Whatever Sault parents are doing to entertain their children on school strike days, it so far hasn't included educational visits to local museums.
"No – no extra attendance," Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site curator Kathy Fisher told her board this week in response to a question from Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Shoemaker.
"Even the Bushplane's had the same," Fisher added. "They've had a few [children], but it's been a handful and it's grandparents with them."
"We are not seeing a significant increase in visitation due to school strikes," William Hollingshead, executive director and chief curator at Sault Ste. Marie Museum, told SooToday.
"We have had a few occasions where we have had some kids during strike days, as well local groups and homeschool groups are still booking in, but nothing to make a dent," Hollingshead said.
Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site will be open on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 17) from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Admission will be free, with fees for food including pancakes, baking and bonfire smores. Outdoor activities will include games and snowshoeing. Coureurs des Bois re-enactors will be in the War of 1812 gallery.
Sault Ste. Marie Museum will also be open with free admission on Family Day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a new exhibit on local film, radio, photography and broadcast history and $1 cupcakes in support of their outreach and education department.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday with half-price admission including games, crafts, Entomica, a travelling hockey exhibit developed by the Canadian Museum of History and a free gift for all children.