New Canadian War Museum summer programs
focus on military technology and stories behind artifacts
Ottawa, Ontario, June 19, 2007 — In July and August, two new public programs at the Canadian War Museum will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about military technology, and to hear the often surprising stories behind some of the Museum’s better-known artifacts.
The LeBreton Gallery Hands-On Technology Series offers a new activity, every week, to help visitors better understand and appreciate the evolution of military technology. Topics include: knots, camouflage, bridge construction, sonar, and catapults.
The Spotlight Series gives visitors the opportunity to chat with War Museum experts and discover the fascinating stories behind a number of artifacts. Every second Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m., an expert will meet visitors in the galleries to speak about a the history of a specific artifact. Selected artifacts include: Hitler’s limousine, Sir Isaac Brock’s tunic and the pig suit.
“We’re very excited about these new programs” stated J. (Joe) Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum. “They will provide visitors with amazing opportunities to discover more about specific artifacts we have on exhibit, as well as the evolution of technology in the military.”
For more information on the Museum’s other summer programs, please visit http://www.civilization.ca/visit/cwmprograme.aspx
PROGRAM INFORMATION: HANDS-ON TECHNOLOGYLeBreton Gallery – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free with museum admission
June 30–July 6: All Tied Up
Knots are especially important for sailors; but everyone needs to tie a knot now and then. Learn the ropes of tying useful knots.
July 7–13: Science and Art of Camouflage
Explore the evolution of camouflage from First World War dazzle paint to computer- designed military gear and create your own camouflage patterns.
July 14–20: Bridge Engineers
Bridges are key in military advance and retreat. Learn about one of the great examples of military engineering, the Bailey Bridge, then create and test your own small-scale bridge.
July 21–27: Code Talkers
Even with sophisticated telecommunications equipment, older communications methods are still used by the military. Discover why, and practice your own Morse code and semaphore flag communication.
July 28–August 3: Friend or Foe?
Identifying a friend from a foe can be life-saving. Learn skills taught to most of the Canadian military in the Second World War and join the Museum's aircraft recognition team.
August 4–10: Using Sound to See
Sonar uses transmitted and reflected sound waves under water to find things, like submarines, and measure distances. Test yourself and navigate a ship through danger using a simulated sonar activity.
August 11–17: Catapults!
A basic purpose of artillery is to hit a target from a distance. Design, build and test your own early form of artillery, the catapult.
August 18–24: Natural Inspiration
There is a squid, a cougar, a leopard, an otter, a lynx and a grizzly in LeBreton Gallery. Learn about military technology names and find inspiration to turn tanks into dinosaurs and airplanes into insects.
August 25–September 3: Dive! Dive!
Learn about how submarines are able to dive and resurface. Build your own model and make it happen right before your eyes.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: SPOTLIGHT SERIESFree with museum admission
July 5 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (bilingual)
Spotlight on the Pawley Cross
Historian Dr. Tim Cook explains the fascinating story behind the wooden cross that temporarily marked Norman Pawley's grave at Vimy Ridge, and why it’s now displayed inside the Museum.
Gallery 2 – Vimy
August 16 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (bilingual)
Spotlight on Brock's Tunic
Sir Isaac Brock was killed in the successful counterattack at Queenston Heights in the War of 1812. Learn about the coat he was wearing when a musket ball hit him with historian Dr. Peter MacLeod.
Gallery 1 – The War of 1812
July 19 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (bilingual)
Spotlight on Hitler’s Car
The Mercedes Benz, which Hitler used as a parade car, recalls one of history’s most brutal and murderous dictatorships. Dr. Jeff Noakes explains the car’s past and what it means to the story of the Second World War.
Gallery 3 – Entrance
August 2 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (bilingual)
Spotlight on the Iltis
In 1994 two Canadian peacekeepers were attacked in Croatia while driving an Iltis. Historian Andrew Burtch talks about their story and the bullet hole-riddled Iltis. LeBreton Gallery
August 30 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (bilingual)
Spotlight on the Pig Suit
During the Cold War, researchers used animals to test the effects of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons on humans. Historian Andrew Burtch talks about the chemical suit made for a pig.
Gallery 4 – NORAD
Media Information:
Pierre Leduc
Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819 776-8608
E-mail: mailto:pierre.leduc@warmuseum.ca
Christina Selin
Manager, Communications
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819 776-8607
E-mail: mailto:christina.selin@warmuseum.ca
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