FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 7, 2008

MUSKOKA HERITAGE PLACE opens!

EVENT: Muskoka Heritage Place 2008 Season Opening
Annual seasonal opening of Village and Train

WHERE: Muskoka Heritage Place
88 Brunel Road
Huntsville, Ontario

WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2008

TIME: 10 am to 4 pm
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On Saturday, May 17, 2008, Muskoka Heritage Place will proudly open for its 50th Anniversary Season. The Muskoka Museum originally opened in Huntsville in 1958. The museum has grown and now includes a complete working crossroads pioneer village, an operational authentic open-air coach train ride, farm animals, costumed pioneers and hands-on activities, along with varied museum displays. New for 2008 is a retrospective look at the fifty-year history of the museum itself. Also held-over is the acclaimed “Muskoka Creative” exhibit.

On Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. the village will open for the first time in the 2008 season. Costumed narrators will be on hand to tell you about their authentic buildings, to share stories about their lives and challenges, and to ask you and your children to get your neighbourly hands busy pitching in with their daily chores and activities. Gardens are due to be planted and the busy sowing season is here.

The authentic train coaches are scheduled to make four trips pulled by the diesel-electric engine on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at noon, one, two and three p.m. Steam will operate beginning in July. Trains are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays, not on Sundays and Mondays.

This summer there will also be a special anniversary party in July and another new display, “Northern Owls” will open in the Village. Information on many other summer activities and events, including new First Nation’s art workshops and telegraphy demonstrations will be provided on-line throughout the season. There are many great reasons to visit Muskoka Heritage Place often. Ratepayers in the Town of Huntsville should all have a free admission pass, which was included in their final 2007 tax bill. For others, the most expensive admission is a very reasonable $15 adult and $10 child, which includes museum, village and train.

For more information, visit the website at www.muskokaheritageplace.org or call 705-789-7576.

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Muskoka Heritage Place – Museum, Village & Train provides fun family activities and lasting memories of hands-on experiences. First Nations, authentic pioneer village, blacksmith, school house, church, farm animals, gardens, and operational train are seasonally available; museum year-round.

Muskoka Heritage Place is located at 88 Brunel Road, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, only blocks from historic downtown.

Please call 705-789-7576 or visit www.muskokaheritageplace.org for more information.