Beyond the Palisades:
An Exclusive Evening at Sainte-Marie
Step into a world rarely seen by the public. Beyond the Palisades is a one-night-only experience that invites you to explore Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in a whole new light—after hours, with exclusive access to hidden treasures, engaging speakers, live music, and a cultured atmosphere.
Whether you’re coming with friends or flying solo, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a night of learning, connection, and history.
Dates and times:
- February 28, 2025
- 7 to 10 p.m.
Tickets coming soon:
- $40 per person, tax included
- With just one date and a maximum capacity of 100 people, we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment
- No pets please – service animals only
Locations:
Re-discover Sainte-Marie’s indoor museum, visitors centre, and Brébeuf Event Centre, beautifully decorated for this special occasion.
Suggested dress code:
Guests are invited to dress up a little! Think smart, stylish, and comfortable.
Limited Tickets Available
Only 100 tickets will be released for this exclusive event. No free admission programs apply due to limited seating.
Image gallery:
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Rarely seen artefacts from our archives
Join us for a unique opportunity to explore seldom-seen treasures from our historical collection.
Our most experienced program staff will be on hand to share insights into remarkable artefacts, including fragments of the original Sainte-Marie waterway and an authentic cannon unearthed during archaeological excavations on Christian Island.
Guests will have the rare chance to handle select smaller items—using provided gloves—and uncover their fascinating stories.
Canada’s leading expert on Wendat language
Guests will hear from Dr. John L. Steckley, a scholar and leading authority on the Wendat (Wyandot/Huron) language.
With a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Toronto, he taught Native American studies and anthropology at Humber College for over 30 years. Steckley is one of the last known speakers of Wendat and has worked extensively to preserve and revitalize the language.
Adopted by the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma in 1999 and honored by Huron descendants in Quebec, he published the first Huron-English dictionary in 2007.
Now retired, Steckley continues to support Indigenous communities through language education.
In John’s own words
“Most of my life has been spent working with the Wendat language. This journey began in 1974, when I learned that the Wendat people had largely lost their ancestral tongue. However, the Jesuits who worked with them during the era of Sainte-Marie and well into the 18th century had compiled a remarkable dictionary and grammar of Wendat—a tremendous source of information.
Their work led me to publish eleven books on the Wendat language (2004-2024), and many more articles. Twice a year for six years, I taught the Wyandot dialect in Oklahoma. During two summers, I was as an interpreter at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, and apparently there is a picture of me as a Jesuit that still survives. I taught at Humber College for two decades and have a doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto.
I also have two personal connections to Jesuit Father Jean de Brébeuf. First, I translated his “Huron Carol,” which had never before received a truly accurate rendering. Second, we share a Wendat name: Hechon. The Wendat originally called him “’chon,” echoing his first name, Jean. To masculinize it, they added “he,” as the Wendat language uses “h” to mark masculine forms. When I first visited the Wendat community of Wendake, I was informally given the name Hechon. It’s a connection I cherish deeply.“
Curated snacks and beverages
Included in the cost of admission are gourmet hors d’oeuvres with an Indigenous flair, served by Métis chef Tammy Carrière of Restaurant Sainte-Marie, in the beautifully-styled Sainte-Marie Visitors Centre.
A cash bar will be available, with curated wine and craft beer selections, including the Longhouse Lager created by the talented team at Quayle’s Brewery.
Short film screenings
In collaboration with the Hot Docs Film Festival, we are curating a powerful selection of short films by First Nations creators, to be showcased in our indoor theatres.
Live music in the museum
Enjoy the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar performed live within the indoor museum, where archived artefacts will be on display.
Ethan Hibbs is a Toronto-based fingerstyle guitarist and composer known for creating cinematic, story-driven music for solo acoustic guitar.
His playing simultaneously blends fingerpicking, harmonics, and percussive techniques.
Ethan’s unique approach to the instrument has garnered over 11 million streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. His work explores the full range of the guitar, from delicate textures to powerful resonant moments.
Please be advised that with the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
- Valid ID required for bar service.
- Beverages available for purchase – cash recommended for the bar.
- Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a mask-friendly environment. Read our COVID-19 policy.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on the property.
- This experience is recommended guests age 13 and up.
- Professional photography may be taking place during the event.
16164 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON, L4R 4K8
Parking Info
There is ample parking for visitors including those with RVs and buses. Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way to the admissions entrance. We also have bike racks available for cyclists coming from the Tay Trail.
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 526-7838 if you have any questions.
Ontario’s first European community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. This community was abandoned and burned down in 1649.
After extensive archaeological and historical research, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s compelling story is brought to life with costumed historical interpreters, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Located near Midland, on the Wye River, this world-renowned reconstruction offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life through self-guided visits, group tours, interactive education programs, and special events. Complete your experience by exploring our interpretive museum and themed gift shop.
