By Seth DuChene
Editor
With Canada celebrating 150 years since Confederation, the United Empire Loyalist Heritage Centre and Park in Adolphustown wants to remind people of the role Loyalists played in getting Canada to that critical moment.
But, according to the staff at the centre, at least some people haven’t forgotten. According to staffmember Christine Smith, there has been an increase in the number of visitors to the park who are in the midst of a ‘cross-Canada’ trek in Canada’s 150th year. She also said that visitors are coming from more diverse parts of the country.
This season, the centre has a few new exhibits, including a model of a Hessian soldier, a German mercenary that fought on the side of the British during the American Revolutionary war. The exhibit not only shows the Hessian uniform but also the weapons a Hessian soldier would have used during the conflict. Some of those soldiers made their way to Canada to settle following the war, including nearby Prince Edward County.
The centre — which is owned and operated by the Bay of Quinte Branch of the UEL Association — also has a Canada 150 display, with items from Canada’s centennial celebrations in 1967 and Expo 67, along with items from Canada’s 60-year celebration in 1927.
Besides being open to campers and swimmers through the summer, the park will be hosting a handful of special events, including special musical performances.
The heritage centre is open every day except Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The centre also hosts children’s craft activities on Fridays for the remained of the month.
You can keep up with what’s happening at the park at www.facebook.com/uelhcp/.