Free Admission to Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site on November 12
News release
Youth, families, and visitors are invited to discover Bethune’s role during the First World War
October 25, 2018 Gravenhurst, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
The Government is celebrating families and the importance of our protected areas with free admission to Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under, starting in 2018 and beyond. This year, Parks Canada has offered free admission or lockage for one day at Parks Canada places across the country. This is a special thank you to the millions of Canadians who celebrated Canada 150 with Parks Canada in 2017 when more Canadians than ever before had amazing experiences at Parks Canada’s places.
Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world. Through its broad network of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites, Parks Canada connects Canadians with their heritage.
The renowned group, History Matters will lead activities at Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site on November 12, 2018, commemorating the service of Dr. Norman Bethune, who did an extraordinary three tours of duty in the Army, Navy and Air Force during the Great War. Bethune Memorial House is pleased to offer free admission that day, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War.
Join us on the house’s historic grounds for a First World War re-enactment to experience what is was like to be a field medic in the trenches. Visitors can try on vintage costumes, carry a stretcher, and examine battlefront medical instruments used during the war. A fully restored ambulance from the war will also be on display. Students and the general public are encouraged to attend.
School groups that wish to attend are recommended to reserve their visit via email at ont-bethune@pc.gc.ca, as space is limited.
Captions of the pictures found in the “Picture Gallery” under the “Associated Links” section.
Picture 1: Bethune in the uniform of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1914
Picture 2: Visitors try out Stretcher Bearer duties at Bethune Memorial House's First World War trench.
Picture 3: A family enjoys the many interactive activities for children at Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site.
Picture 4: History Matters Association re-creates the role of a First World War Stretcher Bearer as part of their WWI Education Day program.
Picture 5: Canadian Nursing Sisters' treatment of battlefield casualties comes to life through History Matters Association historical re-enactments.
Quotes
“National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer. They and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is a national treasure. On Free Admission Day, I invite Canadian families, youth, and visitors to explore the site, connect with Canada’s cultural heritage and learn more about Norman Bethune’s First World War contributions with Canada’s armed forces.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is located in Gravenhurst, Ontario, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 12, specifically for this event.
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2018 marks the centennial of the end of the First World War. Dr. Norman Bethune was among the first to volunteer in Toronto on August 4, 1914, and went on to serve in all three branches of Canada’s military.
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Bethune Memorial House features an interactive outdoor activity area that takes you back in time to experience what it was like to be a medic in a First World War trench. Features include a wooden and sand-bagged trench flanked by a “training area”, with climbing apparatus, balance beams, a bridge and tunnels
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Canada's national parks, historic sites and national marine conservation areas provide outstanding examples of our country’s natural landscapes, generate economic activity by attracting visitors from Canada and abroad, and provide Canadians with access to our natural heritage.
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As reiterated in Budget 2018, the Government of Canada is pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places for youth aged 17 and under in 2018 and beyond.
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During the 2018 season, Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site was pleased to welcome visitors as part of the Canada-China Year of Tourism – a time for our two countries to strengthen the people-to-people ties that connect our nations.
Associated links
Contacts
Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay Ontario East Field Unit
613-923-5261, ext. 122
bruce.macmillan@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca