The Forgotten History of Rooster Town
Tuesday, October 11, 7-8 pm. In 1901, seventeen Métis families moved into shanties in the bush and grassland in Fort Rouge (Grant Park area) in southwest Winnipeg. Occasionally joined by non-Métis households, “Rooster Town” survived for five decades until dismantled by the City of Winnipeg in the late 1950s. Based on detailed genealogical work, mapping, and the reconstruction of individual and family histories, Dr. Evelyn Peters provides a brief history of Rooster Town and provides evidence to challenge the myths and distortions that were created by news reports of the time about its inhabitants. Dr. Peters’ research focus has been First Nations and Métis people in cities. Millenium Library, Buchwald Room, 251 Donald St. Phone 204-986-6450 to register. Free admission.
New Iceland in Manitoba’s Early History
Tuesday, October 25, 7-8 pm. Dr. Ryan Eyford discusses the history of New Iceland, an area of Icelandic settlers on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, with special emphasis on relations between Icelandic immigrants and their Indigenous neighbours. Dr. Eyford is an associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Winnipeg. Henderson Library, 1-1050 Henderson Hwy. Phone 204-986-4314 to register. Free admission.
“Tombstone Tales”
Thursday, October 27, 7-8 pm. Genealogist Kathy Stokes gives a brief history of tombstones and grave markers: where they began, what materials were used, styles and how they have changed over the centuries. Photos of Manitoba tombstones will be used to discover information on the types of Biblical verses or poetry used. Kathy is a past President of the Manitoba Genealogical Society and is currently Chair of Special Projects for that organization. West End Library, 999 Sargent Ave. Phone 204-986-4677 to register. Free admission.