For this installment of our Curator’s pick of books from our gift shop, I would like to highlight the book A Future in Doubt: The rise and demise of one small Jewish community and what it says about the future of synagogues everywhere, by Howard Slepkov. Published in January 2021, this book is not only a great history of the St. Catharines Jewish community, the building of the local synagogue, but it is also a really wonderful look at Jewish life in Canada in the 20th century.
From the Shelves of Merritt’s Mercantile – Volume 1
As we round out Black History Month, my first Curator’s pick book review in this series will be A Struggle to Walk with Dignity: the True Story of a Jamaican-born Canadian by Gerald A. Archambeau. This book tells the story of Gerald Archambeau and his adventures from his birth in Jamaica to his migration to Canada and many of his ups and downs in between.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2021 marks the first time that Canadians will be marking the new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is also marked as Orange Shirt Day across the country as people are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and reflect on the experiences of Indigenous children – those who survived and those who did not – who were sent to residential schools across the country where their culture and identity was stripped away.
To mark September 30th, we are all encouraged to take some time to reflect on the truth of the treatment that Indigenous people have encountered throughout our country’s history. This blog post will provide a few suggestions on resources you can explore that will help you to understand the experiences of the Indigenous community with a view towards reconciliation.
Curator’s Pick – December
With snow softly falling and the holidays approaching, our Curator’s book pic this month is a recipe collection celebrating everyone’s favourite – maple syrup!
Curator’s Pick – November
As we enter November and this month of Remembrance, this Curator’s pick is a book that tells the story of […]
Curator’s Pick – October
If you are looking for a couple of great reads in leading up to Remembrance Day in November, I recommend these two books by Canadian author Tim Cook. Both books make an effort to provide a human face to Canada’s participation in the First and Second World Wars.
Indigenous History Month – Suggested Reading
To mark Indigenous History Month, Kathleen Powell, Supervisor of Historical Service and Curator at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre shares her suggested reading list to give you a start on how you can move your mindset towards Truth and Reconciliation.