All Aboard for Railway Weekend at the Canada Science and Technology Museum
OTTAWA - On Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8 the Museum is pleased to offer a weekend of discovery and wonder celebrating the rich history of the railways in Canada from the 1830s to the 1940s.
With a number of events, demonstrations and displays to offer, the Railway Weekend promises something for all ages
Collection tours will focus on selected railway artifacts including Locomotive #40, the oldest mainline locomotive in Canada as well as the A.Y. Jackson original mural "Camp Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park(1954)." One of a unique group of murals done by well known Canadian artists, originally commissioned by Canadian Pacific to decorate the dome cars of The Canadian. Visitors will be able to climb into the sumptuous cars built for Canada's Governors General, some of which were home to King George VI and the Queen Mother during their 1939 tour of Canada. Visitors will even be able to climb into the cab of the 6400 - a locomotive that pulled the Royal train.
To experience railway travel as it once was, visitors will be able to take short rides aboard a wooden caboose dating from 1913, or a superintendent's car made in 1907. They will be pulled by the Museum's 1923-vintage Shay locomotive. (Check with the Information Desk for a schedule of the rides).
Rounding out the weekend's activities, railway-themed videos will be shown in the auditorium and a workshop will demonstrate how a steam locomotive operates.
Finally - for the smallest of rail buffs - a children's area will offer take-home crafts including decorating a train-themed button. All demonstrations and activities are included with Museum admission and will be available throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. See the Museum's Information Desk for exact times.
SPECIAL ACTIVITY - Rain or Shine
Mock Collision Presentation
On Saturday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m. museum visitors will receive a special presentation on the importance of railway crossing safety. The Canada Science and Technology Museum and Operation Lifesaver will conduct a simulated collision between an automobile and a train on museum grounds.
The City of Ottawa Emergency Services team and a group of amateur actors will demonstrate the gravity and severity of this real-life tragedy.
Operation Lifesaver will offer a debriefing session immediately following the simulation with comments from representatives of all the participants, including real-life train and emergency crews.
Due to the realistic nature of this event, it may not be suitable for children under 12.
Operation Lifesaver is a national non-profit organization, inspiring safety-conscious attitudes toward railways and promoting safe driving skills, attention and adherence to signs and warnings. This is all part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at Canada's highway/railway crossings and to prevent trespassing on railway property.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is located at 1867 St-Laurent Boulevard (at Lancaster Road), and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week, and offers ample free parking on-site.
General information: Visit www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca, or call (613) 991-3044. www.operationlifesaver.ca
Contact Information:
Leeanne Akehurst,
(613) 990-6302
lakehurst@technomuses.ca