Two centuries of history are being celebrated in Penetanguishene this year where families are able to witness living history.
Back in 1814 it was referred to as “His Majesty Lake Huron Establishment” – 200 years later we call it Discovery Harbour. And now there is the HMS Tecumseth Centre with displays for everyone to enjoy.
“A lot of history, a lot memories – it’s very interesting and educational,” says Anita Wood.
The centrepiece of Discovery Harbour is the full of the HMS Tecumseth from 1815 – pulled from Penetanguishene Harbour and on display.
“It’s amazing that hey brought it up and restored it so well – it’s part of history and I enjoy it,” says Brian Kirkpatrick.
Other artifacts on display include survey’s tools for measuring water depth – even a 200 year old comb and toothbrush. There is a visual timeline display helps visitors follow the historical events that led to the settling of the harbour. But 11-year-old Aiden says his favourite display is the interactive boat complete with rushing water.
“It’s cool because it can bring you back in time to what boats of 1812 actually looked like.”
Events to celebrate the 200th anniversary take place all summer long to help people understand what life was like in what was then known as “His Majesty’s Lake Huron Establishment.”
“The men and women and families that came before us worked incredibly hard and were extremely talented,” says Jan Gray with Huronia Historical Parks.
Visitors can see and interact with crew members onboard the replica HMS Tecumseth and experience where they lived and how they lived.
Discovery Harbour is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in May and June. They will open every day in July.
Click here for more information.
