December 31, 2007 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization

December 31, 2007 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization

Gatineau, Quebec, December 18, 2007 — This New Year’s Eve marks the 150th anniversary of Ottawa’s designation as Canada’s Capital on December 31, 1857. The Canadian Museum of Civilization is joining the National Capital Commission in celebrating this milestone with a free evening of music, dancing, family fun and, of course, fireworks.

The Museum will remain open until 9 p.m., with free admission after 5 p.m. (admission fees will still apply for the exhibition Secret Riches: Ancient Peru Unearthed). The Voyageurs Cafeteria will also stay open late to serve coffee, juice, hot chocolate and more.

Musical performances by Celtic North
6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Grand Hall
Tap your toes and dance along as Celtic North entertains the crowd with its rousing interpretations of traditional Irish, Scottish, English, Canadian, French and American tunes.

Fireworks!
6:57 p.m.
Grand Hall
The Grand Hall offers an amazing vantage point to watch the National Capital Commission’s special 150th anniversary fireworks. Why 6:57 p.m.? That’s 18:57 on a 24-hour clock! We’ll dim the lights to provide the best view of the pyrotechnics as they’re launched from Nepean Point, right across the Ottawa River. Hardy types can also head outside to watch the fireworks from the Museum grounds.

Countdown Crafts
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Southern Salon, Grand Hall
Join us for a special craft activity in honour of the New Year countdown.

Performances by Dramamuse
5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Canada Hall
The Museum’s talented theatre troupe, Dramamuse, will entertain visitors with historical re-enactments inside Canada Hall.

Secret Riches: Ancient Peru Unearthed
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Gallery C
Visit the Museum’s newest exhibition as volunteers lead a special interpretive program. Discover 120 recently excavated gold and ceramic objects created by the Sicán, members of an ingenious culture often eclipsed by their better-known Peruvian successors, the Inca. Admission fees apply.

CANADIAN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
(Located in the Canadian Museum of Civilization)

Drop-in Activity for Children
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Kids, head over to the Studio in the Children’s Museum to participate in a special activity just for you!

CANADIAN POSTAL MUSEUM
(Located in the Canadian Museum of Civilization)

Canadian Commemorative Stamp Activity
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary by creating your own illustration of the National Capital’s physical birthplace. In the tradition of “plein air” painting practised by such artists as Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, sketch a stamp while overlooking Ottawa’s most iconic view: the Parliament Buildings overlooking the Ottawa River and the locks of the Rideau Canal.

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

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187