Westfield Heritage Village: Victorian Star Party
Westfield Heritage Village is having a Star Party and you won't want to miss it! Presented in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society and McMaster University, this will be a unique opportunity to learn about the wonders of the night sky through a fun and interactive evening of exploration and discovery. Mark your calendar for Friday April 24.
The special Star Party program will feature many historical and modern astronomy activities. At the Mountsberg Church, you can enjoy a fascinating lecture inspired by the Victorian astronomer Sir Robert Stawell Ball. A talented storyteller will also present several delightful, traditional tales of the sun, moon and stars. At the Gillen House, an authentic Edwardian home, you can peek in on the Star Party Social, an astronomically-themed party featuring music, dancing and decorations of the early 1900s. (Think Downton Abbey.) The Westfield Theatre will be showing A Trip to the Moon, the unique 1902 film by French filmmaker Georges Méliès. The General Store will have delicious sweets treats available, including homemade star cookies. At the Cathcart one room log schoolhouse, take a seat and make a charming take-home craft. You won't want to miss a delightful shadow play at the D'Aubigny Inn exploring the mythical origins of some important and familiar constellations.
Once the sun sets, stargazing will be a highlight of this evening, and visitors will have opportunities to peer through both antique and modern telescopes. Under the guidance of a member of the Royal Astronomical society, you will be able to look deep into the sky through the rare 1884 Bell refracting telescope. Astronomers using modern telescopes will also be stationed in the Village Green, where they will introduce visitors to modern-day astronomy techniques. Old or new, the view through these telescopes is sure to take your breath away.
Westfield is very pleased to welcome the Let's Talk Science and Sidewalk Astronomy groups from McMaster University, who will present special astronomy activities and demonstrations throughout the evening. Knowledgeable and friendly members will share their expertise and invite young visitors to participate in a variety of fascinating, kid-friendly activities.
Outdoor activities and viewing will be weather permitting. Only select historical buildings will be open for this program. Regular admission rates apply. For more information regarding this event and future Westfield programs, please call 519-621-8851
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Adults $8.50, Seniors $7.50, Children $5.50. Five and under are free. Parking is free.
Tickets: Westfield Heritage Village
Organized by: Westfield Heritage Village, RASC - Hamilton Centre, Let's Talk Science at McMaster, McMaster's Sidewalk Astronomy
Location: 1049 Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552) in Rockton, just off Highway 8 between Hamilton and Cambridge
http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/star-party-at-westfield-april-24