WHITEWATER REGION (Foresters Falls) — Two university students are going back in time as they work at Ross Museum for the summer.
The Whitewater Historical Society, which operates the museum in Foresters Falls, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rachel Ten Hove and Noah Lesk were hired as summer students with the financial assistance from Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works.
Rachel works in the archival department while Noah is the interpretive guide. However, when necessary, they can work either position.
“As an archival assistant at the Ross Museum in Foresters Falls, I digitize documents, record information, and research material for the museum,” Rachel explained.
Living in the area since last summer when her family moved to the Cobden area, this job is providing her the opportunity to learn more about the area as well as assist others in inquiring information.
“I have been increasingly interested in learning about the area since moving here in the summer of 2018,” Rachel said, adding, “While also studying English as one of my majors at university, I see a great importance in learning history in order to connect it to and gain a better understanding of the present day.”
Rachel can be found in the museum office most days, but does venture out to the other buildings, which include the Exhibit Hall, Drive Shed, Ross Pioneer House and St. Aidan’s Church.
And it’s in those buildings Noah will be dividing his time as he is the interpretive guide.
“I wanted to work here because I have lived around the area my whole life, in Haley Station since I was three, and wanted to learn more about it,” he said.
He’s looking forward to bringing people who visit the museum back to the times of the late 1800s.
It’s also in line with his education, as he will be attending university in the fall working towards an honours in History.
“This experience will help me with that as well of the fact that I want to be a teacher,” Noah said.
Along with providing tours to people, and helping them look up archival information, Noah and Rachel are also working on various projects and weekend events.
Their first weekend event was Pioneer Day followed by Trivia Day. Their next event is the Teddy Bear Picnic, which is Saturday, Aug. 10 starting at 11 a.m. This event is for children 3 to 10 years old and they are encouraged to bring a mat or towel to sit on along with their teddy bear or favourite stuffy.
To keep up with what’s happening at Ross Museum, check out its Facebook page, Whitewater News or call, 613-646-2622.
The students are thankful for the financial support the historical society received from Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works, which allows them the opportunity to learn about the history of the area, as well as provide that same opportunity to others.
