Annual Report 2017–2018

The Canadian History Hall

Completion of the Canadian History Hall, a Legacy for All Canadians

The Canadian History Hall traces the history of Canada and its people over some 15,000 years, from the dawn of human habitation to the present day. Through authentic artifacts and compelling stories, the Hall invites visitors to explore the events, personalities and historical currents that have shaped, and continue to shape, this vast country.

The Hall is remarkable for its focus on sharing Canada’s story through the experiences of real people, for its presentation of multiple perspectives, and for its willingness to examine all aspects of Canada’s story — struggles and achievements alike. Most importantly, perhaps, its focus — how we became the country we are today — is making Canadian history more relevant and meaningful to visitors than ever before.

The exhibition provides a stunning showcase for more than 1,500 artifacts, including many of Canada’s most important historical treasures. Notable objects include handcuffs worn to the gallows by Louis Riel, an astrolabe attributed to Samuel de Champlain, Lester B. Pearson’s Nobel Peace Prize Medal, and a T shirt worn by Terry Fox during his Marathon of Hope.

Development of the Hall took five years of intense research, planning and renovation. The process was informed at every stage by unprecedented programs of public outreach and indigenous community consultation, and with input from scholars and other experts across the country.

Occupying 4,000 square metres (40,000 square feet) of exhibition space on two floors, it is the most ambitious exhibition project ever undertaken by the Museum, where cutting-edge technologies bring Canadian history to life.

A Royal Opening

The Hall officially opened to the public following a ribbon-cutting by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, then on a Royal Tour of Canada.

On that day, thousands of Canadians filled the Canadian Museum of History to inaugurate the Museum’s new signature exhibition. Opening celebrations included colourful performances by more than 300 artists, showcasing the richness and diversity of the Canadian experience.

Generous Support

With funding from more than 440 donors from across the country, ranging from individuals to foundations and corporations, the Museum raised nearly $9 million for the Hall — a milestone amount, surpassing the original target of $5 million. Of these donors, nearly 40 were moved to contribute $1,000 or more.

The Museum of History was fortunate to receive several significant donations from notable philanthropists and foundations. All three galleries of the Canadian History Hall have been named for distinguished Canadian families: Gallery 1: The Rossy Family Gallery; Gallery 2: The Fredrik Eaton Family Gallery; and Gallery 3: The Honorable Hilary M. Weston and W. Galen Weston Gallery.

The Canadian Museum of History also acknowledges those who have contributed to the Canadian History Hall at a level of $100,000 or more. These include the Wilson Foundation, Pomerleau, the BCU Foundation, Windfields Farm Limited, the Peter and Melanie Munk Charitable Foundation, the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund, and the Salamander Foundation.

This signature project has been completed, the Museum is proud to report that the stories in the Canadian History Hall will extend far beyond its walls through further philanthropic support of education and outreach.

Teachers and students across Canada will benefit from a generous donation from the Rossy Family Foundation, which has provided an additional $1 million for the Rossy Family Canadian History Hall Education Project Fund. In a similar vein, the Wilson Foundation has pledged $600,000 towards an educational Outreach and Engagement Project linked to the Canadian History Hall, and the Salamander Foundation has pledged $100,000 towards developing additional online learning resources.

In addition, many public and private donors across the country have pledged funding, expertise and in-kind services to education and outreach at the Canadian History Hall over several years.

A 360-Degree Tour

The Museum has also made the Hall available to all Canadians online via a virtual tour, available on the website. The result is a stunning visual experience, showcasing the impact of individual lives on a country’s history in a compelling 360-degree adventure.

A True Success

From the day it opened, the Canadian History Hall has been a resounding success. Close to 350,000 people had visited the exhibition by the end of the fiscal year, and public reaction has been deeply gratifying. Accolades have included high ratings on visitor exit surveys, as well as praise on sites such as TripAdvisor.

Media attention has been resounding. Multiple stories covered the opening, and as of the end of the fiscal year, the Hall had generated close to 400 news items, including feature articles in the Globe and Mail and the New York Times.

The Hall has also earned a number of awards. The most notable of these to date was the bronze award for Best Scenography for a Permanent Collection, at the International Design and Communication Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in design and communication at museums and art galleries around the world.

It has been as outstanding year for the Canadian History Hall. A royal opening, an impressive number of visitors, visitor and media accolades, and awards are all cause to celebrate a legacy project that shares the enfolding story of this country, not only across Canada but around the world.