The grand opening of a new exhibit at the Yale Historic Site takes place this weekend as part of Living History Family Day.
A jail house is the latest addition to the museum's tent city. The structure was donated by a woodworking class at Hope High School, while items inside were provided by local residents and history buffs. Staff have also added a new garden and fire pit this year next to the existing Chinese boarding house and bath house.
"This event is to sort of bring Yale back to life for the day," said site supervisor Deb Zervini.
"It's to give people an idea of what it was actually like back in the early days of Yale when it was a tent city."
When people first arrived during the Gold Rush, they would have lived in a temporary structure until they could build a permanent residence. In addition, the museum attraction acknowledges the impact of several large fires during the late 1800s.
"To get the businesses back up and running quickly, they would scavenge whatever they could, slap up some makeshift building and open the doors," Zervini said.
Living History Family Day will feature live demonstrations, music, storytelling, games, gold panning and hands-on crafts. Visitors are invited to dress the part in an outfit from the site's costume collection located in the historic Ward House.
There will also be reenactors in period clothing from the Black Powder Society and Royal Engineers Living History Group.
Barbecue hot dogs, bannock and cold drinks will be for sale throughout the day.
Living History Family Day runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 20.
Admission is $5.50, with all proceeds supporting Yale Historic Site. Included with each admission is a Time Travel Ticket. Once stamps have been collected at all eight stations, participants will be entered into a prize draw.
For more information, call 604-863-2324 or email info@historicyale.ca