Artefacts to be displayed at the Canadian Museum of History over Victoria Day Weekend
May 13, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Office of the Minister of Environment
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today unveiled exciting new artefacts recovered from HMS Erebus. Providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the crew, the historical objects were recovered during the recent expedition by Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Navy divers working under the ice in the High Arctic to research the famed Sir John Franklin shipwreck.
In collaboration with Canadian Museum of History, Parks Canada has created a micro-exhibit of HMS Erebus artefacts that will be available for public enjoyment over the Victoria Day Weekend from May 14-18. Visitors are encouraged to share in this iconic piece of Canadian history by visiting the exhibit and meeting with Parks Canada staff who will be onsite to answer questions. The micro-exhibit will also be available on-line at www.pc.gc.ca.
One of the most exciting objects recovered was one of the ship’s two 6-pounder bronze cannons, a stunning artefact representative of the ship’s Royal Navy origins. The team also recovered buttons from jackets of the Royal Marines, who played a significant role in maintaining discipline onboard ship. Other artefacts recovered include unique pieces of the ships’ construction, personal effects such as a medicinal bottle, plates and glassware.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
