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.
Events & Programs
Special fabric remnants or scraps of velvet and silk have been delicately crafted into small pillows using the humble straight pin. Since at least the 17th century, they have marked courtship, documented weddings, and welcomed the birth of new babies. Bits and bobs of ribbons, beads, and sequins were used to adorn these simple cushions.
We invite you to join us to create your own special pin pillow. Choose to commemorate a wedding, anniversary, or birthday. We will inspire you with historic patterns from The Rooms collections and crafty examples to elevate your love of making.
The cost of the workshop includes:
- All materials with printed instructions
- A short presentation on pin pillow history
- Viewing of examples from The Rooms collections
Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online!
Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou
In this exhibition, find out about the impacts of the First World War on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and how events overseas dramatically altered our lives at home.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.