The Yorkton Branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society invites you to join them at Heritage Day, Sunday, February 15 from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. at the Western Development Museum in Yorkton. “The theme set out by Heritage Canada The National Trust for 2015 is “Main Street: At The Heart Of The Community.” This year’s theme was chosen to recognize the rich social and economic history that the venues of our Main Street contribute to the community as a whole.”
Log on to www.heritagecanada.org and click on “Heritage Day” on the home page. You can learn more about this year’s theme. The site explains: “Our Main Streets and traditional downtowns are a heritage worth celebrating. As venues for commerce, entertainment, worship, shopping and more, they speak volumes about a community’s social and economic history.
Downtowns have long been places where families and friends gather to shop, enjoy parades and fireworks, and where communities commemorate milestones. Providing a rich and textured backdrop are the historic buildings that line our main streets: landmark post offices and places of worship, commercial architecture with enticing display windows, and homegrown shops and cafés that together create a vibrant mix of services and use.”
Think back to our pioneers getting settled in their new way of life. “Going to town” was probably one of highlights of their entire year. Not only would they be able to conduct necessary business and buy supplies, but they could see so many friends and neighbors that they might not see otherwise in their busy day-to-day lives. It was a welcome and exciting break from the hard work and isolation that many of them experienced.
Please do check out the wonderful Heritage Canada website; their mandate is “Heritage Canada The National Trust, formerly the Heritage Canada Foundation, is a national charity that inspires and leads action to save historic places, and promotes the care and wise use of our historic environment. Our sites, projects and programs enhance community and quality of life and inspire Canadians to identify, conserve, use, celebrate and value their heritage buildings, landscapes, natural areas and communities for present and future generations.”
Also very important for anyone doing genealogy is a visit to our wonderful Western Development Museum. Here you will gain added insight into the trials and tribulations that our ancestors faced, as well as the astounding progress and innovation that they made in their new homeland. You will see the many cultures that came together to form the rich patchwork of heritage and traditions that make up prairie people. It is an amazing place to explore and learn for people of all ages. Visit their website at www.wdm.ca or best of all, visit the Museum in person and experience the “Story Of People”.
The Yorkton Genealogy Society welcomes new members at any stage of research, whether you are just beginning your family tree or are a seasoned time-traveler. For more information call Glenn at (306) 782-7969. Every family has a story: discover yours with the Yorkton Genealogy Society
