WHAT'S NEW AT RUTHVEN

The Cultural Landscape Committee developed a new on-site brochure of the Ruthven Estate to guide visitors to the trails, gardens, cemeteries and other landscape features.

They also worked with Wendy Shearer of Wendy Shearer Landscape Architects Limited, who designed our new signage package for the site. Phase 1 is completed and signs have been installed. Of note is the identification sign on #54 Highway. Phase 2 will continue next year.

Partnerships have been established with Wilfred Laurier University, under the direction of Professor John Triggs, Dept. Archaeology and Classical Studies. The students in the Industrial Archaological course have been researching the industrial village of Indiana. Professor Triggs will publish an article in the New Year. Professor of Geography, Walter Peace, McMaster University, has his students researching picturesque landscapes an important feature of the grounds at Ruthven.

The Lower Grand River Land Trust Inc. would like to acknowledge the following for subsidizing student positions for the summer of 2002: the Ministry of Culture, Human Resources Development Canada and the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. They would also like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage (Museum Assistance Program). The latter grant, applied for by the Historical/Collections Committee, provided cost share funding for environmental monitoring equipment and collection storage cases.

Over the winter months the Mansion will be open every Thursday afternoon from 1 pm to 4 pm and also for pre-booked group and school tours. (with the exception of Christmas break December 20 - January 3 inclusively) Call the Gatehouse at 905-772-0560 or email ruthven.park @sympatico.ca or visit our new website address: www.ruthvenpark.ca