images may make you want to venture north yourself.

The Museum is also pleased to invite visitors to Uncorked! — a truly unique wine-tasting experience. Thanks to a partnership with L’Amicale des Sommeliers du Québec (Outaouais sector) and Les Brasseurs du Temps, guests are invited to sip and savour their way through Canada Hall. Savvy sommeliers and microbrewers, Museum curators and Executive Chef Martin De Board will be on hand to share little-known facts about the history of winemaking and how this traditional art is being reshaped in the twenty-first century.

Also in February children can create their very own aurora borealis in the Children’s Museum.

Explore the Wintry Side of History
February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18
From 1 to 4 p.m.
Canada Hall
Cozy up in the New France Inn and try on eighteenth-century winter attire used, not only to keep out the cold, but also to show off one’s social status and protect a woman’s modesty. Learn about the wives of lumber shanty workers while churning and tasting your own butter. Make a thaumatrope—a popular toy that helped to pass the long winter days and saunter into the Wildcat Cafe, originally located in frosty Yellowknife, for some hot chocolate and poetry.

 Exploring the Arctic through the Eyes of Diamond Jenness
A talk by biographer Dr. Barnett Richling
Sunday, February 10, 2013
From 2 to 3 p.m.
After his participation in the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913–1918, Diamond Jenness spent the next two years visiting, trading, travelling and living with the Copper Inuit, which blossomed into a lifetime passion of learning about Canada’s First Peoples. Dr. Barnett’s book In Twilight and in Dawn: A Biography of Diamond Jenness recounts Jenness’ adventures which made a lasting contribution to twentieth-century anthropology and the Museum of Civilization.

  Uncorked!
Wine Tasting at the Museum
Friday, February 15, 2013
6 and 7:30 p.m. (English)
6:45 and 8:15 p.m. (French)
France is the world’s largest wine producer, tracing its winemaking history back to Roman times. France introduced the concept of “terroir” as well as regional appellation systems that categorize wine production and grape varieties into geographically defined regions. As you enter eastern Canada and make your way through Acadian farmlands to the Canada Hall’s New France Inn, you will sample and compare regional flavours and see how wine is deeply ingrained in French culture at almost every level of society. Although its wine industry is in growing competition with those of many other countries, France remains the inspiration for winemaking practices adopted worldwide. Tickets, $55 or $50 for Museum members, will be available online at www.historymuseum.ca/winetasting or by phone at 819-776-7000 as of December 15. Space is limited. You must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

 Handmade Fun! Aurora Borealis REMIXED
February 1 and February 3 to 28
Until 4 p.m. daily
Thursdays until 7 p.m.
Canadian Children’s Museum Studio
Create your very own aurora borealis as you test your balance and get creative using marbles and paint. See you in the Studio!

To celebrate Family Day on Monday, February 21, the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum will offer free admission to children under the age of 18 who are accompanied by an adult (limited to one child per adult).

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is located right next to Jacques-Cartier Park and it offers activities that will warm your hands and hearts after sledding or skating on the Rideau Canal.

More information is available at www.historymuseum.ca or by calling 819-776-7000 or
1-800-555-5621.

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