Authentic Collection of First World War Vehicles to Tour Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 16, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock) on behalf of Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced today that $725,000 has been given to the Victoria County Historical Society for "First World War Comes to Life," a cross-Canada tour of a unique collection of operational First World War-era vehicles.

The tour will include demonstrations and animators who will provide interesting detail about Canadian soldiers on the front lines. The exhibit is scheduled to visit various communities between 2015 and 2018.

Quick Facts

• The exhibit has the largest collection of operational First World War vehicles including cars, trucks, ambulances and motorcycles, as well as Canada's largest fleet of First World War replica aircraft.
• Each exhibit, which will be held outside, will include demonstrations of the vehicles and airplanes (weather permitting) and animators will provide details on such topics as women in war, motorcycles at war, war in the air and feeding the troops.
• The Government of Canada's commemorative period for the First and Second World Wars began in 2014 and will continue until 2020.

Quotes

"I have no doubt that young people will be especially excited to see and experience these authentic, vintage vehicles and aircraft from the First World. Being able to see and experience these cars, trucks and planes that were on the front lines will bring the battles to life in an immediate, tangible way. As we prepare to celebrate Canada's 150^th Anniversary in 2017, marking the people, events and battles of the First and Second World Wars will contribute to a deeper understanding of these wars and how they made Canada the strong, proud and free country it is today."

- Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I am very proud that the Lindsay-based Victoria County Historical Society, which oversees the operation of the Olde Gaol Museum, has received funding for this project. National touring exhibitions such as these are an excellent way for Canadians to learn more about the First World War and the role Ontarians and Canadians played in it. The First and Second World Wars were important events that contributed to the development of a distinctive Canadian national identity."

- Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

"We are very grateful to be receiving a significant contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage. This funding helps us bring this rare Canadian collection of First World War vehicles, and wartime stories, across our country in a living tribute to the Canadian men and women who served in the Great War. We are delighted to be able to share these tangible artifacts of our history, to educate our diverse population and to connect the present with the past."

- Sue Schroeter, Project Manager, "First World War Comes to Life"

Associated Links

Canada.ca/150

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