About History Box
The History Box is a free hands-on learning experience that brings the Canadian Museum of History into your classroom.
Coming from across the country, and highlighting varied perspectives, these expertly curated objects illuminate the richness and diversity of the Canadian experience. They can be used as entry points to talk about different periods in Canada’s history, or as lessons in historical inquiry to build students’ critical thinking and historical skills.
Designed for object- and inquiry-based learning, the History Box contains authentic and reproduction artifacts related to Canada’s history, from the earliest times to the present, along with tools to help teachers lead engaging activities and lessons.
Classrooms across Canada can experience the Canadian Museum of History by exploring Canadian history through 25 objects. The objects in the History Box cover three historical eras: Pre-Contact, Contact and Modern.
Each object in the History Box reflects one or more of the themes below, which match topics covered in national curricula:
- Canadian Identity
- Geography and the Environment
- Indigenous and European Relations
- Symbols, Art and Cultural Expression
A History Box can be borrowed for a maximum of two weeks by any school in Canada — free of charge!
What’s in the History Box?
Ceinture FléchéeCMH, A-572
Terry Fox: Marathon of Hope T-ShirtCMH, 2015.27.1
Winnipeg Special Police ArmbandCMH, 2006.25.3
Pride BannerCMH, 2008.152.1
Pink HatCMH, 2017.51.1
Izzy DollCMH, 20060212-001
Chinese Immigration Act CertificateCourtesy of Tim Stanley
Olympic Games Luggage TagCMH, 2021.37.1 a-b
Métis Floral DesignCMH, V-Z-135
First FaceCMH, QkHn-13:489
Moose Hair / Caribou TuftingCMH, VI-N-120 a-b
Unstamped Treaty MedalCMH, based on 2015.32.2
Inuit Snow GogglesCMH, IX-C:2846
AstrolabeCMH, 989.56.1
Moose CallCMH, III-G-362
Mi’kmaq Drum and DrumstickCMH, III-F-213 a, b
Last SpikeCMH, 2011.132.78
Harold Cromwell DrawingCMH, 2017.35.3
Beaver Felt HatCMH, 980.10.26 a-b
ChatelaineCMH, 2003.44.19.1
Maple Sugar MouldCMH, 77-1337
Hockey SweaterCMH, 2015.95.2
Xaagu kaydGuu t’aaxulHalibut Hook
CMH, VII-B-157 a-b
Maurice “Rocket” Richard Soup CanCMH, 2003.100.3
Ukrainian Easter EggCMH, 95-113
Thank you to our donors!
This project has been generously supported by the Rossy Foundation, the Wilson Foundation, the Crabtree Foundation, the Carolyn Sifton Foundation, Power Corporation of Canada, the Good Foundation and individual donors across Canada.