Culture Talks at the Bath Museum
Please note that the Culture Talk, "The Loyalist Migration" with David Smith, has been re-scheduled from May 12 to May 20.
We are excited to bring you the 2025 Culture Talks Speaker Series, a new program that will bring engaging discussions on history, music, and heritage to the community. Taking place in the evening on the second Monday of the month, the series will run in two segments - one for Spring and one for Fall.
The Culture talks Series will feature expert speakers sharing fascinating stories of local and global history, from the music of the RMS Titanic to the arrival of the railway in Loyalist. Each talk offers a chance to explore unique cultural and historical perspectives.
Purchase your ticket for the Culture Talks of June 9. If you are unable to purchase a ticket online, please contact the Cultural Development Coordinator. See specific Talks below for other tickets.
Schedule of events
Series 1 - Spring - April, May, June
When: Held the second Monday of the month from 6:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.
Admission fee: Tickets are $3 per person and can be purchased online and at the door. Limited seating available.
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April 14, 2025 - SOLD OUT Titanic: Pride of the White Star Line with David Archibald, Rogue Hollow Music |
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Archibald accompanies himself on piano, mandolin, guitar and banjo-uke. Add to this the poignant stories of passengers and crew and the listener is transported to the opulent days of Edwardian society onboard the greatest ship of its day. The performance offers an insight into not only the music of the era, but also into the very hearts of those onboard - including the ship's orchestra. Titles include: "Pride of the White Star Line," "Beside the Seaside," "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Step Up!" "Shine On, Harvest Moon" and more. This project began when the Bruce County Museum brought in an exhibit of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia. Archibald was commissioned to compose a piece for the opening. The result was "Pride of the White Star Line" — the poignant story of Isador and Ida Straus (passengers onboard the ship). A full-length CD Titanic: Pride of the White Star Line was then created to act as a soundtrack for museum exhibits. Archibald has since been invited to perform at many galas and dinner/theatre events paying tribute to the souls who lost their lives and an era that passed when Titanic went down. Biography Singer/songwriter David Archibald has recorded with RCA. His musicals have been produced across Canada. The Kingston Symphony has performed his orchestral work 'Symphonia Galactica.' David produced the first recording of pop-star Avril Lavigne. His recordings include: Spirit of the Inland Sea, Savanna, Sand & Butterflies, Legends and Lore of the Charleston Shore, Pukaskwa: Songs of Superior and St. Nora’s Tower. Tickets to this event are sold out. |
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Re-scheduled to May 20 from May 12 (SOLD OUT) The Loyalist Migration with David Smith |
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June 9, 2025 The First Spike with Steve Manders |
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Photo: Ernestown Railway Station - credit Canada Rail |
Step back in time to 1912 with this engaging performer. With a carefully selected blend of songs that were performed on the ship (ragtime, music hall and hymns) and original compositions, the stage is set for a musical voyage you won't soon forget. 
Discover the incredible journey of the United Empire Loyalists as they fled the American Revolution and made their way to the shores of Adolphustown and Bath. This talk delves into the hardships they faced, the reasons behind their migration, and how they shaped early Canadian society. Explore how Loyalists influenced local agriculture, community development, and governance, leaving an enduring legacy that remains visible in the region today. 
Construction of Ernestown Station began 170 years ago and was part of the first phase of the Grand Trunk Railway construction. Steve Manders, author of the First Spike, will help us to explore how the arrival of the railway transformed Loyalist Township, connecting the community to broader trade networks and fueling economic growth. This edition of the Culture Talks Series will examine the impact of railroads on industry, agriculture, and daily life in the Township, while reflecting on the lasting changes brought by this revolutionary mode of transportation. The Former Grand Trunk Railway (now Canadian National Railways) Station at Ernestown is a one-storey, stone railway station, built in 1855-56. It is in Odessa on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Although now closed, this building holds unique heritage value as one of the few remaining original Grand Trunk Railway stations. Series 2 - Fall - September, October, November
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September 8, 2025 An Evening of Songs and Stories with Stephen Bruce Medd |
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Through his evocative lyrics and melodies, Stephen will share the tales behind his songs, from moments that shaped Canada’s past to reflections on the natural beauty and challenges of our world today. This unique blend of storytelling and live music offers a memorable evening that celebrates history, culture, and the human spirit. Stephen Bruce Medd is a performing songwriter of historical ballads and spiritual songs. These songs are inspired by Canadian history; the remote and beautiful landscapes he explored as a geologist; and social issues of the day. Stephen’s most recent project entitled, "If Lilacs Could Sing" is a book of ballads and accompanying recordings about fascinating historical moments and people of Upper Canada. In 1999-2000 Stephen recorded 3 Spiritual-Folk songs that he wrote for Avril Lavigne that were her first studio recordings before being discovered by the music industry. Some of his influences include Gordon Lightfoot, Pete Seeger, The Chad Mitchell Trio, Mac Beattie and Celtic Music. His music and performing info is available on Bandcamp, YouTube and Facebook under Stephen Bruce Medd Music. |
| October 14, 2025 To be advised |
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November 10, 2025 Tales of World War II with Sherry Pringle |
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Join us for a captivating guest lecture and live music performance by Stephen Bruce Medd, a celebrated performing songwriter renowned for his historical ballads and spiritual songs. Drawing inspiration from local history, the breathtaking landscapes he explored as a geologist and pressing social issues, Stephen weaves stories that transport audiences to another time and place.
Sherry Pringle, local artist and author of All the Ships Men and Extraordinary Women and Extraordinary Times, will be sharing stories of World War II and its impact on the residents of what is now Loyalist Township.
Location
434 Main Street, Bath Ontario
The Bath Museum is easy to find! Located on the Main Street of Bath, also known as provincial Highway 33, the Museum is just 30 minutes east of the Glenora Ferry or 15 minutes south of Highway 2. If you’re heading west along 33, you’ll find us 25 minutes from the city limits of Kingston. From the 401, take the Camden East exit (593) and follow the signage to County Road 8, bringing you to Bath.
Accessibility
Please note that as an historic site, the space does have some physical barriers.
Contact Us
Municipal Office
263 Main Street, Box 70
Odessa, ON K0H 2H0
Tel: 613-386-7351
info@loyalist.ca