The Azores, their people and culture
A new exhibition showcase at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Gatineau, Quebec, February 13, 2004 - The Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Embassy of Portugal are proud to present The Azores, their people and culture, an exhibition showcase that looks at this Portuguese archipelago and the unique culture of the people who live there.This small exhibition features a series of thematic panels that examine the archipelago's history, geography, architecture, artistic life, demographics, flora and fauna.
"These exhibition panels help us pay a special tribute to Canadians of Portuguese origin," said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. "In all of Canada's major cities, the Portuguese make a dynamic contribution to our cultural diversity, in particular those who hail from the Azores and who have always had a special connection with Canada."
Composed of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the archipelago of the Azores lies 1500 kilometres off the coast of Portugal. Since its colonization in the fifteenth century, it has been an important stopping-off point between Europe and North America. Much like Canada, these islands were originally a destination for immigrants, with colonists coming from Portugal and Northern Europe. Since 1950, many Portuguese immigrants from the Azores have settled in Canada, and today they form a significant proportion of the Portuguese community in our country.
The exhibition points out a little-known fact: a Portuguese man from the Azores, Pedro da Silva, was Canada's first official postman, serving the authorities in New France in the seventeenth century. Organized by the Portuguese Foundation of Communications - CTT Portugal and sponsored by the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, the exhibition will be presented at the Canadian Postal Museum of the Canadian Museum of Civilization until June 30, 2004.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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