Laurier House National Historic Site offers unique opportunity for people to learn more about old family treasures

Public invited to meet with Parks Canada World Wars-era specialists on September 20^th

OTTAWA, Sept. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - During the First and Second World Wars, Ottawa and area was a focal point of home front actions and activities. Attics and basements across the city have hidden antique treasures and heirlooms from that time period. If you want to know more about the significance of your great grandfather's war medal, how your old Second World War Navy radio worked or just want to know how the ration book that's tucked away with other old family papers would have been used, Parks Canada has experts with answers.

On Saturday September 20, 2014, Parks Canada historians, scientists and conservation specialists will welcome you, and that special item you always wanted to know more about. Between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., almost a dozen World Wars-era specialists will be gathered at Laurier House National Historic Site, in Ottawa, to share their in-depth knowledge about that object that is your family's link to the personal stories that - collectively - tell the history of Canada.

Across the country, Parks Canada operates and protects 167 national historic sites and tens of thousands of artifacts. From the warship HMCS Haida to the original maquette of Canada's National War Memorial, Parks Canada experts have extensive knowledge and look forward to telling you more about the history of your treasure and will offer advice about preserving it for future generations.

As Canada remembers the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, Parks Canada experts are offering you an opportunity to discover more about your own personal connections to these world altering events. Bring family and friends with you to share what you learn.

For more information please contact Laurier House at 613-992-8142 or email [email protected].

Quick Facts

• The Family Treasures day will take place in the Laurier House visitor centre; regular site entry applies. Come with your friends and family and share the experience and discovery.
• Please do not bring firearms, ammunition, explosives or other dangerous objects.
• Laurier House National Historic Site is located at 335 Laurier Ave East, Ottawa, Ontario. Street parking is available and OC Transpo bus route 5 stops at Laurier / Chapel, about a one minute walk from the site.
• Laurier House is home to over 10,000 artefacts of important national historic significance including several World Wars artifacts that will also be on display. Discover the house on your own or enjoy one of the guided tours presented during the day.

Quote

"You might call your Family Treasure a memento, an artefact, a keepsake, an antique or simply granddad's thingamajig, but it is something that speaks across time of how our ancestors lived, what they did and how they experienced the world around them. I encourage you to take advantage of Parks Canada's experts as this really is a one time opportunity to learn more about that object that connects you with your past, adding new information to the stories that you will share with your children and grandchildren."
Juan Sanchez, Site and Visitor Experience Manager, Laurier House National Historic Site

Associated Link
Laurier House National Historic Site: www.pc.gc.ca/laurierhouse

Backgrounder

Two of the key historical milestones that are being remembered in 2014 are the centennial of the start of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the start of the Second World War. Canada's role in the World Wars was significant both abroad and on the home front and many Canadians have family histories linked to these major world events.

Parks Canada is an international leader in heritage conservation and cultural resource management, and this Family Treasures event is an opportunity for the public to engage the expertise of our historians, collections and curatorial staff to learn more about the family treasures that are linked to these two major conflicts.

Members of the public are invited to bring their wartime objects (photos, letters, medals, uniforms, etc.) and Parks Canada specialists will examine the object, discuss its history in general terms and provide practical information for its preservation. The focus will be on the historical value of the item and the sharing of best practices to ensure the object's preservation for future generations. Dollar value estimates will not be provided.

Even small objects can tell powerful stories and visitors will receive one-on-one time with knowledgeable collections specialists.

Project team

• Historians/curators with specialist knowledge of military objects.
• Conservation Science specialists who will be able to talk about the material make-up of objects.
• Conservators with expertise in preserving different types of objects (including paper, wooden objects and furniture, textiles, paintings and general objects).

Image with caption: "One family's treasure (CNW Group/Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140910_C8823_PHOTO_EN_42729.jpg

SOURCE: Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

Information
Bruce MacMillan
A/External Relations Manager
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada
[email protected]
613-246-1950