PORT COLBORNE KIDS LEARN ABOUT THE HIGH SEAS

MUSEUM IS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, SAYS DIRECTOR

Port Colborne kids took to the high seas during March Break, learning all about pirates with the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum.

The museum held two events: 'mementos from the sea' where students got the chance to learn about and make their own trinket boxes,

"They're called sailors valentines. They would make them when they're on the ship to stop from getting so they would make them for their sweethearts of for their moms," said Stephanie Powell-Baswick, Director of Museum and Culture.

Day two was for 'museum buccaneers' and kids were able to dress up like pirates, go treasure hunting, and eat a pirate feast.

"We did this program a few years back and they loved it. Like they full on got dressed and they were

walking the plank and they got really into it.

“So that's why we were like, 'We're going to do that again,' " explained PowellBaswick.

She hopes allowing students to participate at events like this at the museum will help get them engaged

and learning about local history through fun themed activities.

"Both of our programs are towards youth and interactive. You get to be a pirate and you get to make a sailor's valentine, but you're also learning a little bit about the Welland Canal

and you're learning about your local museum," Powell-Baswick added.

Families who missed out on the March break events are encouraged to keep an eye out for other events that the museum offers in the future.

"Our logo is 'more than a

museum' so March break is a time where we can really engage the community," said Powell-Baswick.

"We're focusing on youth this year because we're building a youth volunteer program and trying to get them into that. We like the young people to know that it's their museum. Families, it's your museum."

Additional information including exhibits and upcoming events can be found online at portcolborne.ca/en/recreationand-leisure/historicaland-marine-museum.