In the spring of 2020, we began to offer history lectures through our Virtual Museum Lecture Series live on Youtube. Now, with over 20 lectures, we’re happy to bring the lecture audio to the podcast format so that more people can enjoy these fascinating stories. If you want to catch the lectures in-full, take a gander at our YouTube channel – you’ll find us under St. Catharines Museum. We will release most of the 20 lectures over the next few weeks, and as we add more lectures to Youtube, so too will they eventually appear here on the podcast. We hope these lectures provide a bit of historical joy and also spark imagination and exploration into our City’s rich history.

More lectures are headed your way this fall. For details, please visit our website, stcatharinesmuseum.ca.

Today’s lecture is pretty special as it features the first guests we had join us on the lecture series. Teacher Rassika Risko and her dramatic arts students from Governor Simcoe Secondary School appear in my discussion of the Shipyard Strikes from 1861 and how we turned some dramatic history into a play. And Dr. Kimberly Monk joins us to talk about the history of the Shickluna Shipyard, along with the thrilling story of the archaeological dig she is leading at the yard. This lecture was originally presented on June 9, 2020.

VMLS via Podcast

VMLS via Podcast - Archaeology of a 19th Century Shipyard

The Art of Nails

Dr. Paula Harrell shares her remarkable journey as a pioneering African American woman with a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance, tracing her lifelong dedication to music from childhood piano lessons to church performances and academic achievements. She also recounts a traumatic encounter with the Ku Klux Klan in Durham during her youth, reflecting on its lasting emotional impact and the healing power of music throughout her life. Her story weaves together themes of resilience, heritage, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Interview with Paula Harrell, 07/15/2025

Gwen Bookman shares a rich family history rooted in Durham, highlighting her parents’ journey from rural North Carolina to becoming educators and entrepreneurs. She recounts her mother’s determination to pursue higher education despite segregation, her father’s role in the military and local grocery business, and the family’s lasting legacy through community service, education, and the arts. Their impact continues today through her sister’s bistro and art space, her brother’s pharmacy, and Gwen’s own career in law and academia.

Interview with Gwen Bookman

Steve Chalmers, former Durham police chief, shares his journey from growing up in the “Bottom” neighborhood to leading community-focused policing initiatives that emphasized prevention, mentorship, and public service over enforcement. He recounts the deep influence of his upbringing, education, and the “village” concept that shaped his values, ultimately inspiring programs like Men of Vision and the Hayti Reborn Justice Movement to support justice-involved individuals through holistic, collaborative community care. His story is a testament to the power of grassroots leadership and the enduring impact of community-driven solutions.

Interview with Steve Chalmers, 06/25/2025

In the most scientific episode since the infamous gyroscope episode in season 7, Kathleen and Adrian try to tackle the fascinating and very technical history of the wirephoto.

For footnote to this episode, please visit stcatharinesmuseumblog.com

One Hour in the Past E805 - The Wirephoto

It's time for the big reveal. After an interesting discussion about pablum (ironic, we know), Adrian reveals the theme (and subthemes) that linked together the episodes of this season!

For footnotes to this episode, please visit stcatharinesmuseumblog.com

One Hour in the Past E806 - Pablum

This episode in the Hearing History series explores the history of the Lakeside Park Carousel through the sounds of its incredible band organ!

Museum Chat Live! E1007 - Hearing History: Lakeside Park Carousel Band Organ

Dr. Linda Hubbard Curtis, a native of Durham, shared her family's deep roots in the community, tracing back to her grandfather, Dr. James Madison Hubbard Sr., and her grandmother, Mrs. Grizzle Hubbard. Her grandfather's significant contributions included serving on the board of North Carolina Central University and distributing Bibles at graduations. Dr. Curtis recounted her family's move to Los Angeles due to racial discrimination and their return to Durham. She detailed her educational journey, including her degrees from North Carolina Central University and Southern Illinois University, and her career in education, including roles at Durham Public Schools, Shaw University, and Meredith College. Dr. Curtis also discussed her establishment of Hope and Courage Agency, which provides holistic support for children aged 5-9, emphasizing academic, emotional, and cultural growth.

Interview with Linda Curtis, 08/19/2025

On this episode of Hearing History, Sean explores the sound of a pry-cap bottle and the history of carbonated beverages in St. Catharines, including breweries and soft drink makers.

Museum Chat Live! E1008 - Hearing History: Bottle Cap

The official podcasts of the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre: Museum Chat Live! and One Hour in the Past. Find footnotes to podcast episodes at stcatharinesmuseumblog.com. Find us online at facebook.com/stcatharinesmuseum, Twitter and Instagram: @stcmuseum, and at stcatharinesmuseumblog.com. RSSVERIFY