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PART A

STATUS REPORT ON THE 175m ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

A committee to plan and carry out the anniversary celebrations was formed and held its fim meeting on Thursday, April 9 at the Eldon House interpretive Centre. In attendance were Brian Meehan, Cydna Mercer, Museum London Carol Kehoe, Museum London Alan Cohen, London Heritage Council Charity Miskelly, London Heritage Council Don Menard, Planning, City of London Robin Armistead, Culture, City of London Maureen Spencer-Golovchenko,Mayofs OMce john Winston, Tourism London Cathy Luke, Historical Interpreter, Museum London Jane Morphew, Historical Interpreter, Museum London Nancy Johnson,Historical Interpreter, Museum London Tara Wittmann, Historical Interpreter, Museum London

Regularly scheduled meetings will be held every three weeks beginning Thursday, May 7 and will take place at 4 pm at the Eldon House Interpretive Centre.

ltems discussed at the meeting centred on ideas that could form a year-long celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Harris family moving into the house on September 29,1834 and the Soh anniversary of the House being gifted to the City on August 23,1960. The merits of a year-long celebration and how to market and sustain interest in Eldon House afterward through this celebration were also discussed. Funding of the various activities that would make up the celebrations was discussed and two initial sources were identified, namely the Department of Canadian Heritage program Building Communities through Arts and Heritage, as well as the City of London. Museum London and the London Heritage Council will work together to submit a grant application for $50,000 to the Building Communities through A& and Heritage program for its September deadline [funds to be used for 2010 activities). This report will constitute a funding request of $25,000 to the City of London for the celebrations. The implementation ofthe various projects listed below will be tied to the funds being available through these two sources and any additional sources that we can determine over the coming months. Museum London has also been actively seeking corporate sponsorship for these activities.

It was also noted at the meeting that the London Heritage Council will provide part-time staff assistance to coordinate the implementation of the anniversary programming.

Tourism London will be an important partner in ensuring Anniversary activities are promoted to regional tour groups, etc. in the 2009-2010London marketing program/brochures. 04/29/2009 22:26 FAX m003/010

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NEXT STEPS In advance of out May 7" meeting a daft committee mandate for the celebrations will be circulated to committee members for review. This will then be discussed and voted on at the committee meeting. At this meeting each of the various activities listed below will be assigned to committee members who will research the items mow completely and develop a tirneline and budget for the actiflties, These findings will be circulated before the May 28" meeting and at that meeting the activities will be prioritized according to the committee mandate and the anticipated funding.

Brian Meehan 29 April 2009

Suggestions for Celebrating 175' Annlversary of Eldon House Premise By mirroring yearlong activities successfilly staged as part of the City of London's 150" anniversary of incorporation in 2005, this special milestone of London's oldest home provides a tremendous opportunity for London to: 1) promote its history and heritage to citizens and existing stakeholders; 2) establish new partnerships; and 3) introduce Eldon House to numerous new stakeholders, both in the city and beyond. Recognizing the lead time required for proper planning, potential grant applications and Tourism marketing and promotion, it is suggested that a series of 175' anniversary events/activities be organized to run across a full year. Perhaps tying in the fan the Rarrls family moved into Eldon House on September 29, 1834, we could hold a News Conference on Mduy, September 28 to announce a yearlong calendar of anniversary activities beginning wlth the planned Doom Open celebration that weekend (September 19-20). Then, the yearlong celebrations might culminate on or around August 23,2010 with an event to mark the SO& anniversary of the Harris family agreement with the City to operate Eldon House as a Museum. Suggestions for the Anniversary Committee to Consider 1) Use excerpts From the Harris diaries as notable London memories for the Mayor to share at the start of each City Council meeting throughout the yearlong celebration. (This was done featuring a biography of a different London Mayor each meeting throughout the year.)

2) Arrange a display in the lobby of City Hall highlighting the history of Eldon House, which encourages visitors to take a tour for the 175" anniversary.

3) Liaise with staff at the J.J. Talman Archives at Western to identify specific times when citizens or interested groups/associations might be invited to visit for a lecture on the Harris familyor simply as an opportunity to view the diaries and Harris archival information. 04/29/2009 22:27 FM ~004/010

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4) Liaise with staff in the London Room at the Central Library regarding the possibility of pulling together a Harris family anniversary display featuring articles from the London Advertiser, ecc.

5) Meet with London Free Press Editor-inchief Paul Berton to discuss a partnership, whereby the Eldon House historical staff could develop 12 distinct themes related to the House and/or Harris family. on which reporters could base a series of 1756 anniversary articles - one each month over the year.

6) Create a Time Capsule with a plaque honouring the 175* anniversary, which could perhaps be located in the garden of Eldon House. (Such a Time Capsule marking the City's 1506 can be found at the northeast corner of Victoria Park).

7) Liaise with London Heritage Council Heritage London Foundation and other related groups to see what actlvlties might tie in with the anniversary.

8) Partner with Fanshawe Pioneer Village. the Grand Theatre and local re-enactors to include period costumes at garden parties or other gatherings.

9) Consider a heritage baseball game at with promoted tours of Eldon House before and aRer the game.

10) Invite the Chamber of Commerce to partner with us to honour the 175* Anniversary through 'the eyes of business', as Edward and George Harrfs were prominent business leaders. Perhaps the Chamber could host a luncheon or a dinner with a keynote speaker telling the entrepreneurial tale ofthe Harris family in our community. (The City worked with the Chamber to develop Reforest London as our mutual prolea for the sesquicentennial.)

11) lnvite the Horticultural Society to get involved with the anniversary by possibly organlzlng sale of heritage seeds/cuttlngs from original plants on the Eldon House grounds. This could be a fundraiser for the House.

12) lnvite the Architectural Conservancy of to feature Eldon House as one of the province's examples of signlficant architecture and places ofbeauty.

13) Invite the IODE to get involved in an anniversary project, as Lucy Little helped to establish the Eldon House Chapter of IODE and the new North American IODE leader is fram London and the international convention will be held here in June. As such, perhaps the new leader, Vesta Marshall, may consider a special project during her time at the helm.

14) Involve the Harris family descendants living in our community in our celebrations.

Ideas for the Celebration of the 175a Anniversary of the Building of Eldon House These ideas are directed at bringing attentlon to Eldon House with programs and special events that generate respect for the past and renewed enthusiasm for the history of our city. These ideas have been compiled by the current Historical Interpreters Including lane Morphew, Nancy Johnson Cathy Luke, Brenda Fieldhouse, Lesley Grieve, Tara Wittmann and Hillary Cugan-Walker. We are interested in finding new and innovative ways to share our love of Eldon House, and bring renewed life to this heritage jewel. 04/29/2000 22:27 FAX ~oos/olo

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Our goal is to make the 75th anniversary of Eldon House a year long celebration that reaches out to all of the varied Interest groups in London and beyond - the public at large, tourists, schools, heritage groups, seniors, children, teens, people with an interest in health and medicine (Yes! a lecture about health and medicine In pioneer days - ever heard of Dr. Alexander Anderson?), re- enactors, genealogists, educators, artists, dancers, writers, photographers, theatre buffs, musicians, gardeners - themes of travel, military, childcare, servants and the list goes on. There are as many ideas as there are days in the year to celebrate. We'll startwith a few to stimulate dialogue! Our concept is that the anniversary year is an opportunity to launch new programs and events with potential for some to be repeated yearly and morph into popular special events that can be added to our regular calendar programming. The underlylngstrategy is sustalnabillty for Eldon House as a unique heritage properry; a home whose history parallels the story of London from pioneer days through to the present age. By building on the momentum of our anniversary year, we wlll continue Amella Harris' dream to secure the future of Eldon House. The big launch for the year of celebration starts in the month the famlly moved in, September 29, 1834. On the chosen day of celcbration costumed interpreters and volunteers welcome people at the gate. Period music is played on the lawn or west-facing porch. Tea and lemonade is served. The Union Jack is handed out and a one-sheet with excerpts from the diaries on how the Harris family lived. Perhaps a re-enactment ofsome parts ofthe move? Sir Prancls Bond Head, lieutenant governor, makes a personal appearance, as well as Colonel Thomas Talbot who became a frequent and welcome guest at Eldon House. In fact once he stayed at the Harris home for three months while they nursed him back to health. We could even repeat the successful military re-enacbnent on the front lawn to attract visitors. Meanwhile, children's games are organized on the lawn and "props" used in our education programming are on display - this could be set up as a "guessinggame". There are many essential items from our past that are beyond recognition today - what do we have today that will be gone tomorrow?! Simple to set up and koeps visitors entertained beyond the tour they take of the house.

Other Ideas To Celebrate 175 Years LECTURE SERIES To be organlzed once a month in the Interpretive Centre: Women's History Plan this one around International Women's Day (March 7). Posslble partners: Brescia University College and/or Women's Studies at UWO, and the London Women's History Projen The diaries reveal much of how life "used to be" and lead to programming, lectures, dlalogue about the evolving role ofwomen in London, Millie Harris started London's first women's hockey team in 18931 Feminism didn't start with Cermaine Creer! Theatre in London It started with Theatre Royale and garrison soldiers who settled here after Rebellion of 1837.There are approximately 20 semi-professional theatre groups in London who offer alternative theatre. Invite casts and crews to Bldon House to learn about the roots of theatre passion in London. 04/29/2009 22:28 FAX @006/010

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Military History The roots of Military history in the garrison town of London through the great wars link directly to members of Eldon House and their brave contribution. Feature well known Canadian historian Colin Read from Huron College who, literally, wrote the definitive book on the Rebellion of 1837. Re-enactors, history bufi, historic societics can all be targeted for this lecture. Social Life Bidon House was a social mecca for the western district of Upper . Invite the literary crowd who may find comparisons with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as ME. Harris hosts ball and eligible young bachelors for her seven daughters in need of husbands. 19th Century Medicine Neighbour Dr. Alexander Anderson (his former home is now part of the Nancy Campbell Private School) still used leeches to cure his patients in the early days of Eldon House history. His alleged negligence in the death of daughter Helen after the birth of her son Maurice in 1860 led the Harris family to publicly attack him In the London newspaper. What else was going on in 19th century medicine is the subject of this lecture. Bducatlon for Women Bducation for girls was not to be taken for granted in Victorian times. An interesting lecture for educators focuses on private schools, governesses and finally an education abroad for young Millie. Her diaries also exist and tell the tale of a woman whose life at Eldon House spanned the years from her birth in 1868 to 1959. EXHIBITIONS Clothing A clothing exhibition of fashions familiar to the House and worn during its years of occupancy 118341959). Select clothing from collection donated by Brescia and presently in storage at Museum London. This collection offers a beautiful "fashion show" of different eras that our visitors deserve to see. Outdoor Art Exhibit Bring the artists back to Eldon House. Invite them to create art on the lawn, interpret family history through their medium, and display their paintlngs/artwork Organlze an art workshop tied to a tour of artwork in the House. Craft Fair Invite weavers, spinners. candle makers, blacksmiths, soap makers and chair canners to present their crafts on the lawn and in the Interpretive Centre. Some can do demonstrations. Others can talk to visitors about their craft and how it Fits within the history of Eldon House occupant% 04/29/2009 22:28 FAX m007/010

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Garden Walks Eldon House makes an effort to present period gardens of interest to those with a green thumb as well as those who just appreciate the beauty and colour. Special afternoon tours capped off with tea on the lawn celebrate the long tradition of gardening at Eldon House. Photography Photography deserves an exhibition all on its own. Millie built a dark room in the basement of Eldon House and her photos glve us a "picture to the past". The Interpretive Centre celebrates photography with an exhibition - Millie's and others who have captured over time the life and times of a period of history that will never return. 'LIVING HISTORY' THEATRE PRODUCTIONS The Eldon House Diaries provide insight into what life "was really llke" and life was not perfect for tho Harrisos. They were a family like every other family with joys, sorrows, conflict, loyalty, secrets, a public iife and a private life - much of it revealed in the diaries that span a period of many decades. Living history theatre productions offer one of the most effective ways to interpret the past and engage people in their own story. For example: 'Christmas Memories' - A 20-minute monologue by 'Amelia Harris,' based on her diaries, performed Ln the Interpretive Centre as a complement to other perennially successful Chrlstmas programs. Amelia as an old woman looks back on the joys and tragedies of a household that watched 7 children grow up. 'Women's Hockey and Other Feminist Fun' - A 20-minute dialogue by 'Millie Harris' on the joy of her independent life as a late Victorian spinster. Suitable for a winter booking - otherwise a time of lull in visitors to Eldon House. BUILDING ON PRESENT TRADITIONS AND LOOKING FOR NEW AUDIfiNCES Tea at Eldon House - an elegant tradition Summer tea at Eldon House is an important aadition for many people. We recommend extending this annual outing by offering speclal event teas year round We would restore the popular Christmas tea offered along with the opening weekend of the Victorian Christmas display. We would attract people year round with Valentine's Day Tea, St Patrick's Day Tea, Mother's Day Tea, Easter Tea Harvest tea etc. Our own hablend1 We suggest having an Eldon House tea blend developed by a local tea merchant. Wouldn't Amelia Harris be pleased?! She used to keep the Eldon House tea literally under lock and key, wearing the key on a ribbon around her waist School Essay Contest School programming is another opportunity to celebrate the Harris famlly and Che oldest survlvlng house in London. We propose an essay contest to encourage studen- to write about Eldon House. Students could choose from any tlme period over the 175 years that fits with their curriculum - 04/29/2009 22:29 FAX ~008/010

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pioneer days, Rebellion of 1837,Victorian era, turn of the century, World War 1, Depression, World War II - and write an essay about how the story of the Harris family chronicles the social, political and cultural history of London. Comrnemoratlve Book A written documentary on the Harris family with photos, including a chapter about the history of EH since it has become a museum. The book should be approximately 60-70 pages, printed on quality paper with asott cover. It could be sold for around $20 at various venues throughout the city and beyond. This projedwould provide a worthwhile souvenir for people; more comprehensive than the booklet we now have and would fill the gap lefi by the Eldon House Dfaries, which is sold-out and out of print. Walking Tours

Eldon House can be a focal point for a revival of architectural/historical walking tours in the neighbourhood, perhaps In partnership with organizations like ACO London, Heritage London Foundation and, given the proximity to Labatt Park, The

Amella at the Forks A revival of the play done a Few years ago -Amelia at the Forks by Leith Peterson - should be investigated.

EVENTS PLANNED TO DATE Our traditional Canada Day Dinner at Eldon House will include tours and Anniversary celebrations ofthe house, with birthday cake and presents

Our traditional Summer Teas at Eldon House will Feature a special Anniversary dessert, compliments of Eldon House

A special commemorative bookmark to be handed out to all Eldon House visitors starting May 1 through December

Birthday cupcakes distributed on September 19 and 20, during the weekend of Doors Open London

A special iwo-page spread on the history of Eldon House in the April to lune issue of At the Museum, Museum London’s quarterly newsletter

Special media coverage and opportunities to highlight Eldon House during the 2009 year 04/29/2009 22:29 FAX

PART B ELDON HOUSE, MUSEUM LONDON AND THE CITY

The House was @Redto the City by the Harris Family in 1960 with a SO-year agreement that expires in August 2010. The City's legal department is looking into whether the expiration of the agreement has any bearing on how the House is operated in the future. It is not anticipated that there will be any changes to its function as a historical house and museum.

The City entered in an agreement with the and Art Museum regarding the management of Eldon House in the early 1970s. That agreement carried over to Museum London when the Art Gallery and the Museums merged in 1989 and remained In place until the late 1990s.Although we have not had a signed agreement in place in the past decade we have managed the House under the same conditions as contained in the earlier agreement. We have begun work to develop a new agreement for this year between the City and Museum London for the management of Eldon House that will include the Eldon House Interpretive Centre.

We are also bound by the Ontario Heritage Trust Easement Agreement that limits the changes that can take place to the property so as to protect its heritage integrity.

Although physically separate, Eldon House is considered part of Museum London from an operational and organizational standpoint. Its activities are directed by the Museum's Board of Directors.

We do receive grants and earned revenue specific to Eldon House and incur costs specific to the operations as well (see attached budgot sheer]. Other services (conservation, marketing, design, custodial, financial, etc.) are provided on an on-going as-needed basis by Museum London staff.

The Eldon House interpretive Centre was built in 2001 and has a large meeting/exhibition space, a kitchen and washrooms, and since 2008 has housed the offices ofthe London Heritage Council.

All capital expenditures are handled by the City's Heritage Planner and Facilities Division personnel with consultation with Museum London and Eldon House staff. work is slated for the greenhouse in 2009. 04/29/2009 22:29 FAX

PART B

ELDON HOUSE

2008 Revenues and Expcnditures

Revenues

Minisby of Citizenship and Culture S 24,329 DonatlonBox 2,247 Admissions 3,759 Sponsorship 2,500 Publication Sales 164 London Heritage Council 1,600 Public Pmgramming 4,714 School Tours 1.612 School Hlstoly Program 4.665 General Public Tours 2,055 s 47.645 B*pmdftUlW

Salaries Gardener 44.593.74 Wages Interpreters 33,294.90 Fringe Benefits 12,600.50 Fringe Benefits Interpreten 4,015.96 Overtime Interpreters 2,941.25 Event Professional Fees 1.778.20 Travel 30.43 Publicity 49.72 Event Supplies 1,707.95 Custodial Supplies 413.05 Maintenance Contract 564.24 Security Contract 1,28659 Gardening $91 1.00 Telephone 1,630.77 Hydro 10,068.22 Water 2,192.49 Gas 10,723.75 Security Fees 413.28 S 134.216 Net revenues and expenditures s 86.571