A Message from the President and CEO

Mark O’Neill, President and CEO

As this edition of Kudos! vividly illustrates, our donors are playing an ever-increasing role in the Museums’ ability to expand our scope and reach.

Donor generosity was behind an exciting acquisition, announced in September, for Canada’s national history museum. The E.P. Taylor – Windfields Farm Collection contains archival materials, memorabilia and 97 racing trophies, many won by Northern Dancer, the greatest thoroughbred sire of the 20th century. This rich and historic collection was donated by the Taylor family, heirs of Edward Plunket (E.P.) Taylor, the prominent Canadian magnate who revolutionized thoroughbred breeding and racing in Canada.

A major contribution from John and Bonnie Buhler of Winnipeg, Manitoba made it possible for the Canadian Museum of Civilization to commission an exquisite sculpture also unveiled in September. Created by renowned ‘Namgis First Nation sculptor Mary Anne Barkhouse, it demonstrates the continuing vitality of Kwakwaka’wakw artistic traditions as well as the artist’s ability to use traditional means to speak to contemporary issues.

The First World War Centenary Campaign, with a goal of raising $3 million from the private sector, will greatly contribute to the Canadian War Museum fulfilling its mandate as the national centre for remembrance, education, research and outreach for all Canadians. Donations to the campaign will make possible a remarkable range of exhibitions and activities during the Museum’s multi-year exploration of the First World War.

Our last story is about one of the most personal and intimate of these projects — providing the public with online access to soldier’s diaries and photo albums, postcards, glass magic lantern slides, pilot’s flying log books, even newspapers produced in the trenches. Soldiers or their families donated almost all of these materials to the Museum, and donors are also helping to extend the scope of the project.

Finally a word of thanks to you, our donors, for your ongoing support and encouragement. Every donation, whether large or small, financial or object helps the Museums to preserve and share Canada’s remarkable history for the benefit of all Canadians, today and far into the future.

Mark O’Neill