My Historic Life

07/28/2026

It was an honour to support the Huron County Museum once again, in Goderich, where I discussed the history of fishing and hunting with our community.

07/03/2026

My wife, Trisha da Cunha of Timbrell Cockburn Cunha just released a new WW1 pattern that includes the original documentation for the creation of an authentic sweater vest, intended to be worn below the tunic for greater warmth within the trenches. Check out the pattern, it's intended for crochet and quite affordable.

I added a pattern to my website that is a little bit different for me. It is a crochet pattern for a WWI sleeveless sweater (it is my first non-sewing pattern that I have released). This was taken from an article from a period magazine in my collection and adapted to a modern size large (up to an extra large since it has stretch). You can find the pattern on my website here: https://tccunha.ca/collections/patterns/products/wwi-crochet-sleeveless-sweater-pattern

03/23/2026

Though things have changed, many have stayed the same when it comes to the art of angling. More advanced technology, refined knowledge and more plentiful equipment might exist today, but in the end, angling still remains a way of life and an escape from the stress of life.

03/22/2026

This week's artifact is a fishing creel, used by anglers to store their freshly caught fish within the wicker basket, and then placed in the cool water to keep your catch fresh. Before modern refrigeration, these were essential to ensure that you were able to keep your fish fresh, until you were able to preserve, or eat them. Keep following for more unique historic information.

03/21/2026

This is perhaps one of my best antique store finds in the last few years, being an early modern "Cod Handline" with a cast lead jig, having a smaller fish sinker cast out of lead with the hook placed within it as part of the process. Using tarred line to protect the line from rotting, the handline was used extensively in Europe and along the coast of Canada by my family and distant ancestors while fishing for Atlantic cod. The paint you see even served a purpose, protecting the wood from rot and damage as a result of sea water. This is a significant part of Canadian history, as well as Portuguese history, representing the early exploration of Canada by Portuguese and Basque fishermen, as well as the Portuguese white fleet along the Canadian Coast. This cod handline has definitely found the right home, where it will be used to teach about the history of fishing, as well as Canadian and Portuguese history, generally.

Support local businesses such as Great Blue Heron Antiques just north of Goderich, on Highway 21; link in the comments.

03/20/2026

Guess what this week's artifact might be, as pulled from my collection of historic artifacts. Here's a clue, it will help keep you full.

03/18/2026

It was a great day today in Goderich, at the Huron County Museum, as my assistant (my daughter, Isabella) and myself put on a workshop for little future historians on fishing and hunting in the 1700s and 1800s. From learning how muskets and fishing reels worked in the era, to handling various pelts from local wildlife and antiques that are hundreds of years old, each child was able to engage in the practices and traditions of various people from within the region, in those eras. We hope to be back in the future, perhaps with other eras and roles to share with the people of Huron County.

03/08/2026

I'm pleased to note that my next workshop and presentation will be at the Huron County Museum, this March 18th as part of their March Break Camp. Children will have the opportunity to learn about and handle original and reproduction items from the 1700s and 1800s as used by local hunters, and fisherman. It's not often that you can touch a black bear, red fox, and learn how to make your own fly lure!

02/23/2026

Our mystery item is a foot warmer, used below your seat, bench, or carriage to keep you warm. You open the front panel, place your coals in the container found within and keep yourself warm during those cold rides, or church services. Intended to be portable, these could he used in a number of settings and carried along with you. Just one of the many unique historic items that I'm happy to share with you, from my collection.