Fredericton, NB (February 16, 2015) – On Monday, February 16th, the Fredericton Region Museum is opening the travelling exhibit, “New Brunswickers and the Great War”.  The exhibit commemorates the contributions of New Brunswickers during the First World War and will travel for the next two years.

The Fredericton Region Museum’s First World War exhibit has always been a favourite with visitors of all ages. The continued interest in the First World War events and people is a testament to the war’s impact on society. It continues to spark an interest in academics and the public alike. The horrific conditions of the war front and the enormous loss of life are almost incomprehensible today. The world changed in a generation.

The Canadian military fought valiantly during the Battle of Passchendaele and proved itself at Vimy Ridge.  Local involvement in an international conflict brought the war home to New Brunswick through the men who fought, the women who joined the nursing sisters and the families and industries who supported them on the home front.

The exhibit was curated by Brent Wilson from the Gregg Centre for Military Studies.  Wilson has taught over 40 courses in military history in the University of New Brunswick’s Department of History and for RMC’s Department of Continuing Education at CFB Gagetown.

The launch will take place at the Carleton Street Armoury in downtown Fredericton. beginning at 7pm with presentations from key guest speakers and will be followed by a viewing of the exhibit and refreshments. Those presenting at the event will include Kevin Price, Executive Assistant to the Honourable Keith Ashfield, P.C., M.P., Maxine Campbell, the President of the York Sunbury Historical Society and Brent Wilson.

The Fredericton Region Museum and York Sunbury Historical Society would like to thank the World War Commemorations Community Fund for their generous contribution to the project as well as Brent Wilson and the Gregg Centre for Military Studies for their contribution of knowledge, management skills and ongoing support of our organization.  The Society and Museum wishes to express their appreciation to the Carleton Street Armoury, the City of Fredericton, the Province of New Brunswick, and the many volunteers for making this exhibit possible.

About the Fredericton Region Museum:
The Fredericton Region Museum was founded in 1934 by the York Sunbury Historical Society. In 1959, the Museum found permanent headquarters in the Officers’ Quarters (571 Queen Street) in the heart of downtown Fredericton. The Society and Museum remain a non-profit enterprise with a small paid staff and numerous volunteers.