I have to be honest, as an American, when I think of Canada, the contributions of their military to the global peace effort aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. In the US, we do a pretty good job of honoring our soldiers and highlighting their acts of valiance, but when you travel over the border and visit our Neighbors to the North it’s a bit of a different story. I mean, I always knew that Canada had an active standing military, I just didn’t know all that much about them or their rich history. All that changed however, after we spent our day at the Military Museums in Calgary, AB.
The Military Museums is western Canada’s largest museum dedicated to military history, art and education. Interestingly the facility is actually a collection of 8 separately curated regimental museums located under one roof. You see, much like their active service, their military museum is divided up and managed by individual regiments and branches of service. The Military Museums feature much more than just the usual guns and medals though, as their mission is more than just historical preservation. The museum has a well curated collection of arts that depict the social impact of military conflict.
Upon entering the museum, you are greeted with one of the most poignant pieces in the whole facility.
Made up of 240 separate images, the 20 by 12 Mural of Honor features a look into individual points of Canada’s military history from the War of 1812 to the present. The museum features an interactive display that allows you to learn the story behind each tile, or you can experience it on the web from the comfort of your own home.
As we went through each of the individual regiment’s museum, we learned about how they were formed and what key campaigns they served in. What made it so fascinating to me was the idea that each regiment was formed on it’s own by private funding. Because of this, each regiment had their unique names and histories that have been preserved over the years. The museums all feature unique artifacts donated by former regimental members and their families that paint their vivid past.
Interestingly, they all also feature incredibly detailed re-enactment scenes that allow you to get a feel for what soldiers went through in each conflict.
One of the most fascinating displays was this scale reproduction that depicts the realities of the trench warfare of WWII.
The Military Museums don’t only feature Alberta’s Army Regiments. There is also a section that is curated by the Air Force as well as the Navy. One of my favorite parts of the Air Force’s display was this collection of old and reproduction artwork from the sides of aircraft.
Ironically, the Naval Museum featured quite a few aircraft, in addition to some components of different battleships and destroyers. Put together they gave you a pretty powerful idea of what life in the Canadian Navy is really all about.
In addition to housing pieces of Alberta’s military history, the Military Museums is also home to a rather large library and archives curated by the University of Calgary, as well as The Founders Gallery. The Gallery was definitely one of the unexpected highlights of our visit as it featured a collection of art designed to foster an understanding of the military experience through art.
Overall I felt as if the Military Museums of Calgary was a rather enriching way to spend a day, and is definitely worth a visit for both travelers and local Albertan’s. It did a really great job of engaging me as a visitor and making me feel for the plight of the armed forces, as opposed to merely housing a collection of cold artifacts.
Details for the Military Museums of Calgary
4520 Crowchild Trail, SW
Calgary, AB
403-410-2340
www.themilitarymuseums.ca
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Taking a Stroll Back in Time at Heritage Park in Calgary
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You’re absolutely right…When I think of Canada, I don’t usually think of anything related to military. Interesting. Thanks for enlightening me a bit!!
I lived in Calgary for many years and never went to the Military Museum. Thanks for sharing!
Bev,
I had a few Calgary natives tell us the same thing. It seems like it wasn’t very well advertised, but you can’t miss it when you drive by.
That interactive mural looks incredible.
Very interesting! I didn’t know this museum even existed. They seem do a great job of education while keeping people engaged and interested.
Wow!! I would have never thought Canada’s military history was that interesting. It looks like a great stop and the mural is gorgeous!
What a well-done museum! (Great photos, too!)
I share your interest in learning about history from the perspective of other countries. I was in Quebec City and the guide who was showing us around town was all about telling us about the American Revolution–and it sounded a LOT different than the history I’d learned in school in the US! My husband and I remarked on it after the tour. It was definitely an education!
I love museums and history. That mural and the fact that it is interactive is incredible.. it’s not the same as actually being at the actual museum but it’s pretty interesting…
Mary, I could have stared at the mural for hours if I had the time.
I’m always a fan of the aircraft artwork
It’s an absolute classic art form. It’s a shame they no longer do it.
You’re right that that isn’t my first thought when I think of Canada! Museums always show some bits and pieces that we wouldn’t find out otherwise, very interesting. Thanks for sharing!