New Foundation established to support the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum - Cherry Marshall appointed inaugural President

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum announced today the creation of the Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum, a new independent registered charity that will lead fundraising on behalf of both national museums.

Building on the generosity and commitment of donors and partners whose support has helped advance Museum priorities over many years, the Foundation will strengthen philanthropic and corporate engagement and connect supporters with meaningful opportunities to advance those priorities and contribute to the Museums' long-term sustainability.

The Foundation also announced today the appointment of Cherry Marshall as its inaugural President, effective January 2027. Marshall will lead the Foundation's philanthropic activities under the governance of a Board of Directors, chaired by Elizabeth Roscoe. Marshall and the Foundation will work closely with the Museum's leadership team to enhance philanthropic engagement with Museum priorities.

"Cherry brings proven skills and a lifelong interest in Canadian history and our military record to her new role as President. She brings significant fundraising experience, a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, sound judgment, and the practical leadership needed to build the Foundation's operations and earn the trust of donors and partners," said Elizabeth Roscoe, Chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors. "The Museums have ambitious plans and interest in expanding engagement with donors. The Foundation's role is clear: to connect those ambitions with philanthropic and corporate support across Canada."

Marshall joins the Foundation from Concordia University, where she served as Associate Vice-President, Development. During her nine years there, she held progressively senior fundraising roles, including Principal Director of Development for the Faculty of Fine Arts. She helped lead the successful completion of Concordia's largest fundraising campaign and secured some of the most significant philanthropic investments in its history.

A bilingual development executive with more than a decade of experience across the education, not-for-profit, and arts sectors, Marshall has led high-performing development teams and fundraising strategies across the full spectrum of giving. Her experience includes strengthening donor engagement and fundraising operations through data-informed approaches, as well as leading national campaign, partnership, and stakeholder-relations initiatives through her work with Trans Canada Trail and Food Banks Canada.

"Our purpose is to create meaningful experiences that reflect Canada's diverse histories, cultures and perspectives, reach broader audiences, and pursue innovative ways of engaging with our past to look ahead," said Caroline Dromaguet, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. "Philanthropic support is essential to realizing that purpose. Cherry's ability to turn institutional priorities into meaningful opportunities for support will help the Foundation connect donors and partners with our vision to inspire tomorrow's history."

"I am honoured to take on the role of inaugural President of the Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum. Having long admired the work of both institutions, I look forward to collaborating with expert staff, volunteers, donors and partners to raise awareness and philanthropic support for both national museums," said Cherry Marshall, President, Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum.

The Friends of the Canadian War Museum will continue to operate and support the Canadian War Museum, building on more than 20 years of valued contributions by its dedicated volunteers. The Museum looks forward to continuing this longstanding relationship alongside the new Foundation.

About the Foundation

The Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum is an independent registered charity for fundraising on behalf of both Museums. It connects donors and corporate partners with meaningful opportunities to advance Museum priorities and support their long-term sustainability. Additional information about the Foundation and its leadership is available at www.historymuseum.ca/get-involved/foundation 

About the Museums

The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum preserve and share the stories of the people, events, objects and experiences that have shaped Canada. Through their collections, research, exhibitions, programs, and digital experiences, the Museums help people across Canada deepen their understanding of their shared history, identity and values, while also enhancing their awareness of world history and cultures.

SOURCE Canadian Museum of History

Media contact: Stéphanie Verner, Senior Media Relations and Communications Officer, Canadian Museum of History, Telephone: [phone], [email protected]