Archives and museums join nurses to preserve Canadian nursing history
Gatineau, Quebec, July 21, 2004 - Partners in the National Nursing History Collection are pleased to announce that $200,000 has been collected by the Canadian Nurses Foundation’s Lighting the Lamp Campaign. The sum collected will help preserve Canadian nursing history.
The National Nursing History Collection was established in 2000, through a landmark agreement between the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and Library and Archives Canada. The collection includes textual records, more than 1,700 audiovisual materials, portraits and photographs, uniforms, school pins, Florence Nightingale memorabilia, textbooks and nurses’ kits.
"Working together has really helped us build a collection of lasting value," said Christina Bates, chair of the Canadian Nursing History Collection Committee, and Ontario historian at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. "This incredible collection is already accessible to the public through the Canadian Nursing History Collection Online, and the partnering institutions all have plans to showcase the collection in their ongoing programmes and exhibitions."
"By examining and remembering our past, we can learn so much about our present and our future," said Lucille Auffrey, CNA’s executive director. "History clearly demonstrates the positive impact that the nursing profession has made on society and in building our nation. We are fortunate to have preserved so many artifacts to include in the Nursing History Collection and greatly appreciate the support and expertise of our partners. This collection will showcase these contributions and help us to pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who have left us this important and inspiring legacy."
The online database of over 2000 artifacts can be accessed at http://www.civilization.ca/tresors/nursing/ncint01e.html. In 2005, the Canadian Museum of Civilization will be presenting A Caring Profession, the first-ever exhibition to explore four centuries of nursing in Canada - in the hospital, in the home, in the community, on the battlefield and in remote outposts.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Communications Specialist
Canadian Nurses Association
Tel: (613) 237-2133 ext. 312
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