WHAT'S NEW AT BALA MUSEUM THIS YEAR?

Each year, we try to make Bala’s Museum even more of a fun getaway for families, as well as an internationally known resource for scholars and fans of Lucy Maud Montgomery.

The Redcoats are Coming! July 13

Our museum will play host on Sunday afternoon, July 13th, to a demonstration of what it was like to serve in a volunteer Canadian militia group in the last part of the 19th century.

You’ll see men dressed in the same redcoat uniforms and white pith helmets worn by a militia group known as the Simcoe Foresters. Every bit of their equipment is totally authentic, including their antique muskets. You will see and hear them firing off black musket powder (no bullets!)

The re-enactment actors, who all share a passion for history, will be pleased to tell you about what it was like to be a militia volunteer in those days. The Simcoe Foresters served during the Riel Rebellions and helped defend Canada against Fenian raids from across the American border.

Your museum admission includes seeing the demonstrations which will take place between noon and 4 p.m.

The Avonlea Schoolhouse Scene

Linda spent more than two years planning and putting together an outdoor miniature re-creation of the Avonlea schoolhouse where Anne Shirley slammed her slate over Gilbert’s head and where her teacher forced to stand at a blackboard writing the sentence: Anne Shirley has a bad temper.

Children love searching out the schoolhouse behind the museum, and opening its door to see what is inside. The new exhibit sits on a special stone base in the shade of a big oak tree.

All of the doll-size elements inside the schoolhouse are authentic. There is even a tiny portrait of Queen Victoria staring down from above the blackboard.

The Lady of Shalott Scene

Linda has also created a miniature scene of Anne Shirley desperately hanging onto a bridge while her rowboat is sinking. As every Anne fan knows, Gilbert is about to come to the rescue. Children will love seeing this.

Cranberry Cordial Fudge

This wonderful addition to our gift shop will be exclusive to Bala's Museum. Take home a wee taste of Anne's tea party with Diana. Yummy.