Our grandparents, ancestors and veterans have profoundly shaped our world. Fall is a perfect time to reflect on their contributions and foster a deeper appreciation for those who came before us. While traditional methods of honouring them—such as parades, gatherings and feasts—are important, imagination and creativity also offer meaningful ways to connect with and celebrate the important figures in our lives.
Imaginative play allows children to experience history in a hands-on, engaging way. At Fort Rodd Hill, a former military training ground for WWI and WWII soldiers, kids can pretend to be sentinels or strategists or imagine living with multiple siblings in the Warrant Officer’s Quarters. They might envision themselves as soldiers stationed at the fort, guarding against imagined threats or planning critical missions. These stories, though imagined, can instill a sense of respect for the courage and resilience of those who lived through challenging times.
Beyond just pretending to be part of the past, families can use art to capture the beauty and history of their surroundings. Fort Rodd Hill is not only a place to learn about history but also a landscape filled with natural beauty. Bring along sketchbooks so kids can draw among the blooming camas found in the Garry Oak Learning Meadow. Taking a moment to observe the delicate, vibrant flowers while learning about their importance to Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem can enrich children’s understanding of the connection between people, plants and history.
The nearby Fisgard Lighthouse is a beacon that has guided mariners safely home for over a century. With a keen eye, one can capture mariners safely passing by Fisgard Lighthouse on their journey to secure their daily catch or protect Canada’s coastline. Children might imagine themselves as lighthouse keepers, lighting the way for boats in the fog or during a storm.
This fall, consider incorporating personal family stories into your visits to historic places like Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Historic sites provide a perfect backdrop for family storytelling. Gather some relatives and share stories about your grandparents’ or great grandparents’ contributions to society. You might even bring old family photos and match them to similar scenes in the present. This not only makes history feel more personal but also connects your family’s unique history with the broader Canadian narrative.
Another fun activity is to encourage your children to research their family history. You can visit archives, talk to relatives or even start an online family tree together. Learning about their ancestors’ accomplishments, struggles and daily lives can spark curiosity and a sense of pride. These stories can become inspiration for creative projects such as drawing a family tree, writing a short story about a relative’s journey or creating a scrapbook filled with photos, mementos and personal reflections.
Writing letters of gratitude is another heartfelt way to honour family heritage and veterans’ legacies. Encourage children to write to their grandparents, ancestors or veterans, expressing appreciation for their sacrifices and achievements. Even if the recipients are no longer with us, writing these letters can be a powerful tool for reflection, allowing kids to process their emotions and better understand their connection to the past. These letters can also be shared at family gatherings, providing an opportunity for younger and older generations to discuss their family’s shared history.
This fall offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate family legacies through creativity and exploration. Whether through imaginative play, artistic expression, family research or heartfelt letters, these activities can help children connect with the past in meaningful ways. The rich history of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites offers the perfect backdrop for these experiences, providing a space where imagination and history come together.
For more information and inspiration, visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS and follow @FortRoddFisgardNHS
