Elgin County’s new Heritage Centre hosted a Family Day Medieval Day on February 19th. Visitors turned out to pack the “castle” and experience some of the activities of medieval times.

One of Canada’s largest and most iconic sculptures – a massive steam locomotive pulling a coal car, a passenger car and a caboose – took its place today as the westerly gateway to St. Thomas.

With the installation nearly complete, creator Scott McKay grinned widely, “It went up without any problems or surprises.” The impressive sculpture will, however, surely be a surprising treat for those coming upon it as they use the west end roundabout.

Volunteers, homeowners and businesses presented the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives 16th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes November 17th and 18th. Stops included four homes as well as the Museum with opportunity to view the "Memories of Main Street" Exhibit, enter for prizes and try some treats and samples. The tour is the Museum's biggest fundraising event of the year.

In connection with its current exhibit Relive Expo67 the Elgin County Museum hosted a National Day on October 28, similar to those held for participating countries at Expo67. Community groups representing Germany, England and Colombia shared their treasures and traditions.

On Saturday October 28th, a new Memorial Park was opened in downtown St. Thomas. A memorial to the Afghanistan War was unveiled by the Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor for the Province of Ontario. The Park brought together the Great War Memorial formerly located at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, the WWII Korea Cenotaph and the new Afghanistan War memorial.

Elgin County Railway Museum presented the St. Thomas "Calamity City" Haunted Walk on the evenings of October 6th and 7th. The walks led several groups along a downtown path from the Railway Museum to the Princess Ave Playhouse where they learned a little of St. Thomas' railway history, including the story behind a tragic accident in 1887. Coordinated by Lori and Doug Sands, restless spirits with stories to tell made appearances along the way - they were played by several volunteers from the Elgin County Railway Museum and the Elgin Theatre Guild.

Several organizations in St. Thomas and Elgin County enthusiastically joined in the national Culture Days celebration September 29th to October 1st 2017.  They invited public participation in well over fifty events at many locations. Find photos below from a few of Saturday's activities.

Rural history and rural roots came to life on September 9th and 10th at the annual Farm Show in the heart of the Talbot Settlement. A variety of activities provided opportunity for all, including kids to learn about heritage skills. Above Julie and son Ashton took part in one of the many hands-on activities offered during the sunny weekend.  Below, some scenes from Saturday at the show.

Port Stanley’s harbour has been an essential part of the village since 1827 when the first schooner was launched. On August 5th to 7th members of Heritage Port Stanley guided interested groups on a narrated walk to learn about this fascinating history. They shared information on the history of shipping and commercial fishing, the story of the tragedy that occurred during the construction of the lift bridge and how the harbour has changed over time from the lift bridge to the lighthouse. Photos below are from the Sunday tour.

Many men from Elgin County enlisted in the American Civil War and the farmers of the Talbot Settlement profited from selling goods to the Union. For the Backus-Page House first ever Civil War Re-enactment, July 29th and 30th, Union and Confederate soldiers had weapons demonstrations, afternoon battles, and more. Some scenes from Saturday below ...