"Pauline is a master storyteller who brings history alive to students of all ages"


Norma Bingham, teacher
St. George-German School (GEDSB)

 

 

 

 

 

"Pauline Grondin shares an infectious enthusiasm for stories that captivates young and old alike"

Laura Camilleri, Museum Programmer/ Special Events Coordinator
Museum on the Boyne,.Alliston, Ontairo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Adults


 

Victorian Tea

“Afternoon tea provided the simple function of  ladies getting together to give and receive mutual support and to enjoy the warmth of friendship.
One would keep up with the happenings in the community, share news and yes,
 even gossip…"

When the men joined the tea it was referred to as a Kettledrum Tea…There was a great deal of noise and less to eat.” Invite Pauline to tea and she will tell you more about the beginnings and customs of tea and the etiquette required when you host and attend Afternoon Tea and the “Five O’Clock Function” in the colonies.

Hopefully, you have room on your calling card for a visit!

Royal Weddings Through The Ages

The British Kings and Queens have married through the ages producing heirs for the next generation and so it continues. Pauline will tell the stories of some of the "I do's" and even touch on the "I don'ts" of the British Monarchy.

 

Periwinkle Rose

Pauline Grondin and Diane Kennedy are long time friends and reenactors whose voices harmonize to sing a delightful potpourri of songs accompanied on a variety of musical instruments.

 

Although heritage presentations and music from the British Isles are the favoured choice, Pauline and Diane provide musical entertainment for any venue or occasion.

Singing is accompanied by dulcimers, bodhran, guitars, folk harp, autoharp, and a variety of other instruments.

Stories of Women in Upper Canada during the War of 1812

Pauline Grondin is an 1812 reenactor, professional storyteller, heritage performer and historical interpreter. In recognition of the Bi-centennial of the War of 1812 she will tell stories of the women, and their times.

Pauline is the voice of Mrs. Gage on the War of 1812 documentary on History Television, released in 2012. She is the social historian for the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trail to be displayed on part of the 1812 route, a permanent route established in recognition of the bicentennial. Pauline is also the historical advisor for the Lincoln Lamplighter Tours for their bicentennial productions.

The Women of Upper Canada were left at home and in the soldiers’ encampments with the war of raging around them.

The War of 1812 opened up a world of drama, conflict and struggle for survival both on and off the battlefield. The stories of “The Women” is a glimpse into their life as they experienced the stress of an enemy invasion, watched as their personal possessions were damaged or stolen, or their houses put to the torch.

Many stories of these women grace the pages of history declaring them heroines of the war. Some of their stories are legend, handed down through family and friends.

 

Precious Memories

Experience a voyage down memory lane with your seniors' group, service club, or gathering of any number.
Participate in a sing along of "olde tyme music" or themed music for your special event.  Pauline sings and plays a number of musical instruments, and is often accompanied by a friend or two.

A potpourri of stories, are available for any occasion or special event.  Tales from the British Isles and Canadian heritage stories are always a favourite.  First person presentations of famous Canadian Pioneers and heroines are also available

Exploring Our Heritage

A programme filled with hands on artifacts and reproductions from the past.  A delightful introduction  for reminiscing and "do you remember when".
As a historical interpreter, War of 1812 re-enactor, and professional storyteller, Pauline's experience can bring history and experiences of the early settlers to life before your eyes.  Experience first hand the hardship, adventures and joys of pioneers who planted their roots firmly in Canadian soil.

HerStory History
Pauline's performances are a collection of self penned narratives of some of Canada's heroines and pioneers;

Marguerite LaRoche France to Canada 1542
Elizabeth Davis Ghent Revolutionary War
Anne Morden Dundas Valley, 1787
Laura Secord Heroine of The War of 1812
Elizabeth Rapleje St Thomas, The War of 1812
Marie Anne Gaboury Grandmother of Louis Riel
Annie Connor Ireland to Canada, 1847
Abigail Becker Heroine of Long Point, 1854
Louisa Robinson Allan Toronto 1855
Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Educator and Author
Emily Ferguson Murphy Suffragist and Reformer, 1917
Minerva Hall Toronto's Centennial, 1934
Ruth Ireland Burlington 1855
Queen Victoria  
Lucy Patrick  Lambeth (London) 1809
Edith Cavall Heroine of World War 1
Elizabeth Fisher Stong York (Toronto) 1816
  And Many More...    30 to 45 minutes
Piecing Together Canada's History Through Quilts

A Programme that showcases handmade quilt designs from the past. 
Stories, Traditions and Superstitions honour the quilt designs from long ago.

No thread running through Canada's history is stronger or more consistent than in their use as links between women and their female descendants. Many women felt that the female family, past, present and in the future was important and that these generations were united by the quilts that were the works of their hands and their hearts.

Funeral and Mourning Traditions

During times of health and happiness it is perhaps trying to turn our thoughts into doleful channels but sooner or later in our lives the sad time comes.

Through the ages, people looked upon the rituals of mourning and laying a  loved to rest differently. Grave decorations became less morbid and more of a spiritual awakening. Superstitions and traditions continued to take on a more modern approach as did “saved by the bell”, "the graveyard shift” and “holding a wake”.

Mourning of the dead became a fashionable trend under the reign of Queen Victoria after the death of Prince Albert in 1861 and even common folk could earn their place in the community by their very acts of respect for the dearly departed.

These traditions and customs traveled over the seas to Canada and the rituals were continued and expanded upon. Even though we have our own traditions, their roots are firmly planted in the customs of the past.

The Wedding Gift

The story of “The Wedding Gift” is set in Port Marriott Nova Scotia in the winter of the year 1794.

It is a delightful story laced with comedy and insight and gives a clear picture of early life in the Canadian winter and the hardships of travel in unknown territory.

The ending of the story has a delightful twist that causes a chuckle of acknowledgement to the antics of Miss Kezia Barnes.

 

©2006-2009 , Pauline Grondin  All rights reserved           Web Design: Skorski Web Design