International Museum Day gives people an opportunity to look into the past and see what life was like when their ancestors were alive.

On Friday May 18th, Centennial Museum in Penetanguishene for the first time will be taking part in a worldwide incentive to celebrate local heritage and culture. Between 9:30 a.m. -4 p.m. that day the museum will be offering five different hands-on activities which people can chose to participate in.

For just $2 per person, students and attending individuals will be able to the take part in three of the five choices which might include: churning butter in an authentic churn then sampling the fruits of their labour; stuffing a straw tick and comparing the comfort of laying on it to a modern day mattress (weather permitting); experimenting with a a quill and ink; participating in a museum scavenger hunt to find artefacts that may have been used by their forefathers; or learning the basics searching for your own family tree and then applying that knowledge personally. The experience is about a one hour duration.

"The event has hands-on activities about what life was like for our great -grandfathers and introduces students to basic research about a family tree which is something they can continue to work on throughout the adult life. It gives them a start and some interest in leaning more about their ancestors and then as their own families expand they can continue to update their own family trees," said education programmer Jan Gadsdon.

"We will be contacting local schools in the next week to let them know about International Museum Day and we do have sponsorship for the first 100 students booked."

Gadsdon says the event is an excellent opportunity for the community to visit the museum and take part in activities that are not usually offered.

"The museum represents the history of Penetanguishene so for those who have never visited before, it's a great introductory visit and that's what International Museum Day is all about - creating awareness. People should reserve their time slot ahead of time by calling the museum," said Gadsdon.

For more information please call 705-549-2150 or email: jgadsdon@pencenmuseum.com.