Mummering on Trial: Custom and Controversy
Date: Dec 7
2:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Mummers Festival
In the 1800s, mummers in Newfoundland had a reputation for rowdy and violent behaviour that threw the custom into controversy. Local men regularly appeared in court accused of committing assaults and other offences while disguised as mummers. Commentators hotly debated the custom’s role in society, how it influenced Newfoundland’s reputation in the world, and what should be done about it—the kind of questions that still spark discussion around mummering today!
The Rooms Provincial Archives holds records of more than 30 criminal cases involving mummers, most dating from the 1830s to the 1870s. In this presentation, Joy Fraser explores the stories they tell about the custom and the controversy it created.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.
This program is in collaboration with The Mummer’s Festival.
Today's Events & Programs
What can a scrapbook tell us about the lives of young women? How can we use historical documents as inspiration for present projects?
Viola Bown of Bell Island gave her father’s coal delivery ledger a second life by turning it into her scrapbook and titled it “Everywoman’s Notebook,” a scrapbook which can be found in The Rooms large archival collection. Filled with fashion illustrations and knitting patterns, Viola’s scrapbook offers a small but unique glimpse into her world.
Join us for a look at Viola’s scrapbook and a discussion about the process of using one of the patterns featured to make a cozy jacket and cap set from 1933.
Cost: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.