I have to admit that because I was born in England and attended High School there, the history that I studied was of course English History and sadly I am not familiar with Canadian History and don’t know much about the history of our area. That is of course until this weekend when I was happy to have had some time to stop by the 1784 Celebration that has been happening in Lamoureux Park beside the Cornwall Community Museum.

The event began this past Friday (June 7th) and continues until 3pm today (Sunday (June 9th) so if you haven’t checked it out – Today is the last day to do so – come and learn about the history of our community.

Planning for this event began last Fall and it celebrates the 240th anniversary of the Loyalist settlers founding New Johnstown (now Cornwall)  and the Royal Townships (now SD&G and the Counties of Leeds and Grenville).

I stopped by on Friday to check out more than 25 local history and heritage organizations that were setup in The Heritage Village Museum tent and I was happy to find a booth about the British Home Children as I have tried a few times to find the museum located along Highway #2. At the booth was a beautiful quilt and the maker of this quilt explained the meaning of each square to me.

Throughout the tent there was an abundance of information in the form of displays and presentations and outside Living Historians have rebuilt the New Johnstown settlement so you can experience the hardships of living in our community back in 1784.

The Cornwall Community Museum is also open throughout the celebrations. Even after the celebrations have ended this afternoon, for more information about the history of our area please visit the Museum, located at 160 Water Street West. Regular opening hours are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 am to 4 pm, Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 pm and Saturday 9 am to 4pm. Visit today and for detailed information online about the history behind the 1784 event visit: www.1784.ca

During the evening, Friday and Saturday there was entertainment at the Bandshell and on Friday evening I stopped by to enjoy some energetic Francophone Entertainment by Louis Racine Group. Despite the dark skies and raindrops most of the benches were filled with toe tapping music lovers.

If you haven’t already stopped by to take in the 1784 Celebrations, you still have time to do so today til 3pm, but hurry!

Today’s Schedule is as follows:

10 am – Heritage Village opens.

10 am – Parade to Church Service.

10 am – Living History Encampment opens.

1 pm – Military Tactical Manoeuvres.

3 pm – Closing

Presentation Stage in Heritage Village Tent:

10 am to 11 am

“Exploring 18th Century Apothecaries; Women’s Healthcare and Midwifery”, by Anne-Marie Russel

Step into the captivating world of 18th-century apothecaries amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the American Revolution. Explore the vital role of apothecaries as custodians of health and wellness with their intricate practice of medicine. Understand the practices of general health and reproductive care, illuminating the intimate intersection of medicine and society. Join us on a journey through time, where apothecaries not only healed bodies but also shaped the course of history.

11 AM to 12 PM
“Why Some Remained Loyal”, by David Moore

David Moore, leader of the recreated King’s Royal Regiment of New York, will present an examination of the root reasons for the continued loyalty of loyalist men, and women, during the course of the war, despite substantial pressure from rebel administrators to support the newly established colonial government.

12 PM to 1 PM
“The History and Role of Chocolate in the 18th Century”, by Michele Gabrielson

Chocolate played an essential role in the pivotal events leading up to and throughout the American Revolution. Historian and educator Michele Gabrielson of Claus’ Rangers will discuss the process of the cultivation and distribution of cacao, as well as its economic, social, and cultural impact.

2 PM to 3 PM

“The Loyalists: Lies, Legends, and Levity”, by Murray Barkley

The Loyalists of the American Revolution not only suffered persecution and exile but were frequently consigned to oblivion or unfairly vilified by their Patriot rivals, whose descendants prolonged the struggle with pen and paper for decades. This perceived misrepresentation led Canadians of Loyalist descent or persuasion to spin their legends, frequently linked to Canada’s heroic defense in the War of 1812, thus underscoring much of 19th and early 20th-century Canadian nationalism.