New Director named to the Canadian War MuseumHull, Quebec, May 15, 2000 — The President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC), Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, announced today the appointment of Joe Geurts as Director of the Canadian War Museum (CWM) for a term of five years, effective June 30, 2000.
Mr. Geurts will take over from Dr. J. L. Granatstein who, in the past two years, has very successfully made the case for a new CWM facility. Mr. Geurts' primary focus will be to oversee the construction of the new building and to bring the project to completion in 2004.
Dr. Rabinovitch also announced that Dr. Granatstein, who will leave the directorship on June 29, will be appointed Special Advisor to the Director of the Canadian War Museum and will continue to provide his valuable professional services to the Museum.
Dr. Roger Sarty is being appointed to the new position of Deputy Director of the Canadian War Museum. The country's leading naval historian, Dr. Sarty joined the CWM in 1998 as Director of Historical Research and Exhibit Development. He will have the primary responsibility to develop exhibits and programmes for the new Museum.
"This is a very strong leadership team that will mobilize expertise for the construction project and for the continuing development of the Museum's exhibition and research activities," said Dr. Rabinovitch. "They will continue to be assisted in their work by views and information from the Canadian public, notably the members of the CWM Advisory Committee, chaired by the Honourable Barney Danson."
"I want to stress our gratitude for Dr. Granatstein's unwavering efforts, which have brought the CWM to an unprecedented level of national recognition and endorsement. We are delighted that he has agreed to continue to advise us in this exciting time," added Dr. Rabinovitch.
Mr. Geurts has extensive experience in the management and leadership of major museums. He joined the National Museums of Canada in 1987 and subsequently the CMCC in 1989. In June 1992, he took on the position of Chief Operating Officer of the CMCC. Most recently, Mr. Geurts completed a 15-month term as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. "Building the new War Museum is a great challenge," said Mr Geurts, "and we will produce a War Museum in which all Canadians can take pride."
"I made a commitment two years ago to devote my time to the cause of increasing the public's awareness of and interest in Canadian military history," said Dr Granatstein. "Now the time has come for me to go back to Toronto, and I remain deeply committed to the future of the War Museum. I believe that Joe Geurts is the best person to get the new Museum built and that Roger Sarty is the ideal historian to ensure that its exhibits and programmes are of the highest quality."
The federal government announced on March 16, 2000 its commitment of $58.25 million for the construction of a new Canadian War Museum. The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation is also committed to contributing $7 million. The Friends of the Canadian War Museum are leading a fundraising campaign - called Passing the Torch - which is targeted to raise $15 million for the new facility.
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