The Exploration Place is hosting the exhibition "World War Women," curated by the Canadian War Museum, which will be available for viewing from June 10th to September 3rd. As a special privilege for Exploration Place members, there will be an exclusive members-only opening on June 9th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, offering a sneak peek of the exhibition.
About:
A special exhibition is shining a spotlight on the significant contributions made by Canadian women during both World Wars. These women undertook crucial and often perilous tasks, ranging from munitions manufacturing to hand-painting artificial eyes for injured servicemen. Developed by the Canadian War Museum, the Exploration Place is proud to present the exhibition titled "World War Women," which delves into their stories.
Dean F. Oliver, the Acting Vice-President and Director General of the Canadian War Museum, highlighted the immense contribution of women during the wars. He noted that while thousands of women served in the military, many more made invaluable contributions on the home front, spanning agriculture, industry, and social services. Despite gender barriers, the wars presented unprecedented opportunities for women across all areas of Canadian society. This traveling exhibition captures the voices of these women, exploring the various ways they devoted their energy to the war effort, their experiences during the war, and how they lived, served, mourned, and commemorated.
The exhibition, divided into four thematic zones, utilizes artifacts, images, audiovisuals, and archival materials to delve into the personal stories of Canadian women during the world wars. Visitors will have the chance to meet women from volunteer organizations, wartime workplaces, and branches of the military. Notable figures include Joan Arnoldi and Mary Plummer, founders of the Canadian Field Comforts Commission, Ada Sylvester, who worked at the Canadian Car and Foundry plant in present-day Thunder Bay, Ontario, and photographer Lorna Stanger from the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service. The exhibition also encompasses narratives of grieving wives, mothers, and sisters who experienced loss during the wars.
These compelling stories collectively illustrate the transformative impact of wartime on women's lives and social roles. They highlight how women's capabilities were redefined both within society and within themselves, forging a new understanding of their potential.
