Culture Days on tap at the museum

ALISON LANGLEY

The Niagara Falls History Museum has a vast collection of artifacts, many of which are not on public display.

To mark national Culture Days, however, the museum is offering a rare behind-thescenes tour of the Ferry Street facility.

“In the past, we had offered free admission during Culture Days but we wanted to take it to the next step,” said Clark Bernat, the city’s manager of culture and museums.

From this Friday to Sunday, visitors will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the museum’s repository and storage area to see some of the items not currently on display such as a large collection of artwork.

“Our curatorial team will take people down and see what else we have in public trust and learn the stories behind some of the artifacts and why we collect what we collect,” Bernat said.

Tours will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis up to a maximum of 20 people per tour.

Founded in 2009, Culture Days is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a national network of cultural connections

Want to go?

What: Culture Days at the Niagara Falls History Museum Where: 5810 Ferry St. When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to provide Canadians with opportunities to participate in all forms of arts and culture.

“It’s incredible how Culture Days has been adopted in so many corners of the country by artists and creators, organizations, communities and cities as a vehicle to celebrate and share their creative talents, programs and cultural traditions with their fellow citizens,” said David Moss, Culture Days national executive director.

More than 8,000 Culture Days activities are scheduled to take place across the country, including at locations in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland.

In Queenston, for example, Willowbank will host the three-day Stonesthrow Stone Festival featuring a free artisan fair, live music as well as demonstrations.

For a full list of events, visit www.culturedays.ca. alangley@sunmedia.com