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CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum celebrates 30 years

Open house and celebration on July 4 is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Sarah Taylor in a gallery at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. “I think the museum does an excellent job of telling our history

CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum is bringing out the party hats and streamers to celebrate its 30 anniversary.

The museum opened on the grounds of CFB Esquimalt (Naden) in 1985 in the former site of École Victor-Brodeur school under the auspices of the CFB Esquimalt Museum and Archives Society.

Over the years the museum went through a series of minor changes and moved to its current location in 1999.

The open house and celebration on July 4 is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We really want to celebrate the museum and encourage the community to out and see the museum,” said spokesperson Sarah Taylor.

The birthday party will include historical re-enactors, children’s games, food trucks, cake and heritage tea service, guided tours and the opening of a new gallery on the early history of the base.

More than 10,000 people visit the museum every year.

Through permanent and temporary displays and exhibits, the museum seeks to increase understanding and awareness of the contribution made by the Canadian Navy and Army on the west coast.

Recent permanent exhibits have focused on the Royal Canadian Navy and Merchant Navy’s role in winning the Battle of the Atlantic, and the more than 100-year history of Canadian service in submarines.

Temporary exhibits focus on the service of the military police, celebrate the contributions and achievements of First Nations people, and honour the commitment to country of a Canadian family whose members have served in the Armed Forces for three generations.

On July 4, the museum is unveiling a new gallery which deals with early explorers’ interest in Esquimalt as a strategic base, and the establishment of a naval presence on Vancouver Island.

Taylor said well the museum has something for people of all ages – from school-age children to seniors – it is also important to tell the history of thew region.

“It’s not just about the military,” she said. “I think the museum does an excellent job of telling our history.”

 

Mark Your Calendar

EVENT: CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum birthday party

WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: CFB Esquimalt (Naden)

WEBSITE: navalandmilitarymuseum.org