Symmes Inn Museum launches summer programming with family activities

Greg Newing

 

The Symmes Inn Museum kicked off its summer programming during an outdoor opening event on Sunday June 5. Visitors to the museum were able to take photos in period costumes, enjoy games for children and visit an impressive quilt show on the museum grounds. Guests were also able to have tea and coffee in the museum’s garden while enjoying the summer weather.
The museum’s director general, Anyssa Doiron, explained that they have planned lots of exciting programming for the summer as the city gradually opens up. On July 17, 31 and August 28, the museum will be hosting “Les beaux dimanches au Musée” where visitors will be able to listen to classical concerts while being served tea outdoors. Doiron explained that this is the first year that the Symmes Inn Museum will be hosting this particular activity and hopes it will be a success.
—Old Aylmer Festival
During the Old Aylmer Festival on the weekend of August 13 – 15 the museum will also host the “Ode à la rivière des Outaouais” which will include an outdoor film screening of Le Club Vineland, an interactive theatre with “Live History”, and a live concert at the end of the weekend.
In addition to these events, the museum will also host a “Heritage Garden” summer camp in July and August for children ages 8 to 12 where participants will have the chance to learn about old fashioned gardening by growing and harvesting a heritage garden on the museum’s grounds.
“I am very excited about these upcoming summer activities, and that we have been able to restart our summer programming after three years of Covid.  I hope that everyone will have a chance to come visit us this summer,” said Doiron.
—Classical music concert series
Originally constructed in 1831, the Symmes Inn Museum has been identified as the city’s most important heritage site by the Ville de Gatineau and has housed the regional history museum of Gatineau since 2003. The museum is open every week Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 6pm and is free for entry.  Visitors can park in the marina parking lot or walk to the museum located at 1 Front Street near the Aylmer Marina in Parc des Cèdres.  Visitors who would like a seat for the classical music concerts on July 17, 31 and August 28 should contact the museum to reserve a table in advance.  For more information about the museum as well as contact details visit the museum’s website at: www.symmes.ca or visit the Symmes Inn Museum Facebook page.
Caption: Members of the Symmes Inn Museum team ready to welcome visitors. Photo: Greg Newing