BRUCE COUNTY – Throughout the summer and fall, get ready to hold on tight while exploring earthquakes and tsunamis when you visit “When the Earth Shakes.” This new exhibit at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre will take little explorers and their families on a journey through a variety of interactive elements while learning interesting and fun facts about the Earth.
Can you sound like an earthquake? How quickly can you assemble a map of the Earth? Think like an engineer and design, build, and test structures to see if they would survive an earthquake. Check out the 16-foot tsunami tank to see storm waves crashing on a beach. This travelling exhibition was developed by Sciencentre in Ithaca, New York, with funding from National Science Foundation and the National Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation. “When the Earth Shakes” is open until Nov. 6, 2021.
Join Jim the Geoscientist on select Saturdays when you can ask him everything you ever wanted to know about the Earth and earthquakes and what it’s like to be a geoscientist! Be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss Jim!
Spend some time investigating “Earth’s Climate in the Balance,” a digital exhibit that looks at the big picture on climate change – What is it really? Did you know that we’ve always had climate change on Earth? In fact, there has been 4.6 billion years of change! “Earth’s Climate in the Balance” not only looks at the history of climate on our planet but also inspires the public to ask, “So what’s next? And what can I do?”
Over the past year, the BCM&CC collection’s team has worked to refurbish an original Millstone, one of a pair that was used at Benjamin Shantz’s Mill located on Mill Creek in Port Elgin. The mill, erected where early settlers Kennedy and Butchart had tried to start a mill, and the surrounding lots, were purchased by Shantz in 1853. This millstone, along with its mate, was brought from Scotland in 1854 and the mill began operation in 1855. Now you can explore this piece of Bruce County history and learn more about this Millstone in “The Last Frontier.” Proudly presented by Port Elgin and District Lions Club.
Have you heard about the Southampton Long Dock, but never got to experience walking on it? Journey back in time using the museum’s Cultural Cube to a time when the Southampton Long Dock was still in use. Located on the third floor, step inside the Cultural Cube and take a selfie that will make it look like you travelled back in time and are standing on the dock! Don’t forget to share your selfies on social media and tag the BCM&CC.
There is even more to explore at the BCM&CC with daily programs which include:
Wildlife Wednesdays: On select Wednesdays join animal sanctuary Speaking of Wildlife when they present interactive, live animal shows. Come learn about different animal species, their adaptations, habitat conservation efforts, and how you can help! There are two shows daily and space is limited so arrive early.
Lego Fridays: Learn, build and play with LEGO® and DUPLO®! BCM&CC will supply individually bagged and sanitized bricks; you supply the imagination for their weekly-themed contests from 10 a.m. to noon.
Saturdays @ the Movies: Kick back and relax in the air-conditioned Bruce Power Theatre with this summer’s lineup of new release movies not yet seen in theatres! Enjoy a family-friendly movie on the big screen each Saturday; there are two showings daily and tickets are first-come, first-served, as seating is limited.
It’s also a great time to purchase or renew a museum membership. From now until Aug. 31, 2021, when you renew or purchase a museum membership you will receive an additional three months of membership for free. That is more time to explore Bruce County history, receive discounts for programs and events, and to visit four more area museums.
The BCM&CC is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Discover more, reserve your visit, and plan your journey through Bruce County history at brucemuseum.ca.
