CTMHV transforms into crime scene for annual murder mystery

by Sylene Argent

The Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village (CTMHV) transformed into the fictional Town of Chatsfield on Saturday evening as the annual Murder Mystery event was held just ahead of Halloween.

Cassandra Marujo wrote this year’s murder mystery, “Tightrope,” which turned back the clock to 1865. Townsfolk in the play are excited to welcome the circus, but an unexpected murder of one of the circus workers, a former resident of Chatsfield named Oscar Wittle, creates quite the stir.

Murujo said Wittle was a character who had made enemies before he left town to join the circus two years earlier, in addition, some friends had become enemies after he had left and he had made enemies while in the circus.

It was up to the many Museum visitors to put on their sleuthing caps to find out who Wittle’s killer could be.

Despite the rainy and damp weather, many visited the local Museum to take on the role of sleuth in the traditional event. Those sleuths were able to enjoy walking up and down the path leading through the Heritage Village, as twilight settled in, to question each of the 16 volunteer actors who took on a character in the play. The characters were spread out throughout Heritage Village, stationed in some of the historic buildings located onsite.

The event detectives had to be extra clever, however, as the town’s gossips were out and about, spreading information that may not have be true.

Event visitors had until 9 p.m. that night to conduct their interviews and find clues. They were then able to submit their findings and point to whom they believed the killer was for a chance to win a prize.

Events held at the CTMHV raise funds for its Children’s Education Program, which provides a hands-on history lesson to hundred of area students each year. Coming up, an indoor automotive flea market will take place on November 3, a gun show will take place on November 18, and a Christmas and craft show will be held on November 24.

On November 10, from 10:00 until 12:00 p.m., the CTMHV will recognize the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day with featuring The Souterrain Impressions Exhibit, a First World War Display and Question and answer period with local military historian, Mickey Moulder, and a chance to learn about WWI Entertainers.

For more information about the CTMHV, or to learn more about upcoming events, log onto CTMHV.com. The Museum is always in need of new volunteers.