Latest news with #historicalsites
CTV News
11-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
New app allows you to explore Manitoba's history
A person uses a cellphone in Ottawa on Monday, July 18, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Manitoba's history is now available at the push of a button. On Friday, the Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) announced the launch of 'MHS InSite'—a free, mobile app where Manitobans can learn about nearly 10,000 of the province's historical sites. MHS InSite includes an interactive map that allows users to locate historic locations, including buildings, cemeteries, monuments, and museums, along with accessing information from MHS' archive. MHS InSite is now available in the App Store and Google Play.
CBC
11-07-2025
- General
- CBC
History in your pocket: New app identifies Manitoba stories and sites wherever you stand
Social Sharing A new mobile app brings Manitoba's past into the present — and into the palm of your hand — by helping you discover the history that's all around you, but perhaps not immediately evident. "The reality is we are surrounded by history.… We don't usually know about it, though, because it hasn't been marked or it hasn't been promoted," said Gordon Goldsborough, head researcher of the Manitoba Historical Society, which launched the MHS InSite app on Friday. "I think what people are going to be surprised about, and I think quite enjoy, is that no matter where you are, at least in southern Manitoba, you're going to find stuff all over the place." The free Android and iPhone app features an interactive map that lets users explore a wide range of historic sites, like buildings and monuments, but also "hidden historical gems" that are lesser known, said Goldsborough. Sometimes those are locations where something used to be that's been lost to time. "There's no marker … that would tell you what was there. But of course, there's buildings that have been there or events that took place there," Goldsborough said. "These are the things we can capture." In places where plaques or other monuments do exist, they are often limited in the information they can provide, "but we go further," Goldsborough said. "We'll often have details about who put up the monument, when did they put up the monument [and] why." The app identifies and categorizes sites by six different icons: building, cemetery, location, monument, museum/archive and other. There are some 10,000 in all, with about 2,800 in Winnipeg. If a user taps an icon, it'll open the Manitoba Historical Society website entry. "It's history in your pocket," Goldsborough said. Developer hopes app will foster love of local history The app was launched Friday to coincide with Historic Places Days, an annual national celebration organized by the National Trust for Canada, a charity focused on preserving heritage places. "I hope people will see things they never saw before," Goldsborough said. "I am immensely proud of Manitoba … and I want to tell the world what a great place it is. One of the ways to do that is to say, 'Look at the rich history we have.'" The app was created by Kyle Tichon, who started out in 2023 making one "for fun" in his spare time. He was using open government data but found the information was limited to only 700 sites. Both sets of his grandparents live on farms, so he wanted to include rural Manitoba as well. He did some research and found the historical society website had thousands of sites listed, along with photographs, maps and other details. He contacted Goldsborough to ask about using those resources. The society secured a grant to help Tichon develop the app. "I'm excited that so many more people are able to see it," Tichon said. "One of my favourite moments … was finding historical sites relevant to my grandparents. I was able to find my grandparents' school and was able to hear the stories of all the teachers they had growing up — a school that's been demolished for long before my parents were born. "Now it's included on the app, and that memory is preserved." That rural connection also influenced Tichon's decision to make sure the app didn't rely too heavily on Wi-Fi, because internet connections in rural areas are spotty. Even without data, the app will work, though it's limited. Text will show up but some graphics won't load, like photographs — and there are more than 24,000 of them. One of the biggest challenges was working around the constraints of Google Maps, which is not supposed to have more than about 1,000 markers on it at a time. "Every challenge that I encountered was just a new puzzle I had to solve. It was honestly the most fun I've had in a while," Tichon said. "I hope this app can foster a love of local history … and hopefully can create new conversations with the people who were there and still have memories of some of these historic places." While it covers essentially the whole province, it's not as inclusive as it could be, Goldsborough said, noting he wants to better document more of northern Manitoba but hasn't had the opportunity. He hopes with the app now live, "people will sign on and say, 'Hey, I know about something that your app doesn't have.'" It can also democratize history, he said, given that in the past, it was primarily wealthy men and their properties that were documented. Now, "we all contribute to the betterment of everyone," Goldsborough said, encouraging people to provide any updated information they might have on sites already in the app. "We want to keep up to date. If you find that something that was there is now gone, let us know."
Arab News
30-06-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Ancient ruins in Al-Ardiyat tell timeless tales
JEDDAH: Al-Ardiyat, a governorate in the Makkah region, is home to many archeological sites dating from earlier periods, including the pre-Islamic Arab eras and the Stone Age. These include ibex carvings and inscriptions continuing into later centuries, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Abdullah Al-Ruzqi, a researcher of archaeology and history in the governorate, said the inscriptions in Al-Ardiyat fall into three categories: ibex drawings; Nabataean and Thamudic writings; and funerary inscriptions from the first Hijri century, such as the tombstone of Maryam bint Qays. He also noted several other known and unknown inscriptions and etchings, calling for attention to and protection of these sites. Al-Ruzqi pointed out that Al-Ardiyat is a testament to history, with numerous inscriptions adorning its mountains, the SPA reported. He added that the governorate is known for the Thumaidah mine, a 50-meter-long tunnel in rocky mountains containing antimony kohl and lead deposits. This mine is in a mountainous area stretching from Abyan to Mount Tharban along the western slopes reaching Qanuna Valley, and the eastern slopes extending to Yabah Valley.
Arab News
23-06-2025
- Arab News
New campaign showcases Makkah's heritage
MAKKAH: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has launched a new campaign titled 'Makkah: A Living Legacy,' the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. It aims to showcase the city's rich historical and cultural sites, increase their visibility among visitors and residents, and highlight Makkah's unique identity and evolving history. The campaign provides an integrated cultural and spiritual experience. It highlights key sites such as the Clock Tower Museum, the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization, Mount Arafat and the Cave of Hira — where Prophet Muhammad received the first Qur'anic revelation. The initiative is part of the commission's broader strategy to preserve, develop and rehabilitate more than 98 sites across the city. It also seeks to enhance the visitor experience, introduce new investment opportunities and revitalize sites while ensuring their sustainability as vibrant cultural destinations.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Discover the 'hidden gem' English Heritage site just 20 minutes from Worcester
Are you looking for new places to explore this year? Worcestershire has plenty of interesting sites to see, and even the surrounding areas have lots to offer, but if you're lacking inspiration, look no further. The English Heritage site of Leigh Court Barn is less than a 20-minute drive from Worcester. Here's what you need to know about the barn, including why it is there, how to get to it and the architecture. English Heritage said: 'Leigh Court Barn is an outstanding example of English medieval carpentry, and the largest cruck framed structure in Britain. Visitors have shown their appreciation for the carpentry inside the barn (Image: Tripadvisor) 'Built for Pershore Abbey in about 1325, it is over 42 metres long with 18 cruck blades - each made from a single oak tree.' On its information page, it added more history about the barn: 'This barn is the only surviving building from the manor of Leigh Court, which belonged in the Middle Ages to the monks of Pershore Abbey. 'There were once other farm buildings and houses, and the abbot himself is known to have sometimes resided here. 'Medieval monasteries owned farmland that could supply them with food and raw materials, either directly, or indirectly through the sale of surplus produce. 'Monastic farms, known as granges, were often large-scale operations, and the size and magnificence of the grange barn at Leigh Court suggests that the Pershore Abbey farm was a well-organised and lucrative business. 'Radiocarbon dating has shown that the timbers for the barn were felled in the spring of 1344, which supports the evidence of carpentry techniques that date the barn to the 14th century. This 42 metre long medieval barn has a strange myth associated with it 🔮 A phantom coach, drawn by four fire-breathing horses, is said to be seen flying up and over Leigh Court Barn. It's driver is the spirit of 'Old Colles', condemned to do so for a highway robbery 🐎👻 — English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) March 23, 2025 'With the closure of the abbey in 1540 the farm passed into lay hands. Until relatively recently the need for large barns for storing and threshing grain remained unchanged. 'Thanks, no doubt, to its size and sturdy construction, the barn has survived largely unaltered for almost 700 years.' Leigh Court Barn is more than 42 metres (140 feet) long, and its trusses are nearly 10 metres (33 feet) high and span 10.4 metres (34 feet). English Heritage added: 'Characteristically, barns had pairs of doors on opposite sides, with the threshing floor between them; the floor here is made of flagstones. With the doors open, the wind blew through the building to winnow the grain, which was tossed in the breeze until all the dust and chaff blew away. 'Externally the barn is partly weatherboarded, though the steep angle of the tiled roof suggests that it may once have been thatched.' You can find out more about the barn via the English Heritage website (linked above). When you arrive, you can wander through the barn and marvel at its impressive architecture. Between April and October, you can visit from Thursday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm, and if you visit between November and March, the opening times are 10am-4pm. It's worth noting that roadside parking is 'very limited' to visit the barn and to reach the barn, you'll need to look for a gate, says English Heritage: 'The barn can be reached on foot via the left hand pedestrian gate adjacent to the driveway of Leigh Court, which is privately owned.' If you're looking to make a full day of exploring, it's recommended you also visit 'the dramatic ruins and stunning gardens of Witley Court, gutted by fire in the 1930s', which are less than 30 minutes away from the barn. You'll be able to do a free audio tour, walk in Witley's parklands, visit the shop or stop for refreshments at an independently-run tearoom. With another short drive, you could also visit 'the peaceful remains of Edvin Loach Old Church'. Recommended reading: Best National Trust sites in Worcestershire and beyond as recommended by locals 'Stunning countryside haven' in Worcestershire among UK's best National Trust sites 5 hidden gems you should visit for a day out in Worcestershire English Heritage shared that the barn has a myth associated with it. Posting to X, it shared: 'A phantom coach, drawn by four fire-breathing horses, is said to be seen flying up and over Leigh Court Barn. 'Its driver is the spirit of 'Old Colles', condemned to do so for a highway robbery'. Visitors have shared their experiences at Leigh Court Barn on TripAdvisor where it has a 4.3 rating from eight reviews. One said: 'Impressive piece of cruck work. In fact, it is one of the longest and oldest cruck barns in Britain. 'It isn't a staffed English Heritage site, but it is free. Spent about ten minutes there, but made for a good day alongside a visit to Witley Court'. Another commented: 'Another hidden gem, probably not for all, but if you like old buildings a must to visit. The workmanship and history are fantastic. Well worth looking for, a little off the beaten track.'
