Historic celebration at the Canadian Museum of History

June 23, 2016

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, June 23, 2016 — Once again, the Canadian Museum of History is a must-visit venue to celebrate Canada Day. Catch a sneak-peek of the monumental Canadian History Hall, then revel in a rousing performance of traditional music. Visit Paris in the days of Napoleon and enjoy free movies at CINÉ+. Play family games on the riverside grounds or make Canada Day crafts in the Children’s Museum. Then top it off with an unrivalled view of the fireworks extravaganza. Now that’s a Canada Day celebration!

In partnership with Canada Day, the Museum of History is very proud to offer a fun-filled day of activities and to be, for the first time this year, one of three official Canada Day sites in the National Capital Region.

On Friday, July 1, Museum admission is free from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Join us for some of the family activities planned for Canada Day or visit our current special exhibitions.

Kick-off to the Canadian History Hall Countdown

10:30 a.m.
Grand Hall

Join us to celebrate the official kick-off of the countdown to the opening of the Museum’s new Canadian History Hall, opening on July 1, 2017. Enjoy some cake (first-come, first-served), followed by activities and entertainment.

Sneak Peek of the Canadian History Hall

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Level 3

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get a sneak peek of the new Canadian History Hall, set to open on July 1, 2017. We are opening the doors for a quick visit of the space, one year before the big day!

Live Entertainment: La Ridaine

1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Grand Hall

The popular Ottawa-Gatineau group La Ridaine shares some rousing French-Canadian folk songs, traditional reels and interactive fun with spoons and bonhommes gigueurs (dancing wooden puppets).

Napoleon and Paris

9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Special Exhibition

Take your children on a time-travelling experience to meet the great Napoleon Bonaparte! Use our special exhibition guide to engage your family in a fun visit of the exhibition Napoleon and Paris.

Canadian Children’s Museum

9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Drop by the Children’s Museum to make your own colourful streamer wand with flowing red and white ribbons — perfect for Canada Day!

Gold Rush on the Plaza!

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exterior (weather permitting)

Seek your fortune by panning for gold and relive the exhilaration of an old-fashioned Canadian gold rush. Will you strike it rich or be left in the dust? Organized in conjunction with the exhibition Gold Rush! – El Dorado in British Columbia.

Kids Show

Atchoum – Monte le son! (in French only)
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Museum Theatre

When Atchoum tries to use the Mozus Machine, her dad’s latest invention, there are unexpected surprises. Atchoum leads the public through various twists and turns while following this new machine, its weird sounds and its unexpected abilities. The discovery of the machine gives way to music, with Atchoum’s greatest hits along with the help of her two friends, “Les Microbes.”

Kids Show

Violon Dingue One-man Show
12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Museum Theatre

Experience a hilarious journey with Monsieur Dingue, a multilingual globetrotter with an eccentric wardrobe and clown-like impersonations. Violon Dingue is a one-man show that entertains kids while introducing them to the violin and the various musical styles it has adopted through time, culture and countries from around the world. From China to Romania, hip-hop to classical music, Quebec to Latin America, there is something for everyone.

Giant Puppet Show

10 a.m., 12 a.m. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (in French only)
Exterior

This family-oriented show presented by the Théâtre de la Dame de Coeur features four puppeteers and a dozen giant puppets. Secluded in his room, young Max’s universe is shaken up when he receives a paper plane with an urgent message: “Princess Ming Yu, prisoner of her dark thoughts…is in danger.” Max jumps on the back of his neighbour’s giant cat with his bird Rocco and starts his mission. A fun-filled adventure for this future hero! After the show, kids are invited to work some of the giant puppets.

Baratanga: Interactive Percussion

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Exterior

Be part of the show with the percussion group Baratanga! Over 100 instruments will be available to create a group musical jam with minimal instructions. No musical experience is necessary. Fun for the whole family!

The Six String Nation Guitar

2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Grand Hall

Here’s a chance to admire this unique instrument made of over 60 pieces from different aspects of Canada’s history. Join thousands of other Canadians who have had their portrait taken with this one-of-a-kind instrument.

Get Moving With Motivate Canada

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exterior

Join Motivate Canada for a day of fun and physical activity in celebration of Canada’s birthday! Test your agility, balance, coordination and speed. All ages can experience the joy and benefits of traditional and non-traditional sports and physical activity. Suitable for youth ages 5 and up.

Our Wildlife With Hinterland Who’s Who

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exterior

Get answers to your questions about Canadian wildlife and even meet a few wild critters in person! You’ll be able to watch several of the famous Hinterland Who’s Who videos with our hosts, while getting up-close and personal with some live wild animals. The Hinterland Who’s Who program is a partnership between the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Come Meet the Canadian Coast Guard

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exterior

Come and see a Coast Guard Fast Rescue Craft used for search and rescue, and explore how the Canadian Coast Guard contributes to the safety, accessibility and security of Canadian waters through various activities.

Inflatables Games, Face Painting with Kromatik, Crafts and Much More!

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exterior

Inflatable structures for kids and toddlers, face painting and crafts: a must-do on Canada Day!

More information is available at historymuseum.ca or by calling 819-776-7000 or 1-800-555-5621.

More information about all Canada Day activities in the National Capital Region can be found at canadaday.gc.ca.

Work of the Canadian History Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

–­ 30 –­

Media contacts:
Stéphanie Verner
Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7169
Email: stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca

Éliane Laberge
Social Media and Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7097
Email: eliane.laberge@historymuseum.ca