Spotlight on the National Collection: Celebrating the Legacy of Sir Wilfrid Laurier

Éliane Laberge November 19, 2015

Have you ever heard it said that “the 20th century belongs to Canada”? Did you know that Sir Wilfrid Laurier (1841–1919), Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, coined these famous words in 1904, when the Canadian economy was finally booming after many years of stagnation?

Laurier left an undeniable imprint on the history of Canada — a legacy that lives on to this day. In fact, Canadians are reminded of his importance every time they glance at the portrait on our $5 bill.

As Canada’s first francophone Prime Minister, Laurier can be credited with many things. He helped consolidate Confederation by encouraging compromises between French and English Canadians over language issues in education. He helped create the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. He supported the construction of two transcontinental railways, stimulating massive immigration — particularly to the Western provinces. He also helped define the extent of Canada’s military commitments to the British Empire.

The Museum houses many artifacts related to Sir Wilfrid Laurier in its National Collection. To mark the anniversary of his birth on November 20, we’ve put together a photo gallery of objects and documents from the collection that speak to his legacy.

Why not pick a favourite and tell us why?

: Plaster pipe bowl in the shape of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s head. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.29.1

: Early rectangular wooden cigar box with hinged lid. The top of the lid is etched with the word “Laurier” inside a wreath. The inside has a black-and-white photograph of Laurier with a crest stamped in gold. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.21

: Cardboard box for cough syrup. The front and back of the box feature drawings of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.138.1 a-b

: Tin advertising sign for The Rock City Cigar Co. The front of the sign shows Laurier on a green background. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.16

: Cigar made of brown tobacco, sporting a label with a photograph of Laurier. Canadian Museum of History, 2002.125.1266

: Cardboard packaging for Sir Laurier d’Arthabaska cheese. The label on the top of the box includes a portrait of Laurier and a view of the Laurier Museum in Victoriaville — Laurier’s former home — in the background. Canadian Museum of History, 2003.164.1

: Large two-tier cast iron stove decorated with medallions of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Canadian Museum of History, A-4353

: Early rectangular wooden cigar box with hinged lid. The middle of the outer lid features a painting of Laurier’s head, encircled by a metal wreath. The inner lid has a full-colour image of Laurier, depicted against the original Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.18

: Early wooden cigar box with decorative gold-coloured metal and coloured drawing of Laurier’s head, surrounded by a gold-coloured metal frame. Canadian Museum of History, 2011.21.345

: White plaster bust of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, attributed to Alfred Laliberté. The name “Wilfrid Laurier” is carved into the base at the front. Canadian Museum of History, 2011.21.315

: Framed painting (oil on canvas) by John Wycliffe Lowes Forster, showing a seated Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier holding a newspaper in his lap. Canadian Museum of History, 2011.21.603

: Press back side chair with ornate back featuring a cameo of Sir Wilfrid Laurier in the centre of the vertical back splat. Canadian Museum of History, A-1619 f

: Earthenware plate decorated with a portrait of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Canadian Museum of History, 980.111.285

: Plaque with embroidered star of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Wilfrid Laurier became Sir Wilfrid Laurier when he was inducted into the Order in 1904. Canadian Museum of History, D-2577

: Paper fan with a wooden handle and black-and-white photograph of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.24

: Silver commemorative spoon with handle in the shape of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s head. Canadian Museum of History, 1999.124.85