Thank you to all the volunteers and guests of our fifth annual ArtiFact or Fiction gala fundraiser!  The evening was a great success and with 170 attendees, the event was almost sold out!

Highlights of the event included, of course, the ArtiFact or Fiction quiz, which tested guests' knowledge of strange artifacts.  This year's winning score was an amazing 8 correct answers out of 10!  As usual the event also featured a silent auction, and this year an exciting live auction, hosted by Mayor Alice Murphy, was part of the program as well.  And of course, the evening would not have been complete without the wonderful locally-made meal and delicious desserts.

Thank you again to all those who came out to enjoy the evening at the Muskoka Lakes Museum!

We hope to see you at next year's ArtiFact or Fiction!

For the answer's to this year's quiz, please see our blog.

On Wednesday, August 10, the museum hosted a lecture on Pratts' Hotel by Sarah Ditchburn Neal, President of the Rosseau Historical Society.  Pratt's Hotel, later called Rosseau House, was opened in 1870 by American entrepreneur William Pratt, and was located in the then-isolated village of Rosseau.  For more information on the Rosseau Historical Society, visit their website at http://www.rosseauhistoricalsociety.com/

On Wednesday, August 3rd, the Muskoka Lakes Museum hosted a lecture by Dr. Eva Olsson called "What have we learned from history?"  A survivor of the Holocaust, Eva spoke of her memories of her family and her experiences in concentrations camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen.  She highlighted the atrocious power of hate and evil and the importance of compassion, tolerance, and acceptance.  This meaningful message resonated with the audience; an active discussion period after the lecture emphasized the importance of educating children about bullying and genocide.  The audience also expressed an all-around admiration for Eva, her courage, and her tireless efforts to tell her story and message.  For more information on Eva Olsson and her story, including her autobiography, visit www.evaolsson.ca.

Last week, the favourite piece in Catherine Elliot's art show "It's a Wonderful World" was "Swim Anyone?" pictured left.

Stay tuned to find out next week's favourite!

Dainty sandwiches, homemade scones, decadent treats, and delicious confections were in abundance at the museum this past Saturday, July 23rd, for a Victorian Afternoon Tea!  Visitors enjoyed these delicacies in the charming setting of the Catto Gallery, and several people came adorned in vintage hats and took part in a hat contest.  The feature of the event was of course a selection from the museum's array of specialty teas, with many choices of blacks teas, green teas, yerba mates, and rooibos and herbal teas.  Did you miss out on this event?  Another chance to taste these lovely teas is coming soon!  Look for information to come about our Tea Tasting this fall.

Last week, the most popular piece in our new art show was "Springtime Fantasy," pictured left.  This painting is just one of many in Catherine Elliot's art show, entitled "It's a Wonderful World," which will be in the museum's Catto Gallery until mid-August.  Be sure to stop by the museum to see this show and try to pick your favourite out of the many amazing pieces!