Travel back in time this summer and step into the shoes of a soldier from the 100th Regiment of Foot.

Goulbourn Museum is partnering with the 100th Regiment of Foot to deliver Hands on History, an experience that allows visitors to load and fire a Brown Bess musket.

“While musket demonstrations are fun to watch, it’s an even better experience to load and fire a Brown Bess flint lock musket yourself,” says William Sinka, President of the 100th Regiment Historical Society. “Feeling the recoil against your shoulder, the flash of the powder, and the bang at your ear – for a moment, you’ll feel like a soldier from two centuries ago,” he says. “Goulbourn Museum is the only site in Ottawa to offer Hands on History,” says Tracey Donaldson, Museum Manager & Exhibitions Curator. “It is such an amazing hands-on lesson in history, and a real blast!”

The cost to fire three rounds is $22 (taxes included) and the program is offered on select Sundays and Thursdays until August.

Don’t want to get “hands on?” Come out and catch the sights and sounds of the 100th Regiment soldiers in action at the Museum during the Hands on History program. This modern regiment is dressed, equipped, and performs drills to accurately reflect the original unit as it would have appeared in garrison during the summer of 1815. (Plus, it’s free to watch!)

Hands on History is restricted to ages 16+. Participants must register with the Museum, submit a waiver and successfully complete the training provided by the 100th Regiment. Prepayment is required. Hands on History is weather permitting. In the event of rain, participants may reschedule or choose to be refunded.

For more information or to register, email [email protected] or call 613-831-2393.

Goulbourn Museum is a registered charity located at 2064 Huntley Road in Stittsville. It tells the story of Ottawa’s oldest military settlement.