Easter fun begins this weekend at Hillary House

April 7, 2022 · 0 Comments

Eggs – chocolate or otherwise – have become synonymous with Easter. Whether you eat them or display them, they can sometimes be miniature works of art and this weekend you will have a chance to learn some traditional egg-decorating techniques at Hillary House National Historic Site.

On Saturday, April 9, the Aurora Historical Society (AHS) will host an Easter Egg Decorating Workshop at the Yonge Street landmark from 1 – 3 p.m. Fun for the whole family, it’s an opportunity to try out a variety of decorating techniques to create six of your own blown Easter Eggs.

Twenty-dollars per person or $10 for children, tickets purchased in advance include all materials.

“We’re really excited to have events back at Hillary House,” says AHS curator Kathleen Vahey. “It’s been two long years of COVID and we have been able to do some in-person events, but it’s just nice to be picking that back up as restrictions ease a little bit and especially events that target families and kids.

“Each participant will have a half-dozen eggs to decorate and we have multiple ways they can do that. The creativity is up to each participant, so we will have everything they need to dye eggs, as well as paints and markers.”

“Sponges and some bubble wrap create different textures and designs as well,” says Museum Intern Grace Armstrong. “It’s a combination of a bunch of different things to let people be creative and it is very hands-on-oriented as well, which I am sure people will like. Having done things virtually for so long, having a really interactive in-person event is something we’re really excited about!”

Vahey says she wants “people to go wild with their creativity” and the last thing the AHS wants to do is “stifle” anyone.

“You can let your imagination run wild,” she says, adding that Hillary House still has a mask policy in place, so if you get up and walk around, that will be time to mask up.

If your paint and dyeing techniques are as wild as your creativity, both Vahey and Armstrong advise participants to dress accordingly.

“Since we will be using dye and paint, make sure you’re not dressed in any well-loved clothing that you would be upset if something splashed on it, or bring a big t-shirt to put on over your clothes – especially little kids that might want to get their hands dirty so that way people can decorate their eggs free of any anxiety over making a mess.”

The Easter Egg Decorating Workshop is the start of a busy spring season for the Aurora Historical Society.

On April 27, the AHS’ speaker series will continue with Dr. David Galbraith on A Place to Grow: A History of Gardening in Ontario, a virtual presentation that will complement the ongoing exhibition of the same name that is currently installed in the Hillary House Ballroom. The series will continue on May 25, again over Zoom, with Rochelle Bush who will speak on Discovering Niagara’s Freedom Trail, a testament to the Underground Railroad.

In-person activities will resume on Sunday, May 8 with A Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Hillary House, in partnership with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Aurora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Priced at $31.50 per person, two seatings of this full high tea will be offered.

“The tea will be held inside Hillary House – unless the weather is spectacular come the beginning of May,” says Vahey, “but we intend to have it inside with the ambiance of the historic house. It’s a full high tea of desserts, scones, sandwiches, and a little for moms.”

But that’s not all. As spring gives way to summer, the AHS will be relaunch a fundraiser for the first time since 2007, one they hope will bring in thousands which will be met through a matching donation program approved last year by Aurora Council.

“Our next big event after the tea is our fundraiser golf tournament at Westview Golf Club on June 24. If you’re interested in golf and would like to support our restoration efforts at Hillary House, this is a big fundraiser for us this year.”

For more information on these and many other initiatives, visit aurorahs.com.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter