Meet Rob — History Buff and Tour Guide Extraordinaire

Although it’s easy to explore the Canadian War Museum on your own, a guided tour definitely enhances the experience.

Rob at the Canadian War Museum

Enter Rob. Originally from New Brunswick, Rob began working in regional museums while still in school. “Some people like studying dinosaurs or planets, but for me, it’s always been history,” he said. “Although I’ve worked in various parts of the country over the years, when I saw an opportunity to become a tour guide at the War Museum, it felt like a perfect fit.”

Guides are your best resource when visiting the War Museum. They will tell you compelling stories about the men and women presented in the displays. They will take you to parts of the Museum you may not have seen. And, if you’re lucky and a veteran is on hand, they will encourage a firsthand encounter with Canada’s military history.

“We have a lot of great veteran volunteers at the War Museum,” said Rob, “and they add something you can’t get from just looking at an object. Whenever we have volunteers on duty in the galleries, I make sure to encourage visitors to chat with our veterans. And, after all, who doesn’t want to talk to the person wearing the medals?”

When asked about his favourite things at the Museum, Rob mentioned several works of art. “As someone who loves history,” he said, “one of the things that really struck me when I began working here was the impact art can have in telling a story.

“Large-scale works like, Laura Knight’s Physical Training at Witley Camp are particularly interesting. Painted during the First World War, it depicts soldiers’ lives outside of the battlefield. We can witness one form of training, boxing, but also the social aspect of being in the military.”

Laura Knight – Physical Training at Witley Camp
CWM 19710261-0808 – Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
Canadian War Museum

For Rob, one of the best parts of the job, however, is connecting with visitors. “The War Museum is unique in many ways,” he said. “I’ve met people from all over the world who want to share their own military experiences, or those of family members. It’s such an honour to have that personal interaction, and I feel very privileged.”

 Free guided tours are one of many exclusive benefits for Museum members. Please contact Membership Services at stephane.brazeau@historymuseum.ca for more information, or take a virtual tour at warmuseum.ca/virtualtour. One of our friendly and knowledgeable guides, including Rob, would love to show you around!