PLAY THE GAME!
You’ve explored life at the time of Confederation through our Class of ’67 exhibit. Now experience it for yourself!
Choose a character below and start your interactive story. What path will you take? What future will your choose?
MEET THE CLASS OF ’67
Check back soon for more characters!
Meet Ruth Barrow: The Leader
“You look lost—are you new to Black Creek? Me too. My name is Ruth Barrow. If you’re trying to find the school, I know the way there.
“My story? Settle in, it’s a long one. I was born into slavery in Virginia, but one day, my master’s family traveled to Detroit. They took me to attend to their daughter — big mistake. Detroit is only fourteen miles from the border! I escaped and walked to freedom here in Canada. Fourteen miles, on foot, by myself, in the dark. And the rain. Ruth Barrow stops for nothing and no one, understand?
“I’ve been staying with the Grand family, refugees from the south just like me. Black Creek’s all right, but it isn’t enough. Our voices still aren’t being heard. One day, I’m going to have my own newspaper, and they will hear me. Oh, I know it’ll be hard, but just you wait.
“It’s my dream, and I’ll do anything for it — anything.”
Meet Molly Foley: The Rebel
What were you wanting, then? My name, was it? Sure, and I’m Molly Foley. Fourteen years old — near enough fifteen — living here at Black Creek with my family.
Mother and Father always talk about how wonderful it is here in Canada: how it’s a sort of brand-new Ireland. Well, I don’t think it’s as wonderful as all that. My heart’s in Ireland, and when I’m older, I’m saving my money to go home!
Except … well, things aren’t so wonderful in Ireland either. Did you know, there’s a rebel group in the United States — the Fenian Brotherhood — fighting for Irish independence? Besides, my family would never come back with me.
It’d break my heart to leave them behind — but is my own home more important?
Meet Hugh McNair: The Funny One
“What’s that? Just going to pass me by without saying hello?
“That’s better. Hugh McNair, at your service. If you need a good working lad, look no further. What’s that look for? I’m 14, so I’m old enough, thanks very much. It’d be a big help to my family, see. Both my parents work, and if I could bring in a little extra …
“Well, it’d be a help. They’ve got long hours, both of them. It’s not fair. How’re you supposed to work 12 or 14 hours a day, and have any sort of life? There’s got to be a better way.
“If I work really hard, one day I’ll run the factory, and then I’ll make the rules … but that’ll only help my factory. What am I to do, eh? Do I look out for me, or should I try to make things better for everyone?”
Meet Jacob Schultz: The Outdoorsy One
“Hallo, ich heiße Jacob.
“Oh, you are speaking English? At my home, we speak German, but do not worry; I know some English, too.
“Hello, my name is Jacob, it is nice to meet you. I cannot talk long, though. My father and my brothers need my help on the farm. Sometimes, it feels like that is all I do!
“I am the youngest of all the children, and so my brothers make me do the worst chores; I never get to see my friends. But I will show my brothers: one day, I will have a bigger farm than all of them!
“Only, I see that there is not very much land around here. I would not miss my brothers, but I would be sad to leave my friends, my parents, and grandparents.
“Going someplace new is frightening — but how will I get my own farm if I stay here?”
Meet Edith Sommerville: The Dreamer
“Hello! My name is Edith Sommerville. I beg your pardon? A little about myself?”
“Why, certainly! I am 14 years old, and I live with my mother, my father, and my older brothers: George and Henry. I enjoy reading books, and debating, and —”
“May I tell you a great secret? I love discussing politics: I want to be a part of it all! But my parents say that girls are meant for embroidery and hosting teas!”
“It makes me terribly angry. I don’t want to practice my needlework; I want to help people. But how can I help people when women can’t vote, and there’s never been a female doctor?”
“I’ve had enough of being good all the time — I want to do some good!
 |
NOTE FOR FAMILIIES:
Take this adventure into life in 1867 together as a family. Debate and make decision as a team, or play on separate devices and compare where your characters end up!
This game offers an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing youth in 1867 and how they overcame their difficulties to achieve their goals. At the end of the game, use the prompt questions to start a family discussion about the story that you read.
NOTE FOR TEACHERS:
Want to play the game with your students? Check out our Online Learning page for curriculum-linked lesson plans.