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XX factor shines in inventive exhibit

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Scientist Marie Curie was the first woman to earn a Nobel Prize in 1903. In 1911

This weekend, Surrey’s Historic Stewart Farm opens the doors to a new exhibit celebrating the ingenuity, inventions and innovations of women. From healers and homemakers, to designers and engineers, Mothers of Invention explores the origins of inventions, objects and ideas of women from the Lower Mainland, across Canada and around the world.Inventions cover a wide range of areas of expertise, from art, clothing, textiles medicine, mathematics, science and the environment to healing, food, cleaning products, personal well-being and childcare. View a collection of common and unusual tools, equipment, household items, novelties and personal gear demonstrating a range of technologies. There’s also a kids’ corner featuring an inventors challenge where children can put their own creativity to work solving a chair design puzzle and construct a lantern from a piece of paper. The exhibit opens Saturday, March 5 with an International Women’s Day open house and runs to May 5. An upcoming talk by a local inventor called Ingenious Inventing is one of the highlights of the exhibition. On March 24, guest speaker Maya Sinclair, president of the B.C. Inventors Society, will share her insights into the inventing process, from breathing life into a new idea to developing a patent. She’ll discuss where to find information, how to exchange ideas, and where to seek support. The evening runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $10; for ages 16 and up. At the March 5 open house, sample some of the teas used to treat common ailments – or just provide warmth and comfort. In the 19th Century, women were often doctor, nurse and pharmacist to their families.Visitors will also have an opportunity to meet local inventors, view their creations – and find out what it took to make their ideas a reality. The event is drop in from noon to 4 p.m., admission by donation. Mothers of Invention is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. in the Stewart Hall. Tours can be booked for Fridays or visit the exhibit by appointment. The Historic Stewart Farm is located at 13723 Crescent Road in South Surrey. Entrance is by donation. For more information call 604-592-6956 or visit www.surrey.ca/heritage.