The Canadian War Museum
After the war, government officials turned their attention to the monument. But it did not rouse much enthusiasm. In the wake of World War II and its unspeakable horrors, people turned away from commemorative modes of nationalism.
Christie tries to tap into this disaffected sentiment with his pilgrimage tour. This draws on first-person theatrical techniques to pull the personal into the collective of constructed social histories. Read on to find out more.
Artifacts
The Canadian War Museum has an extensive collection of artifacts related to Canada’s military history. These artifacts are displayed in the Museum’s galleries and used to teach students about the history of warfare and Canada’s military involvement abroad.
A central theme of the Museum’s collection is the concept of ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things. Using first-person historical interpretations, the Museum presents the stories of people who volunteered to serve their country during times of conflict.
The Museum’s logo features a bricked wall with embattlements and the inscription “HONORES AD MEMORIAM” (Honours for Memory). This motif reflects the Museum’s commitment to honoring the past by preserving and curating its history. It also serves as a reminder that history is never neutral. The rams represent the air, navy, and army services, with wings symbolizing the Air Force and dolphin tails representing the Navy. The open book symbolizes learning and research. The coronet evokes the notion of protection and the safeguarding of the Museum’s collection.
Education
The Museum’s Education Programs focus on the Museum’s mission to honor the memory of Canadians who served in times of war. These programs include first-person historical interpretations. These presentations are designed to raise students’ awareness of the sensitive nature of military history and human experience before they enter exhibition galleries.
The architecture evokes the Canadian landscape, particularly ice, clouds, and stone. Antoine Predock, the architect of this building, created a design that visualizes the elements that makeup Canada’s collective identity.
The archival record includes images of servicewomen and nursing sisters who served during the Second World War. This Co-Lab challenge invites you to help identify these women and expand this narrative. The results will be used to develop an educational tool that highlights the contributions of women in Canada’s armed forces. The resulting product will be an online tool that will encourage more women to consider careers in the armed forces. It will also help to foster a more inclusive Canadian identity. A great place to also visit is Commissioners Park.
Exhibits
To learn more about the exhibits held at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa ON, please visit their website.
The wing-shaped wings represent the Air Force Services, dolphin tails symbolize the Navy and rams represent the Army Services. These animals represent a spirit of courage and perseverance for those who have sacrificed themselves in service to their country.
HONORS AD MEMORIAM is an exhibition showcasing the Museum’s vast collection of military artifacts, including some of the world’s most iconic objects from the First and Second World Wars. The exhibits explore the varying experiences of Canadians in times of conflict and showcase how those experiences can inform our national identity and sense of community.
Random shelling and sniper fire periodically broke the monotony of trench life, leaving soldiers feeling powerless against a constant threat of death. These first-person historical interpretations provide students with an opportunity to connect with a story and broaden their understanding of history before they enter the Museum galleries.
Events
Designed by Raymond Moriyama, co-founder of the Ontario-based firm Moriyama Teshima Architects, the Canadian War Museum was one of many civic, cultural, and educational commissions that his firm produced over the years. His work, including the main building at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, the Ottawa City Hall, and the Bata Shoe Museum in Quebec, is recognized internationally.
In the past, the museum has given first-person historical interpretations to school groups visiting on class trips. These presentations help students to become more familiar with the content on display before they enter the exhibition galleries and increase their level of comfort with the sensitive nature of military history. Discover more interesting articles.
Driving directions from Ottawa House Painter to Canadian War Museum
Driving directions from Canadian War Museum to Major’s Hill Park