Celebrating Black History Month through Film
Date: Feb 22
2:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
FILM
Celebrate Black History Month with an inspiring afternoon of film that amplifies Black voices and experiences. Join us for a screening of the National Film Board of Canada’s documentary:
John Ware Reclaimed
2020 | 1h 12m
John Ware Reclaimed follows filmmaker Cheryl Foggo on her quest to re-examine the mythology surrounding John Ware, the Black cowboy who settled in Alberta, Canada, before the turn of the 20th century. Foggo’s research uncovers who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means in terms of anti-Black racism, both past and present.
Please note: This film contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.
This event is presented by Memorial University’s Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism, in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada and in partnership with The Rooms.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Events & Programs
Behold the Blades of the Sea: Join historian, Lee Gillis as he explores the rich history and evolution of swords featured in The Rooms permanent collection.
From Napoleonic sabers to ceremonial swords of the First World War, learn how political upheaval and global conflict shaped the advancement of sword design and technology.
Cost: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
About the Presenter:
Historian, Lee Gillis specializes in arms and armor. While his primary focus has been on the medieval period, he has worked with weapons and objects ranging from the Bronze Age to World War II.
He earned a B.A. in History from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and later completed a Master’s Degree in Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham University in England.
To support this research, Lee began training in sword fighting in 2012 and took up blacksmithing and blade-making to gain a comprehensive understanding on the form and function of bladed weaponry.
Since October 2024, he has been volunteering at The Rooms, where he has identified, researched, and catalogued nearly one hundred objects in the collection, including a significant number of swords and other bladed weapons.