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subtitle - temporary - June 20, 2024 to January 19, 2025

Temporary exhibition

Discover the origins of power and inequity in ancient Europe.

First Royals of Europe takes visitors on an epic journey spanning 6,500 years — from the Neolithic Age to the end of the Iron Age and the dawn of empires — when precious metals were first smelted into copper axes, bronze swords, and silver and gold jewellery, and warriors built armies to rule the masses.

For the first time in Canada, more than 700 rare and exquisite objects from 26 institutions across southeastern Europe have been brought together to explore how individuals grew their power by amassing wealth and controlling trade, rituals, ceremonies and warfare.

First Royals of Europe is a presentation of the First Kings of Europe project, organized by the Field Museum in Chicago.
This exhibition has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Temporary exhibition
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June 2012 will mark 200 years since the declaration of the War of 1812 — a war that saw Aboriginal peoples, local and volunteer militias, and English- and French-speaking regiments fight together...”

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, from the Prime Minister's Message: “The War of 1812 - The Fight for Canada,” 18 June 2011

The Americans were in high spirits, and when I said I was Canadian, one of the officers laughed and said, “You'll soon be under the Yankey government, my boy.””

Jacob Cline, Canadian, 13 years old, 1813

On our way down here, Senator Frist was kind enough to show me the fireplace where, in 1814, the British had burnt the Congress Library. I know this is, kind of, late, but sorry.”

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, addressing a joint session of the United States Congress, 17 July 2003

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Francis Scott Key, American lawyer and poet, 1814

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Une chance s’offrait à nous; oui, une chance comme il n’en viendrait jamais d’autre, pour nous, les Premiers Peuples d’Amérique du Nord; une chance de nous rassembler dans une formidable combinaison et de nous joindre aux Britanniques dans cette guerre.”

Tecumseh, chef autochtone américain, 1812

Nous avons certainement gagné [la guerre de 1812]. Parce que, si ça n’avait pas été le cas, nous utiliserions des huards et des pièces de deux dollars au lieu de billets américains, n’est-ce pas?”

Le gestionnaire du Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, États-Unis, dans « The War of 1812 Revisited », National Post, le 27 septembre 2007

The King’s government … [has] most unequivocally expressed to me their desire to preserve peace with the United States, that they might, uninterrupted, pursue with the whole disposable force of the country, the great[er] interest in Europe.”

George Prevost, British, Governor General of Canada, 1812

No permanent or efficient remedy can be devised for the disorders of Lower Canada, except a fusion of the Government in that of one or more of the surrounding Provinces.”

Lord Durham, Governor General of British North America, 1839

Those [in Canada] who had been awarded the Croix de Saint Louis were as highly esteemed as lieutenant-generals and Knights of the Holy Spirit in France.”

Pierre Pouchot, military officer, 1755

Barring a Catastrophe shocking to think of, this Country must to the end of Time be peopled by the Canadian race.”

Sir Guy Carleton, Governor General of British North America, 1767

Before the white man was first seen in this island, the Indian head-chief . . . spoke to his people, saying, ‘Look out! Something is coming across the waters . . . Its body is white and its eyes are b”

Star Young, Wyandotte, 1911

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Welcome to your history

Visit the stunning Canadian History Hall to explore the world’s largest and most comprehensive exhibition on Canadian history.

Welcome to your history

Visit the stunning Canadian History Hall to explore the world’s largest and most comprehensive exhibition on Canadian history.

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TEST EXCERPT - Give winter a big welcome with our white-themed crafts.

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The Canadian Museum of History welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year to its celebrated complex in the heart of the National Capital Region, making it the country’s most-visited museum. With roots stretching back to 1856, it is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions and a respected centre of museological excellence, sharing its expertise in history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies both within Canada and abroad.

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Research activities are concentrated in the fields of history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies. The National Collection consists of more than four million artifacts, specimens, works of art, written documents, and sound and visual recordings. More than 218,000 artifacts in the collection are accessible in an online database.

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As an amendment to the Museums Act, the Canadian Museum of History Act received Royal assent on December 12, 2013. Through the Canadian Museum of History Act, the Canadian Museum of Civilization was renamed as the Canadian Museum of History, and the Museum’s purpose was defined as being “to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of events, experiences, people and objects that reflect and have shaped Canada’s history and identity, and also to enhance their awareness of world history and cultures.”

View of the Canadian Museum of History at nightfall.

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Values are the cornerstone of any organization — they inform our behaviours, underpin how we perform our work, and provide a backdrop for aligned decision making. These four statements are intended to work hand-in-hand with our vision statement and strategic directions.

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All visitors, including Museum Members, are required to have a timed ticket. Admission is free on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., but a timed ticket is required — book yours online as early as 5 p.m. Sunday of the week you would like to visit. Please arrive at the Museum no earlier than 10 minutes before the entry time on your ticket. Late arrivals may not be permitted entry. Upon arrival, visitors with tickets purchased online can go directly to the exhibition entrance to have their tickets scanned. If you have not booked in advance, or prefer to book in person, admission will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Box Office. There are no restrictions on the length of your visit at the Museum of History, within normal operational hours.

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Canadian Children’s Museum

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The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa boasts an impressive collection of items on display.

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Children Celebrating

© Canadian Museum of History

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Secondary

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12 celebrations are featured with related activities, in addition to artifacts and props, video and audio productions, and take-home activities.

This lively exhibition helps children discover the importance and diversity of celebrations in Canada. It provides them with a stimulating exploration of the celebrations that bring families together, and gives children a sense of belonging and caring for others. Visitors can explore 12 celebrations through the seasons – from large groups of people gathering for a day of festivities, to special moments in children’s everyday lives. The associated activities provide young visitors with opportunities to be creative, solve problems, and take on new roles.

A group of men standing in a line with rifles at the Canadian Museum of History.

The Department of Militia and Defence provided two thousand guards to oversee internee work units.

Glenbow Archives, NC-54-4336 Archives and Special Collections, University of Calgary

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Secondary

Tertiary

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34 graphic panels printed on fabric and mounted on free-standing structures.

A five-minute video of interviews with people affected by the War Measures Act, with comments by the exhibition curators.

What happens when personal freedoms come into conflict with national security?

Exploring the suspension of civil liberties in Canada during the First World War, the Second World War, and the 1970 October Crisis, Lost Liberties — The War Measures Act sheds new light on the enduring impact of the Act on Canada and its people.

The travelling exhibition examines the internment of Canadians of Ukrainian origin and other nationalities during the First World War, the internment of Italian Canadians and the internment and forced relocation of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, and the arrest of hundreds of people in Quebec during the 1970 October Crisis.

Lost Liberties probes the crises that drove these tragic events, and features poignant first-hand accounts from the men, women and children who lived through them.

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Secondary - 1812

Tertiary - The Canadian War

Quaternary

For Canadians, the War of 1812 was the successful defence of a small colony against attack by a much larger neighbour.

Canadians endured repeated invasions and occasional occupations, but each invasion ultimately ended with an American withdrawal. The Royal Navy and British Army supported by Canadian regulars, Canadian militia, and First Peoples warriors, successfully defended Canada. Isaac Brock, Charles de Salaberry, Laura Secord, and Tecumseh became, and remain, iconic Canadian figures. The successful defence of Canada allowed British North America to evolve into an independent transcontinental country.

Secondary - 1812

Tertiary - The Native American War

Quaternary

For Native Americans, the War of 1812 was a desperate struggle for freedom and independence.

Native Americans became involved in the conflict to secure British support for their own war against the United States. Led by Tecumseh, they played a key role in defending Canada. However an American victory at the battle of the Thames in October 1813 led to Tecumseh’s death and the break-up of his Native American coalition. For Native Americans, the outcome of the war was a catastrophe – they were never again able to find external allies or threaten to roll back the American frontier.

Secondary - 1812

Tertiary - The British War

Quaternary

In 1812, Britain sought to defend Canada without compromising its war against Napoleonic France.

When the British look back at the early nineteenth century, they remember the Napoleonic Wars, not the War of 1812. To support the war with France, the British forced sailors from American ships to join the Royal Navy and attempted to control American trade with French-occupied Europe. When the United States responded by declaring war, Britain defended Canada and blockaded American ports, but never lost sight of its primary goal: defeating Napoleon.

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Timothy P. Foran

Curator, British North America

Canadians endured repeated invasions and occasional occupations, but each invasion ultimately ended with an American withdrawal. The Royal Navy and British Army supported by Canadian regulars, Canadian militia, and First Peoples warriors, successfully defended Canada. Isaac Brock, Charles de Salaberry, Laura Secord, and Tecumseh became, and remain, iconic Canadian figures. The successful defence of Canada allowed British North America to evolve into an independent transcontinental country.

The United States declared war against Great Britain in June 1812 in response to British encroachments on American sovereignty. While American forces failed to conquer Canada, they captured several British frigates and won defensive battles against British invasions of the United States. Americans have come to view the war as a “nation-building” experience. It won international respect for their power and sovereignty, inspired their national anthem and sanctified their national flag.

When the British look back at the early nineteenth century, they remember the Napoleonic Wars, not the War of 1812. To support the war with France, the British forced sailors from American ships to join the Royal Navy and attempted to control American trade with French-occupied Europe. When the United States responded by declaring war, Britain defended Canada and blockaded American ports, but never lost sight of its primary goal: defeating Napoleon.

The King’s government … [has] most unequivocally expressed to me their desire to preserve peace with the United States, that they might, uninterrupted, pursue with the whole disposable force of the country, the great[er] interest in Europe.
— George Prevost, British, Governor General of Canada, 1812

Nous avons certainement gagné [la guerre de 1812]. Parce que, si ça n’avait pas été le cas, nous utiliserions des huards et des pièces de deux dollars au lieu de billets américains, n’est-ce pas?

Le gestionnaire du Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, États-Unis, dans « The War of 1812 Revisited », National Post, le 27 septembre 2007

Une chance s’offrait à nous; oui, une chance comme il n’en viendrait jamais d’autre, pour nous, les Premiers Peuples d’Amérique du Nord; une chance de nous rassembler dans une formidable combinaison et de nous joindre aux Britanniques dans cette guerre.

Tecumseh, chef autochtone américain, 1812

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Francis Scott Key, American lawyer and poet, 1814

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Before the white man was first seen in this island, the Indian head-chief . . . spoke to his people, saying, ‘Look out! Something is coming across the waters . . . Its body is white and its eyes are blue.’”

Star Young, Wyandotte, 1911

Seven men were taken from [Newfoundland] to Rouen . . . They were the colour of soot, with big lips and tattooed faces . . . They have no religion, and their boats are made from the bark of a tree. . . They walk around naked or dressed in animal skins.”

Henri Estienne, 1512

Barring a Catastrophe shocking to think of, this Country must to the end of Time be peopled by the Canadian race.”

Sir Guy Carleton, Governor General of British North America, 1767

Those [in Canada] who had been awarded the Croix de Saint Louis were as highly esteemed as lieutenant-generals and Knights of the Holy Spirit in France.”

Pierre Pouchot, military officer, 1755

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