Museum Exhibit- St Peter's Anglican Church~ Celebrating 184 Years

The new exhibit "St Peter's Anglican Church~Celebrating 184 Years" will run from July 17, 2011 to October 10, 2011 at the Backus-Page House Museum.

Founded in the heart of the Talbot settlement, St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Tyrconnell is a significant historical and religious landmark. Built in 1827 by the newly settled Anglican community known as “Little Ireland”, the church is a source of pride as it has delivered continuous service for 184 years. Close to two centuries old and still in very good repair, the church is deeply cherished by locals, parishioners and the heritage community.


The exhibit illustrates and celebrates the church’s history, architecture, and artifacts. The purpose of the exhibit is to achieve a greater appreciation and understanding of this historical landmark and its role in the development of Tyrconnell and Dunwich Township.

Items of interest in this exhibit include the original deed to St Peter's Church dated 1827 and a silver flagon, chalice and two plates donated by the Late Governor Simcoe's second daughter, Charlotte, in 1844.

The exhibit was curated by Margaret Bennetto. Margaret worked as Junior Director of Operations for the Backus-Page House Museum in 2004. The museum is thrilled to welcome her back as a dedicated volunteer, curating the St Peter’s Anglican Church exhibit.

Margaret attended the University of Waterloo and received a BA in Classical Studies and Anthropology in 2007. She loved her first museum experience so much at Backus-Page; it inspired her to study Museum Management and Curatorship at Sir Sanford Fleming College, graduating in 2008. She has worked and volunteered for the past 3 years in Ottawa for the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Nepean Museum, and the City of Ottawa Archives. Her areas of interest and experience are in curatorial research, collections management and exhibition development.

Margaret encourages the community to visit the exhibit at the Backus-Page House Museum and learn about the unique history of St. Peter’s Church and its role within the Talbot Settlement. Tours are also available of the Church throughout July and August, every Wednesday between 10 and 2 pm. Tours can also be individually booked. Call Diane Drummelsmith, 519-762-2778 or Anna Tokarz, 519-762-2617. The Backus-Page House Museum is located just outside of Wallacetown proper at 29424 Lakeview Line just up the road from St Peter's Church and the cemetery where Colonel Thomas Talbot is interred. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 10 to 4:30 and Saturday, Sundays and holiday Mondays 12 to 4:30 from May to Thanksgiving Day. For more information call 519-762-3072, visit us online at www.backuspagehouse.ca or search Facebook for the Backus-Page House Museum.