The Rossy Family Foundation makes a major gift to the Museum of History’s Canadian History Hall

February 21, 2017

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, February 21, 2017 — The Canadian Museum of History is delighted to announce a $3 million donation from The Rossy Family Foundation to support the Museum’s new signature exhibition — the Canadian History Hall — and the development of related educational programming for students throughout the country. In recognition of this very generous gift, the largest in the Museum’s history, one of the Hall’s three principal galleries will be named in the family’s honour.

“The Canadian Museum of History is profoundly grateful to The Rossy Family Foundation for this exceptional gift,” said Mark O’Neill, the Museum’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Through its support of the Canadian History Hall and the Museum’s educational programs, the Foundation is helping to ensure that present and future generations will know about Canada’s remarkable past and will understand how we became the country and the people we are today. The Foundation’s generosity will have a tremendous impact on Museum visitors and on students across the country.”

The Foundation is directing $2 million toward the exhibition itself and $1 million toward a newly established Rossy Family Canadian History Hall Education Project Fund. The Fund will support the Museum’s development of complementary educational programming to be delivered on-site, online and in schools throughout the country. This will allow the Museum to broaden its reach and provide meaningful educational experiences to a wider audience.

“We are delighted to support the Canadian Museum of History in this celebration of our shared Canadian heritage. Through the exploration of early Canadian history, we hope The Rossy Family Gallery inspires a deeper understanding of our collective journey toward the diverse and inclusive society that Canada is today,” said Larry Rossy of The Rossy Family Foundation. “We are particularly excited to support the Museum in bringing Canadian history alive for our children and youth, who will soon be able to engage with the Hall’s vast resources at the Museum, online as well as in their schools.”

The Canadian History Hall will present Canada’s story like it has never been seen before. Visitors will encounter Canada’s national history, as told through the diverse experiences and perspectives of the real people who lived it, in an exhibition that brings together a collective story of conflict, struggle and loss, and also of success, achievement and hope. This new signature exhibition illuminates the enduring legacy of Canada’s past — a legacy that is alive, relevant and continually unfolding in the Canada we know today.

The Hall will be divided chronologically into three principal galleries. Gallery 1: Early Canada — 13,000 BC to 1763 will be named The Rossy Family Gallery.

The Canadian History Hall will open on July 1, 2017, as Canadians mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Its development is being funded by the federal government and contributions from private donors.

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History welcomes 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. Work of the Canadian Museum of History 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