As our provincial government phrases it, “Ontarians work very hard and they deserve more time to spend with the people they love.” They also point out the undisputable fact that, “the time between New Year’s Day and Easter is long and people need a rest.” Yes we do, and our day of rest is today – Monday, February 17 on Family Day.
This inspired idea of a winter holiday is not unique to Ontario. Saskatchewanians and Albertans will be celebrating along with us on Monday. Residents in British Columbia celebrate Family Day too, but a week earlier, on February 10 this year. Prince Edward Islanders also have a holiday on the 3rd Monday of February to celebrate “Islander Day” and Manitobans observe “Riel Day” in honour of the father of Manitoba, Louis Riel. Nova Scotians like the idea of a winter holiday too, so they will begin observing a statutory holiday on this day in 2015, although the name of the holiday has yet to be announced.
This month will mark the 7th Family Day in Ontario. For the first few years, it seemed like many of us weren’t quite sure what to do with this holiday. On the inaugural Family Day in 2007, the museum was open and our visitor numbers were on par with any day in February. By 2008, people realized that it was a day to go out and do something with those we love, and we had a record number of families visit the museum. With almost 900 visitors that day, it was beyond our expectations. We vividly remember families gathered in small groups in our foyer and walking through the galleries – no one seemed to want to leave! They had chosen to spend Family Day with us and wanted to enjoy every minute of it.
This year, we are celebrating Family Day in Ancient Egyptian style. We are fortunate to have the travelling exhibit, Egypt: Gift of the Nile, on loan to us from the ROM. It presents through facts, stories, and artefacts how Egyptians lived along the Nile River in ancient times. With this impressive exhibit on display now at Grey Roots, it set the theme for Family Day.
We also have activities throughout the day to engage you in Ancient Egyptian culture. Want to relax? Curl up in our Theatre and watch family-friendly Egypt themed films at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Want a challenge? Try playing the game of Senet, the ancient Egyptians’ version of snakes & ladders. Interested in mummies? Learn about the mummification process from our Interpretative staff and view a highly decorated reproduction mummy case from 850 BC. Feeling creative? We offer several different crafts to participate in. Get wrapped up in making your own miniature mummy. Practise code making as you write out your name using hieroglyphics. In our feature craft at 1pm, unmask your inner artist by designing your own Egyptian Pharaoh Mask. At 3:30pm you can reveal your creation at the Egyptian costume contest. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Egyptian costume. Come and share Family Day with us!
Posting by Amber from Visitor Services
Grey Roots Museum & Archives Blog 