Francine Lapointe, Supervisor, Special Events and Partnerships
1. Tell us about your role as Supervisor, Special Events and Partnerships.
I develop and oversee all Museum-led special events, public programs, exhibition openings, partnership events, and dignitary visits at both the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. I’m lucky to work with a talented, motivated and experienced team that creates and manages an incredible lineup of events year-round.
2. Why do events matter at the Museum?
Events at the Museum offer an opportunity to engage diverse audiences in unique and creative ways, whether it’s through exhibition-related programming, celebration events like our annual Tree Lighting or Canada Day activities, protocol events, like a Royal Visit, events to advance reconciliation, or Black History Month activities, or large multi-day events like a Military History conference – each event is a unique opportunity for us to connect people to the work that we do in different ways.
For every event, I consider the Museum’s mandate, vision, values, and strategic directions, along with the potential impact of the event on visitors. Is it engaging? Dynamic? What will the experience be for the visitor? Will they learn something and leave with a memorable experience?
Francine Lapointe
3. Over the 21 years you have worked at the Museum, how has the approach to special events evolved?
So much has changed, yet much remains the same. At its core, event planning is simple, with standard steps to follow regardless of size or scope. Post-COVID, the key shift is the increased use of technology to enhance events. The technology was always there — it’s just more widely adopted now.
4. What are your plans for some upcoming lecture series and events?
My team is thrilled to be working on both new and returning initiatives! At the Canadian War Museum, the World at War Speaker Series has returned with six engaging talks featuring Museum experts and guest speakers exploring fascinating topics. As well, War Machines: History in Motion multi-day event returns in early August, giving visitors a rare chance to see museum vehicles in action.
At the Canadian Museum of History, we’re launching a new series, What’s Up in Research? Details are being finalized, and we’ll share more soon. Both series are meant to highlight the work and expertise of our researchers, historians and curators, which I am excited to have our visitors learn more about.
Hosting these events brings immeasurable rewards. They foster pride in our museums and expertise, connect Canadians in unique ways, and create lasting memories and invaluable experiences.
