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A collection of rotary telephones.

Register 61 Seats Remaining

Connections 50+ Presents Cambridge Third Age Learning

with Bell Homestead's Brian Wood

2025-06-27 10:00:00 2025-06-27 12:00:00 America/New_York Connections 50+ Presents Cambridge Third Age Learning Life on the Line: The Evolution of the Bell Telephone. Old Post Office - Riverview Room

Friday, June 27
10:00am - 12:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-27 10:00:00 2025-06-27 12:00:00 America/New_York Connections 50+ Presents Cambridge Third Age Learning Life on the Line: The Evolution of the Bell Telephone. Old Post Office - Riverview Room

Old Post Office

Riverview Room

Life on the Line: The Evolution of the Bell Telephone.

Take a nostalgic look back at the indispensable instrument of communication. We all remember the telephone that we grew up with, the model at our grandparents’ home or the one our friends had that we wished we had. Now see how it evolved over the years through an entertaining presentation featuring memorable Bell Telephone advertisements. Here’s a chance to reminisce, admire, and laugh at 130 years of marketing – everything from the convenience of an extension phone in the 1890s, telephone etiquette in wartime, telephone’s to match your décor in the ‘60s, and modern styles of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. You’ll also get to see some of those models up close as we’ll be bringing some classics from our telephone collection.

 

About the speaker

Brian Wood – Curator, Bell Homestead N.H.S, is a life-long resident of Brantford, and has always had an interest in local and 19th century history. First started exploring Bell family history during the Bell Centennial in 1974. Attended MacMaster University with an initial intent in pursuing a teaching career, however focused on museum work after starting as a summer student at the Bell Homestead during second year. Worked as an historical interpreter at the site through the summer of 1988 and following completion of a Hon. B.A. in Sociology and German, took on the Assistant Curator’s position in 1990.   Was later promoted to Curator in 1995. During this period, has completed the Ontario Museum Association Certificate in Museum Studies. Has also participated as a member of the Board of Directors for the Brant Historical Society, Myrtleville House Museum, and the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, as well as the Museums Committee of the Ontario Historical Society. Brian has also volunteered at the Log Farm Museum in Ottawa, the Stratford-Perth Museum, and the City of Waterloo Museum. When not immersed in Bell family history, he enjoys travelling with his husband, James, and being a doggy dad to their Dachshunds, Blanche and Maude.

Bell Homestead Logo

 

About Cambridge Third Age Learning

Cambridge Third Age Learning (CTAL) is a movement that encourages learning and discovery experiences for those in the 'third age'. As part of our Connections 50+ suite of programming, CTAL provides free monthly lectures in our Queen's Square location. With lecturers and topics carefully selected by our CTAL Committee, a volunteer-led group of contemporaries, the series is designed to inspire new thinking and engage inquisitive minds.

 

 

Accessibility
If you require an accessibility accommodation for this program or event, please tell us how we can meet your needs as soon as possible so arrangements can be organized. If you require a sign language interpreter, please let us know at least two-weeks (10 working weekdays) before the program date. 
  
If you are attending a registered program with a support person, please add your support worker as a guest when you sign up. 

COST: Free

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Lectures + Talks |

TAGS: | CTAL |

Old Post Office

Phone: 226-533-2767

Hours
We're closed Sunday June 01 due to Summer Sunday Closure
Mon, May 26 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Tue, May 27 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Wed, May 28 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Thu, May 29 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Fri, May 30 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Sat, May 31 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Jun 01 Closed
(Summer Sunday Closure)

About the branch

The Old Post Office location, opened in 2018, is Canada’s first all-digital library, which includes Creative Studios, Discovery Centre, Makerspace, and Riverview Reading Room.

Be inspired at Idea Exchange in Cambridge!  Connect with the public libraries and public art galleries of Cambridge. Idea Exchange supports and inspires our community with an environment of discovery for people of all ages.

Upcoming events

Thu, May 29, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
March 15 - May 31, 2025

Thu, May 29, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Thu, May 29, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Thu, May 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Use different types of charcoal to achieve various textures within a single artwork.
Registration is now closed

Thu, May 29, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Fri, May 30, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
March 15 - May 31, 2025

Fri, May 30, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Fri, May 30, 10:00am - 4:00pm
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Come and stay and play!

Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Preston - Children's Program Room
Celebrate Pride month with rainbow slime.

Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queen's Square - Studio
Connect with other adults while enjoying concerts, crafting, chats, and more.

Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Sat, May 31, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
March 15 - May 31, 2025

Sat, May 31, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Sat, May 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Explore the different 3D printers available in the Makerspace.
This event is full

Sat, May 31, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
An exciting one-shot D&D adventure!
This event is full

Sat, May 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sun, Jun 01, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 02, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Mon, Jun 02, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Jun 02, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Queen's Square - Studio
This is a four-week course running May 26, June 2, 9, 16
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jun 03, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Tue, Jun 03, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 03, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Jun 03, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Wed, Jun 04, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Wed, Jun 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Cancelled
Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler
From cards to Catan, this is a warm and friendly atmosphere for fans of low-tech table games.

Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Join SPECTRUM for a discussion and to meet other local gender-diverse folks.

Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 04, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Wed, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Magazine Lounge
Read with us and have great discussions about amazing books.

Thu, Jun 05, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Thu, Jun 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Interested in using the laser cutter at the Old Post Office but have no idea where to start?

Thu, Jun 05, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Fri, Jun 06, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Fri, Jun 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queen's Square - Studio
Connect with other adults while enjoying concerts, crafting, chats, and more.

Fri, Jun 06, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Sat, Jun 07, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Makerspace
Calling all photographers and designers.

Sat, Jun 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sun, Jun 08, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 09, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Mon, Jun 09, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
Upgrade your spy game with your own covert bookshelf storage.

Mon, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 7:20pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
View an award-winning cinematic feature film presented by the NFB.

Mon, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Jun 09, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Queen's Square - Studio
This is a four-week course running May 26, June 2, 9, 16
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jun 10, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Tue, Jun 10, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 10, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Jun 10, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Wed, Jun 11, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Wed, Jun 11, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 11, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Wed, Jun 11, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
Rebuilding connections through collective care: TEAO Canada's trauma-informed circles blend somatic practices, psycho-education, and breathwork for healing.
Register

Thu, Jun 12, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Thu, Jun 12, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Thu, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Discover the basics of block printing in a single session!

Thu, Jun 12, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Read your book silently alongside other silent readers.

Fri, Jun 13, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Fri, Jun 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Meet monthly to discuss a pre-selected title, share thoughts, and learn more about the books we love.

Fri, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queens Square - Studio
Create a colourful mushroom that can be placed in a potted plant or garden!

Fri, Jun 13, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Fri, Jun 13, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
An evening with the award winning author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest.

Sat, Jun 14, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Learn the basics of our Cricut Maker.

Sat, Jun 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sun, Jun 15, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 16, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Jun 16, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Queen's Square - Studio
This is a four-week course running May 26, June 2, 9, 16
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jun 17, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Enjoy a creative evening in the Gallery Studio with a focus on improving mental health.

Tue, Jun 17, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Jun 17, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Cancelled
Tue, Jun 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Board Room
Teens can join the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

Wed, Jun 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Jun 18, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 18, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Thu, Jun 19, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Fri, Jun 20, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Sat, Jun 21, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Makerspace
Learn basic sewing terminology as well as how to set up a sewing machine for your next project.

Sat, Jun 21, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Queen's Square - Gallery ,Lobby
Join us for the opening reception of What We Hold.

Sat, Jun 21, 11:00am - 11:45am
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Get the most out of your Cambridge Public Library membership this summer! Explore the Unusual Things to Borrow collection and a tour of the Virtual Library.

Sat, Jun 21, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sat, Jun 21, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
A welcoming and friendly atmosphere to play one or more table games.

Sun, Jun 22, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 23, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Mon, Jun 23, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Tue, Jun 24, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Tue, Jun 24, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Wed, Jun 25, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Wed, Jun 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Jun 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Painting instructor, Virginia, will teach you how to create a summer-themed painting.

Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Join SPECTRUM for a discussion and to meet other local gender-diverse folks.

Wed, Jun 25, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Wed, Jun 25, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
Rebuilding connections through collective care: TEAO Canada's trauma-informed circles blend somatic practices, psycho-education, and breathwork for healing.
Register

Thu, Jun 26, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Creative Studios
Come together for open mic night in the Creative Studios.

Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Create a beautifully bad artwork, all fun and no pressure!

Thu, Jun 26, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Old Post Office - Makerspace
A queer-friendly program for upcycling and trading clothing.

Fri, Jun 27, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Fri, Jun 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Preston - Fireside Area
Love to discuss the nuances of a great book?

Fri, Jun 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
Life on the Line: The Evolution of the Bell Telephone.

Fri, Jun 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Department
Kick off summer with interactive musical performer Erick Traplin.

Fri, Jun 27, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Fri, Jun 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
Get excited for theatrical adventures that will spark your imagination in surprising new ways.

Fri, Jun 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill
Make your evening epic with Nerf blasters and friends. Complete a registration for each teen attending the program.

Sat, Jun 28, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 28, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
Navigate through uncharted territories alongside other courageous adventurers. However, proceed with caution—this game is not for the faint of heart.