Afton Park Place residents were recently provided an educational session on Lambton County's oil-producing history during a visit from an Oil Museum of Canada representative.
Christina Sydorko, the museum's educational program co-ordinator, has been visiting long-term care and seniors living communities across Lambton County, including several S&R Group communities, to deliver educational sessions about the region's oil history, which dates to 1858, when North America's first oil well was established in Oil Springs, about 35 kilometres southeast of Sarnia.
Afton Park Place life enrichment manager Tara Klompstra says she knew this “would be a great opportunity for residents,” as she previously brought this program to another S&R long-term care community – Twin Lakes Terrace – when she was head of that home's life enrichment department.
Tara explains why it's important for long-term care and seniors living communities to host educational sessions focusing on local history.
“Understanding local history fosters a sense of belonging and identity,” she tells S&R Today. “It helps individuals connect with their community and appreciate its unique traditions, values and heritage.”
Christina says the educational presentations the museum hosts are based on detailed historical research covering a wide range of topics related to the local oil industry.
Some of the topics covered in her presentation included the construction of the Polysar plant (originally called the Polymer Corp. plant), which was made famous when it was featured on the back of the 1971 series $10 banknote, as well as the impact of the 1970s oil crisis on the region and the history of the town of Petrolia.
Tara says a highlight from the presentation was one resident sharing a story about working as a submariner. The resident explained how fuels were mixed together to make submarine engines more efficient, a story Christina plans to use in future presentations.
Christina says the connections with people are a vital part of the presentations she delivers.
“Our seniors and elders, who have built and shaped this community, often share their own personal experiences and stories from their parents and grandparents, adding depth and nuance to the historical stories we present,” she says.
Given the success of the presentation, Tara says residents can expect more in the future.
“Afton Park Place looks forward to continuing monthly presentations,” she says.
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