Heritage lovers, this one’s for you! Feb. 17 to 23 marks Heritage Week in Ontario, a time to celebrate the province’s rich history—from architecture and archaeology to cultural traditions and beyond. Here in Belleville, both Heritage Belleville and Glanmore National Historic Site are hosting special events to honour the occasion.
An Evening of Heritage at UpFront Café
Kick off the celebrations on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. at UpFront Café (313 Front St.), where Heritage Belleville will host a free event recognizing this year’s Heritage Revitalization Award winners.
Local author and historian Connie Carson will also be in attendance, reading an excerpt from her latest book, Facades on Front. If you love Belleville’s historic downtown, you won’t want to miss it! A book signing will follow.
Step Into the Past with Glanmore’s “Museum Chats”
Glanmore National Historic Site is offering a series of fascinating “Museum Chats” throughout the week. These informal presentations, led by museum staff, cover everything from heirloom preservation to the questionable choices of Victorian-era innovation (think arsenic and mercury in everyday life!).
Here’s what’s happening:
📅 Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. – Wedgewood Designed for Canada
📅 Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. – Preserving Your Heirlooms: Keeping Materials Safe for the Long-Term
📅 Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. – From Attic to Basement
📅 Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. – Bad Victorian Ideas: Arsenic, Mercury, and Lead… Oh My!
💡 Note: Regular museum admission applies. The chats take place on Glanmore’s lower level, so if you have mobility concerns, reach out to staff in advance for assistance.
A Special Screening for Hockey Fans
Hockey history buffs—this one’s for you! On Friday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m., Glanmore will host a special screening of Celebrating Hockey History: The Story of the 1958/59 Belleville McFarlands World Champion Hockey Team at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre.
🎟 Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at Glanmore.ca.
Don’t Miss Out on Heritage Week in Belleville!
Whether you’re passionate about local history, fascinated by Victorian oddities, or just love a good hockey story, there’s something for everyone during Heritage Week in Belleville. Mark your calendars and take part in celebrating the city’s rich past!
