Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Canadian Postal Museum opens its largest exhibition since 1997Hull, Quebec, June 7, 2000 — On June 16, 2000, the Canadian Postal Museum opens a major exhibition called Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Postal Heritage in Evolution, presented in collaboration with Canada Post. The exhibition explores a universal subject, covering the history of postal communications in Canada and around the world. Signed, Sealed, Delivered will enable visitors to follow the letter through the ages and in all its possible forms - from authentic clay Mesopotamian tablets (2043 B.C.), to letters exchanged in wartime, to modern-day e-mail.
Nine themes recall the most significant stages and aspects of the development of the postal system in Canada and around the world: writing practices, the origins of the post, the colonial era, Canadian postage stamps, transportation, sorting and technology in the transmission of mail, the contents of the mail, mail in wartime and the rural post office.
"This is a unique exhibition, offering a dynamic interpretation of Canadian postal history. With over 400 objects, the exhibition will recall the major role of postal communications in the social, economic and political affairs of the country," stated Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation.
Some of the more unusual items on display include the first Canadian stamps, dating from 1851; a magnificent bright red sleigh from the early 1920s that was used for mail delivery in the winter; a moving letter from a Canadian soldier named Herman Leishman to his girlfriend Joan, written three days before his death in July 1943; a mail-order form accompanying the 1932 Simpsons catalogue; and an authentic village post office dating from the turn of the century. The Val-Morin-Station post office is entirely reconstructed and preserved, with all its historic details, in the exhibition.
The design, presentation and interpretation of the exhibition are highly original and sure to please visitors of all ages. Several interactive components combining different technologies will make for a unique experience with every visit.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Postal Heritage in Evolution will continue until 2005 and is one of the major exhibitions being presented by the Canadian Museum of Civilization to launch the new millennium. The Canadian Postal Museum has benefited from the help of many partners to create the exhibition, the most important being Canada Post.
The Canadian Postal Museum opened its doors at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in June 1997 and greeted its millionth visitor in February 2000.
For more information on the Canadian Postal Museum and its programmes, visit the Museum's Web site at: http://www.civilization.ca/cpm.html .
Public information line: 1-800-555-5621 or (819) 776-7000
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