(via Canadian Museum of History)
The Canadian Museum of History is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame collection, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and display of Canada’s vibrant sports history. This historically significant collection, now referred to as the Sports Medal Collection, was physically transferred to the Canadian Museum of History and is currently maintained by the Museum.
“Canadian museums are the guardians of our past and the mirrors that reflect our shared identity,” said Pascale Saint-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “The Government of Canada is proud of the History Museum’s work in preserving and celebrating our heritage. Receiving the Sports Collection Medal will enhance the visitor experience with important artifacts of our country’s rich sporting history.”
The collection seamlessly complements the museum’s existing sports collection, renowned for its comprehensive representation, particularly in hockey and contemporary sports and gaming. The incorporation of the Sports Group Medal makes it easier to access the group for loans, study, and research. By leveraging the National History Museum network, the Mathematical Collection System collection can now be accessed by more museums across Canada, reaching broader audiences.
“We are very pleased that the Canadian Museum of History has acquired the collection of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame,” said Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity. “This new addition will help preserve our sporting heritage for many years to come. We can now share our country’s sporting heritage with more people from coast to coast as the Order of Sport Collection is now available to museums across Canada.”
The Order of Sport collection represents more than 100 years of Canadian history and is the museum’s largest single acquisition ever. The collection includes a variety of items that include legendary athletes, broadcasters, coaches, teams and famous sporting events. The collection contains approximately 100,000 objects and 60,000 archival records.
“This acquisition represents a significant opportunity for the Canadian Museum of History,” said Caroline Dromaguet, president and CEO of the museum. “The Order of Sport collection enriches our existing strong sports collection, strengthening the museum as the premier center for engaging with the history of sports in Canada. This acquisition underscores our collective commitment to sharing the extraordinary stories, common experiences and iconic moments that not only shaped Canadian popular culture, but continue to unite and inspire our nation , captivating audiences from coast to coast to coast.
Some highlights of the collection include Maurice Richard’s jersey and hockey stick, Barbara Ann Scott’s silver skating blades, Francis Dafoe’s costumes and related graphics, Ned Hallan’s rowing shell, and an exquisitely detailed Wrigley Marathon Swimming Trophy that stands 1.76 meters (about 5.77 meters) high. ft) tall and featuring the gods Neptune and Mercury.
“This important agreement not only allows for collaboration between our museums to expand this incredible collection, but also ensures that the rich heritage of Canadian sport will be more accessible to current and future generations than ever before,” said Cheryl Bernard, President and CEO of the Corporation. Canada Sports Hall of Fame. “This partnership is a testament to our shared belief in the importance of preserving this nation’s rich sporting history. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Canada for its steadfast support in this exciting endeavour.”
In the 2021 federal budget, the History Museum received $5 million to acquire, protect and preserve the collection.
Visitors to the Museum will have a unique opportunity to explore a specially curated display of objects from the Order of Sport collection, alongside the Museum’s own collection, representing the contributions of athletes from diverse backgrounds. The pieces will be displayed in the museum’s exhibition corridor starting October 5. 2023 Until October 6, 2024.
