The Canadian Stamp Collection reopens in a new gallery at the Museum of History

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Gatineau, Quebec, March 27, 2014 — Canadian postal history takes centre stage with the reopening of The Canadian Stamp Collection (formerly Reflections of Canada – The National Stamp Collection) in a new permanent gallery on Level 1 at the Canadian Museum of History.

The Canadian Stamp Collection features a fresh modern presentation of every Canadian postage stamp issued since the first stamp in 1851 by the Province of Canada, as well as all the postage stamps issued by the provinces up until they joined Confederation. This permanent exhibition – of more than 3,000 stamps – is the only public display of its kind, where Canadians can view the entire national stamp collection in one location.

The exhibition is organized chronologically in eight thematic groupings: philately, society, sports, culture, environment, history, economy and symbols. Artifacts drawn from the Museum’s collections are used to illustrate little-known stories behind the creation of some of our country’s most memorable stamps: the printer’s proof of the first Canadian postage stamp in 1851, the stained glass window reproduced in 1976’s “Nativity” stamp and a quilt replicated on the 1996 “Canada Day” stamp, among others.

“The Canadian Stamp Collection is a unique visual narrative of Canada’s history,” said Jean-Marc Blais, Director General of the Canadian Museum of History. “It’s a remarkable and ongoing snapshot of our country’s defining moments, achievements and people.”

Thanks to the Museum’s continuing partnership with Canada Post, this living collection will expand with each year’s new stamp issue. “These works of miniature art not only reflect our past but also the talent and creativity of the Canadian artists who design them and the skills of those who reproduce them,” said Deepak Chopra, President and CEO at Canada Post.

Philately and postal heritage will also be part of a new exhibition opening in November 2014. The Museum is partnering with the Currency Museum of Canada in developing Voices from the Engraver, a travelling exhibition on the creative process involved in designing stamps and banknotes.

The Canadian Stamp Collection opens to the public on Friday, March 28, 2014. The exhibition was developed by the Canadian Museum of History in collaboration with Canada Post.

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum’s principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians’ awareness of world history and culture.

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