May at the Canadian War Museum: Activities for the whole family!

Posted on: 20/04/2011

May at the Canadian War Museum: Activities for the whole family!

Ottawa, Ontario, April 20 2011 – Ever wonder why Ottawa holds a Tulip Festival in May? This month the Canadian War Museum presents a number of activities that spotlight the past, present and future of Canada’s special relationship with the Netherlands.

Family Activity: Friendship
May 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LeBreton Gallery

Past, present and future come together in this family activity, which highlights the origins of the Canadian Tulip Festival and Canada’s role in sheltering members of the Dutch Royal Family and in liberating the Netherlands in the Second World War. Check out the contents of a Second World War military kit and make a zipper pull.

Presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Sussie’s Coat
May 7
2 p.m.
Barney Danson Theatre

A kind gesture by a Bob Elliott, a Canadian soldier in the Second World War, to a Dutch girl named Sussie Cretier turned into a beautiful love story that endures today. Author Alan Buick was so captivated by the story that he wrote about it in The Little Coat. Come listen to him share his experience of meeting Bob and Sussie, and seeing Sussie’s coat.

Witness to History: the Dutch Liberation
May 14
2 p.m.
LeBreton Gallery

Hear first-hand from Dutch war brides and veterans who participated in the liberation about what life was like during the Second World War in the Netherlands.

Perspectives on the Netherlands: The Present
May 21
2 p.m.
LeBreton Gallery

Join a group of Ottawa students who participated in Dutch remembrance ceremonies and celebrations in May 2010 for a stimulating discussion of their experiences.

The Future of Friendship
May 21 and 22
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LeBreton Gallery

Decorate a postcard and send a special message of friendship to the Netherlands.

Media Information:

Manager, Communications
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819 776-8608

Communications and Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
Tel.: 819 776-8607