Government of Canada honours the national historic significance of the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum
News release
August 16, 2019 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Parks Canada Agency
Built circa 1912, the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum was former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker’s home as he rose in the ranks to become leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party and eventually Prime Minister of Canada.
Today, Dr. Bill Waiser, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Representative for Saskatchewan, commemorated the national historic significance of the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum with a special plaque unveiling ceremony in Prince Albert to mark the 40th anniversary of John Diefenbaker’s death. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.
Located in Prince Albert’s established West Hill neighbourhood, the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum is a two-storey example of Tudor Revival architecture with a 1950s charm and aesthetic. It presents both Diefenbaker’s personal life and political career, particularly in regards to his longstanding connection with the City of Prince Albert.
Known as “the man from Prince Albert,” Diefenbaker maintained close ties to the small Saskatchewan city throughout his political career. His public persona reflected both his association with Prince Albert as well as his image as someone who could relate to those outside traditional spheres of influence and power. The John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum, which opened in 1983, commemorates this aspect of Diefenbaker’s history.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,150 designations have been made.
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Quotes
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased that the national historic significance of the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum is commemorated. The museum speaks to the close association between the Diefenbakers and the City of Prince Albert as well as to John Diefenbaker’s persona as a man of the people. It was my honour to sit with John Diefenbaker in the House of Commons. Historic designations reflect Canada’s rich and varied history and I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum and its important contribution to Canada’s heritage.”
The Honourable Ralph Goodale,
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Regina—Wascana
“John Diefenbaker was known as ‘the man from Prince Albert’. Diefenbaker donated his home to the City of Prince Albert in 1975 to serve as a museum. This museum is a local attraction as it communicates Diefenbaker’s legacy to our city and to Canadians. It is exciting to now have the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum be a national historic site, drawing more attention and visitors to our great city.”
His Worship Greg Dionne,
Mayor of Prince Albert
Quick facts
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The John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum features photographs and personal artefacts of John Diefenbaker, including a desk once used in his local campaign office, and furnishings from his Ottawa residence providing an insight into his long legal and political career in Saskatchewan.
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From 1947 to 1957, the John and Olive Diefenbaker Museum was the primary residence of former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. The house was donated to the City of Prince Albert by John and Olive Diefenbaker in 1975 for use as a museum to communicate his legacy to Canadians.
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John Diefenbaker was Prince Albert’s Member of Parliament from his 1953 victory until his death on August 16, 1979.
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The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Bronwyn Craig
Parks Canada
306-914-6289
bronwyn.craig@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca
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