Hands-on exhibits let you relive Armistice Day in Newmarket, Aurora

Interactive exhibits in Newmarket, Aurora commemorate 100 years since end of First World War

Yorkregion.com
November 5, 2018
Amanda Persico

The First World War is considered to be one of the most defining moments in Canadian history.

And to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War, you can remember those who served through a number of interactive historical events from walking through a replica war trench to hearing stories from local day of newspapers.

During the four years between 1914 and 1918, more than 650,000 Canadian men and women served during the war and more than 66,000 lost their lives in battle.

While Newmarket and Aurora were mere dots on a map, the war effort response was mighty with local farmers and clerks enlisting for duty overseas.

Details of local soldiers will be featured in the Nov. 8 edition of The Newmarket Era, The Aurora Banner and The East Gwillimbury Express.

Starting Nov. 3, the Newmarket Historical Society will launch its interactive First World War trench exhibit at Old Town Hall, which is in its final year.

The exhibit features replicas of a full-sized trench, a Vimy subway tunnel, artifacts and uniforms.

Tunnels were used to transport soldiers and supplies to and from the battlefield.

The society is also hosting a Trench Victory Party Nov. 16, commemorating the end of the First World War.

The society is creating a replica Victory Arch built in 1919 to welcome our soldiers home from the war.

The celebration includes a performance by well-known vocalist Suzi Wesson and pianist Doug Balfour, singing contemporary wartime songs and ballads.

The duo is also performing at the Armistice Day: 100 Years of Remembrance event at the Aurora Cultural Centre.

Armistice Day at the Aurora Cultural Centre on Nov. 7, tells the tale of war through a unique local lens.

The free event features songs from the late-war and postwar era performed by Wesson and Balfour.

Along with song, the commemorative event also features current Aurora cadets reading clippings from the local newspaper of the day.

There will also be a pop-up heritage exhibit showcasing local artifacts from the era, produced in partnership with the Aurora Historical Society and Town of Aurora Museum and Archives.

Trench Victory Party
Nov. 16, 7 to 9 p.m.
Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket
For tickets, email newmarkethistoricalsociety@hotmail.ca or visit newmarkethistoricalsociety.ca

Interactive WWI Trench Exhibit
Nov. 3 to 15 and 17. Weekdays, 4 to 8 p.m. and weekends noon to 8 p.m.
Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket.
For more information visit newmarkethistoricalsociety.ca

Armistice Day: 100 Years of Remembrance
Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St.
For more information, visit auroraculturalcentre.ca

Remembrance Day Services:

Aurora:

Parade: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. -- Parade travels south on Yonge Street, starting at Dunning Avenue to the Aurora War Memorial Peace Park Cenotaph

Ceremony: Nov. 11, 10:45 a.m. -- War Memorial Peace Park Cenotaph, 14659 Yonge St.

Newmarket:

Parade: Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. -- Parade travels along Water Street, from Doug Duncan Drive to Church Street.

Service: Nov. 11, 10:45 a.m. -- Veterans Memorial Park and Cenotaph, Church and D’Arcy streets.

East Gwillimbury:

Ceremony: Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. -- East Gwillimbury Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie St.