Local museums not benefitting from school strike days

Whatever Sault parents are doing to entertain their children on school strike days, it so far hasn't included educational visits to local museums.

"No – no extra attendance," Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site curator Kathy Fisher told her board this week in response to a question from Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Shoemaker.

"Even the Bushplane's had the same," Fisher added. "They've had a few [children], but it's been a handful and it's grandparents with them."

"We are not seeing a significant increase in visitation due to school strikes," William Hollingshead, executive director and chief curator at Sault Ste. Marie Museum, told SooToday.

"We have had a few occasions where we have had some kids during strike days, as well local groups and homeschool groups are still booking in, but nothing to make a dent," Hollingshead said.

Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site will be open on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 17)  from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Admission will be free, with fees for food including pancakes, baking and bonfire smores. Outdoor activities will include games and snowshoeing. Coureurs des Bois re-enactors will be in the War of 1812 gallery.

Sault Ste. Marie Museum will also be open with free admission on Family Day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a new exhibit on local film, radio, photography and broadcast history and $1 cupcakes in support of their outreach and education department.

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday with half-price admission including games, crafts, Entomica, a travelling hockey exhibit developed by the Canadian Museum of History and a free gift for all children.