The RCR Museum Capital Campaign
Case Statement
PROUD TO SERVE
PROUD TO REMEMBER
Our History - It's About People
The Royal Canadian Regiment is one of Canada's oldest [est.1883] and longest serving Infantry Regiments. The Regiment has served Canada since that time and has taken part in the North-West Rebellion of 1885, the South African War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Gulf War. Battalions of the Regiment have served on NATO duty in Europe and on UN and NATO Operations in Cyprus, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Soldiers of the Regiment continue to do their duty here at home and abroad on other missions outside of Canada.
Currently, members of The Royal Canadian Regiment make up the largest contingent of Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The splendid manner in which they have carried out their duties and the many sacrifices that they have made while so doing, have certainly contributed to the very favourable international reputation that Canada enjoys today.
It's About Our Museum
Although developed with increasing Regimental commitment over the past 50 years, The RCR Museum's beginnings are recorded on the original architectural drawings of 1885, which designated space for museum in the west wing of Wolseley Hall where the Museum still exists today. In 1954 the 1st Battalion of the Regiment moved to Wolseley Barracks in London, Ontario where once again the museum collection was displayed on tables in the basement of a building in the barracks. Finally, in 1960 the Museum was established in its present site in the barracks: Wolseley Hall. Wolseley Hall, itself a tourist attraction, was built between 1886 and 1888 to house D Company of the Regiment and is a classic example of Victorian military architecture. Wolseley Hall is the only building of its kind in Canada and was declared a National Historic Site in 1970. The Museum has developed notably since its origin in Camp Petawawa and today is considered to be one of the foremost Regimental Museums in the country.
The purpose of the Museum is to educate members of the Regiment and all Canadians, especially young Canadians, about the vital importance of Canada's military heritage. The Museum is a significant tourist attraction in the City of London, a city with which the Regiment has had an association since 1888. Every year thousands of students from the City of London and Middlesex County visit the Museum, making it an important educational resource where they learn about the considerable role that The Regiment and Canada's military forces have played in the development of our country.
Our Need - To Improve and Enhance National Treasure
The cost of operating the Museum, including personnel costs, is borne by The Regiment. While Wolseley Hall, which houses the Museum, is a national historic site, the Federal Government only provides basic utilities and limited maintenance and does not allocate any operating funds for the Museum. Therefore, fundraising to improve museum facilities, displays and to acquire new artefacts must be undertaken by the Regiment.
For the long-term well being of The Regimental Museum, technical service upgrades to maintain current museum standards and expansion of exhibit space are required. Current lighting and climate control systems are inadequate and outdated; indeed replacement parts are no longer available for the lighting system. Upgraded technical facilities will help to better preserve and display artefacts. New galleries will permit expansion of exhibits of the Regiment's UN peacekeeping and NATO roles, including current operations in Afghanistan. A new temporary exhibit gallery will permit the Museum to host traveling exhibits and mount rotating exhibits to display more artefacts; and an expanded new entrance will attract more visitors and provide easier barrier free access to the Museum. Capital funds are needed to meet these pressing needs and to position the Museum for the future.
The Challenge - The Campaign
To assure the Museum's future for present and future generations of Canadians, The Regiment, after an exhaustive study, has concluded that $2.3 million must be raised to fund these much needed capital projects. The aim is to achieve this goal over a two-year period. In order to reach this goal and maintain the ongoing operation of the Museum, assistance from all levels of government, Federal, Provincial and Municipal, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals is mandatory.
Why Support The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum?
Your investment will contribute to the cost of necessary capital improvements and expansion for the Museum.
These capital improvements will help to ensure that Canadians of all ages, particularly young Canadians, will learn about Canada's military heritage and the very important part it has played in our country's development. The history of the Regiment parallels the history of Canada since the Regiment's creation.
Your investment will help to ensure that the Museum continues to be an important educational resource for our students and a tourist attraction in London and area, an attraction that brings thousands of visitors from across Canada and the US to the city.
As with all charitable donations, your investment is tax deductible.
A Campaign Worthy of Your Support
The Royal Canadian Regiment has served our country continuously since 1883. Its soldiers, who come from all across Canada, have, by their service, made an important and effective contribution to the well being of our country. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum's continued existence will ensure that their contribution is not forgotten.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Pro Patria