Yorkregion.com - Georgina - Pioneers ready to rise to rebellion
Pioneers ready to rise to rebellion
Georgina
Apr 09, 2008 01:32 PM
By: Phil Rose-Donahoe and Melissa Matt
Sure you know about the Rebellion of 1837, but do you know it as well as you should?
The Rebellion of 1837, a significant event in Ontario and Canadian history, doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, historians say.
What many people don’t realize is nearly 170 years after the showdown between William Lyon Mackenzie’s supporters and Family Compact loyalists, what seemed like an isolated uprising carried out by an undersized mob was, in fact, a watershed event. The aftermath has meant enduring changes to our political institutions.
Over the next five weeks, the Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives tell the story about the impact of the 1837 Rebellion upon Georgina and how this slice of history helped to shape our community.
A highlight of this year’s event is Rise to Rebellion: an Interactive Reenactment of the 1837 Rebellion of Upper Canada.
This three-day event at the village begins May 9 with an education day for Grade 7 students studying this period in history. May 10 and 11 are open to the public.
Rise to Rebellion offers the public a chance to learn about the issues involved in the struggle for responsible government from costumed personalities. You can also participate in re-enactments with the experts.
The village assembled the talents of David Morris from History Comes Alive (www.historycome salive.ca) to portray William Lyon Mackenzie, re-enactors from Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada and the Queen’s Rangers, as well as numerous historic demonstrators and merchants.
Demonstrations, sideshows, shopping and activities for children round out the event.
General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (60 and over) and $4 for children (up to age 16). Moms get in for free May 11.