Costume Ball unveiled: Museum of Civilization provides sneak-peek at fundraising gala

Costume Ball unveiled: Museum of Civilization provides sneak-peek at fundraising gala

Gatineau, Quebec, September 23, 2008 — At a news conference today at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, organizers of the 2008 History Costume Ball revealed details of the fundraising gala. The Ball will be held October 15 in the majestic Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, with proceeds supporting the National Collection Fund.

The theme of this year’s edition of the award-winning Ball is Spotlight on 400 Years. It will be a celebration of the four centuries of Canadian history since the founding of Quebec City in 1608. At today’s media event, museum staff modelled some of the costumes and accessories that will be provided to guests, bringing to life a wide variety of historical periods and personalities. Again this year, the costumes will be fitted by professional costumers from Radio-Canada.

Three acts will headline the evening’s entertainment: the celebrated vocal group Canadian Tenors; a band led by Montreal jazz great Paul Kunigis; and the “dare-to-amaze” illusionist, Chris Pilsworth. The sumptuous all-Canadian menu — conceived by the Museum’s Executive Chef, Georges Laurier — will feature a variety of delights, including poached lobster, cold-smoked sturgeon and oven-roasted loin of caribou. Also announced today was the identity of the Ball’s Master of Ceremonies: Radio-Canada program host Philippe Schnobb.

“It is the ultimate Canadian-history theme party,” said Mark O’Neill, Vice President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation and Director General of the Canadian War Museum. “It’s going to be fun, first-class and unforgettable. More important, the proceeds will ensure that vital pieces of Canada’s heritage are preserved in our Museums.”

The Ball raises funds for the National Collection Fund, which supports the acquisition of significant artifacts by the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum. An outstanding selection of those artifacts will be showcased in a special display entitled Old Is New Again: Building Our National Collection, opening to the public on October 8, 2008.

Organizers are expecting over 450 guests, including leading figures from the worlds of business, politics and the arts. Top supporters of the event are the Ottawa Citizen, LeDroit, Compass Group Canada, Radio-Canada and the SAQ. Other major sponsors are Expresso Air Services, Casino du Lac-Leamy, TELUS, RockDétente, the National Post and HBS Marketing.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation includes the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC), the Canadian War Museum (CWM) and the Virtual Museum of New France. As part of their mandate, the CMC and the CWM function as centres for research and public information on the social, military and human history of the country. The Corporation’s principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the promotion and enhancement of Canadian identity.

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canad