Muskoka Heritage Place will kick off the 2008 season and celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. Costumed narrators will be on hand to tell you about their authentic buildings, to share stories about settlers’ lives and challenges, and to ask you and your children to get your hands busy pitching in with their daily chores and activities. Gardens are due to be planted as the busy sowing season is here. The authentic train coaches are also scheduled to make four trips pulled by the diesel-electric engine on Saturday at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. The steam engine will operate at the beginning of July. Trains will be scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays. This summer, Muskoka Heritage Place will also host a special anniversary party in July and a new display called Northern Owls.  The Muskoka museum originally opened in Huntsville in 1958.

The museum has since grown and now includes a complete working crossroads pioneer village, an authentic and operational open-air coach train ride, farm animals, costumed interpreters and hands-on activities, along with varied museum displays. Huntsville ratepayers get a free admission pass, which was included in their 2007 tax bill. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

For more information visit the Muskoka Heritage Place website at  www.muskokaheritageplace or call 789-7576.