Ten treasures from the Canadian Museum of History now on display in Winnipeg

June 25, 2015

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, June 25, 2015 — The Canadian Museum of History is proud to announce that treasures from its National Collection will be on display at The Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg this summer.

From June 23 to August 27, visitors to The Manitoba Museum will have a unique opportunity to see, first-hand, some of the most prized artifacts from the collections of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. These ten artifacts include:

  • Canada’s oldest known hockey stick (c. 1830);
  • The revolver believed to have been used to kill Thomas D’Arcy McGee, one of the Fathers of Confederation;
  • The “Last Spike” in Canada’s transcontinental railway;
  • The uniform worn by one of Canada’s most decorated soldiers, Manitoba-born Victoria Cross recipient William Barker;
  • The 1964 Kentucky Derby trophy of Northern Dancer, the most famous horse ever to be bred in Canada;
  • A lidded box with bear design from legendary Haida artist Bill Reid;
  • A mask from the Dorset culture of northern Canada, likely worn by shamans during ceremonies;
  • Beaded moccasins from the Yanktonai Sioux Nation on Manitoba’s Pipestone Reserve;
  • Prized binoculars awarded to the Wellington Field Battery in 1881 for winning an artillery competition; and
  • Grain elevators at MacLeod, Alberta, painted in August 1944 by Peter Whyte, depicting training airplanes flying in formation near No. 7 Service Flying Training School.

Each of these artifacts speaks to a particular aspect of Canadian culture and is sure to connect with Manitobans.

The Museum of History has collaborated frequently with The Manitoba Museum over the years. Most recently, the museums worked together to exchange two significant objects from their respective collections. The Museum of History loaned the scale replica of Champlain’s astrolabe, which travelled into space with astronaut Julie Payette. The Manitoba Museum reciprocated by loaning the Arctic Medal 1818–1885, a medal that travelled with Robert Thirsk onboard the International Space Station.

“Partnerships like this one are beneficial not only to both museums, but also to the people of Manitoba, who are able to experience these national treasures so close to home,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History. “Our Museum is striving like never before to build and deepen partnerships with other Canadian museums, and The Manitoba Museum has been an exceptional partner to us on many fronts. The Museum of History looks forward to many similar collaborations in the years to come.”

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing relationship with the Canadian Museum of History, and for the loan of these incredible objects,” said Adèle Hempel, Director of Research, Collections and Exhibits of The Manitoba Museum. “These ten iconic Canadian treasures will make a wonderful addition to the visitor experience throughout the summer.”

The artifacts from the Museum of History were brought to The Manitoba Museum in conjunction with the Annual Public Meeting of the Museum of History, which is held in a different city every year.

The Canadian Museum of History operates the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. Together, these Museums function as centres for research and public information on the history of Canada. Their 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.

The Manitoba Museum is a charitable, not-for-profit organization and the province’s premiere attraction. The Museum’s vision is to shape Manitoba’s future by expanding knowledge, sharing stories and encouraging discovery. The Museum’s mission is to preserve the heritage of Manitoba for present and future generations, to acquire and share knowledge of Manitoba’s history, culture and natural world and to inspire personal discovery, appreciation and understanding of Manitoba, the world and our universe. 

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Media contacts:

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

 The Manitoba Museum:
Greg Klassen
Marketing and Communications Manager
Telephone: 204-988-0614
gklassen@manitobamuseum.ca

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