Black History Month
Lecturer: Lt. Kwabena Apomah
Date: Thur 16 Feb 2023
Lecture Time and Venue: 6:30 pm TMM Atrium
Celebrate Black History Month by joining us this February at the Military Museums to celebrate and honour the work of black soldiers, sailors, pilots, and other members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Lt. Kwabena Apomah will be giving an inspiring lecture on Thur 16 Feb 2023 of his experience as a black immigrant in the Canadian Armed Forces and how he was able to follow in his grandfather's footsteps as a signal officer in the merchant navy.
Mr. Kwabena Apomah is the Extension Troop Officer at the 41 Signal Regiment, The Brigade Signal Officer, and works full-time for the City of Calgary as a Corporate Consultant. He manages the Extension troop to provide line and satcom capabilities, and he is employed by the Brigade to be a subject matter expert in leading command and control in all aspects.
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.
Russian Disinformation in Canada
Lecturer: Dr. JC Boucher
Date: Fri 31 Mar 2023
Lecture Time and Venue: 6:30pm TMM Atrium
Perspective Series - Russian Disinformation in Canada
Please join us for a Perspectives Lecture Series presentation by Dr. JC Boucher from the Department of Political Studies at the University of Calgary on Fri 31 March 2023 for an examination of the extent and effects of Russian Disinformation in Canada.
Military History Today
Lecturers: Four Military Historians from UofC
Date: Tues 4 Apr 2023
Lecture Time and Venue: 6:30pm TMM Atrium
Presentations by UCalgary historians Drs. John Ferris, Alexander Hill, Timothy Stapleton, and Aaron Bates on their latest books, MC'd by Dr David Bercuson. Books will be available for purchase.
First World War - Book Reading
Date: Sat Apr 22 2023
Location: The Military Museums, Calgary, Alberta
Are you ready to go back in time?
Join us on April 22nd at the Military Museums for a special book reading and signing with author Jacqueline Carmichael. She'll be discussing her latest book, Heard Amid the Guns: True Stories from the Western Front, 1914-1918.
Learn about the experiences of North American soldiers who served overseas and gain insight into the historical events of the First World War.
Hidden Heroes: Jewish Soldiers of WWII
Date: Thursday 11 May 2023
Time: Doors Open 6:30pm, Presentation starts at 7:00pm
Location: The Military Museums Theatre
Cost: Admission by Donation
Join Canadian journalist and author Ellin Bessner (of The Canadian Jewish News) along with John Hunt of the FSSF Association and members of the military community for a special Jewish Heritage Month tribute evening and reception at The Military Museums.
For Jewish Heritage Month, The Military Museums of Calgary launches a new exhibit on the elite commandos of Jewish faith who served in The Devil's Brigade.
The brigade was a joint outfit made up of highly-trained Canadian and American troops who fought together at home and abroad as the First Special Service Force (FSSF) during the Second World War.
Feared by the Germans – who called them The Black Devils – these former lumberjacks, forest rangers and hunters donned camouflage paint-scaled snow-covered mountains in the middle of winter to capture German positions, they parachuted behind enemy lines, and they took thousands of prisoners.
A 1968 Hollywood film depicted their expert combat skills and rough-and-tumble tactics both in and out of battle. The FSSF members were later awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2015 by former U.S. President George W. Bush.
Among the Force's companies were a dozen Jewish volunteers who faced a double threat - not only were they risking capture by the enemy, but they also had to overcome antisemitism from their own men.
Identifying First World War Remains
Date: Thursday 25 May 2023
Time: Doors Open 6:30pm, Presentation starts at 7:00pm
Location: The Military Museums Theatre
Cost: Adults $15, Seniors/Youth $5
Join us on May 25th at 7 pm at The Military Museums for an unforgettable evening with Dr. Sarah Lockyer, the Casualty Identification Coordinator for Canada's Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces.
Dr. Lockyer is an expert in identifying skeletal remains of possible Canadian service members killed in action during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean Conflict so that they may be buried with their name, by their unit, and in the presence of family.
In this fascinating lecture, Dr. Lockyer will share her experiences and insights on the cutting-edge work of identifying fallen soldiers from the First World War. Her passion for her work and her deep knowledge of the subject will leave you with a new understanding of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers.
A Soldier’s Story
Date: Tuesday June 13, 2023
Time: Doors Open 6:30pm, Presentation starts at 7:00pm
Location: TMM Theatre
Cost: Admission is by Donation
Experience "A Soldier’s Story: Pride and Service in the Canadian Armed Forces" with our esteemed guest speakers.
Our first speaker is a proud lesbian woman who serves in the Canadian Armed Forces. She'll share her journey of acceptance and advocacy within the military, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Our second speaker, Nancy Shadlock, is the CEO of Centered Coaching & Consulting. She'll inspire us with her personal story of embracing her spirituality and sexuality, and her innovative approach to DEI work.
Historic Calgary Week: CPR's Role During WWII
Date: Tues 1 Aug 2023
Time: Doors Open 6:30pm, Presentation starts at 7:00pm
Location: TMM Theatre
Cost: Admission is Free
Join us for an insightful journey into Canadian Pacific's pivotal role during the Second World War with Peter Boyle. Discover the untold stories of CP Ships, Ogden Shops, and over 21,000 employees who served in the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Don't miss out on this remarkable lecture hosted by the Military Museums in partnership with Canada Pacific Rail during Historic Calgary Week.
About the Speaker:
Peter Boyle works within the Heritage Operations team of the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKCR). This role sees him assisting with the management of the CPKCR historical collection and archive, as well as working as a trainmaster when the heritage railcar fleet is in use.
Prior to his time at CPKCR, Peter held a number of positions with heritage organizations, including being the curator of the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Museum and Archives at The Military Museums.
Outside of his full-time role, Peter is a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Army Reserve and is currently directing staff at the Canadian Army Command and Staff College. He holds an undergraduate degree from The Royal Military College of Canada, and is a graduate of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College and the Joint Command and Staff Program at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
He has deployed internationally to Afghanistan in 2008, and domestically on Operation Recuperation (1998 Ice Storms) and Operation Lentus (2013 Calgary Floods).
Hidden Heroes: Documentary Film
Date: Fri 13 Oct 2023
Time: Doors Open 5:00pm - Film starts at 6:00pm
Location: TMM Theatre
Cost: General Admission $16.00
Join The Military Museums Foundation on October 13th at 6:00pm for a screening of the film Hidden Heroes, produced by Double Barrel in collaboration with the Department of National Defence.
Dive deep into the untold stories of courage, sacrifice and resilience displayed by remarkable Canadians throughout history. From the battlefields of WW1 to the modern-day frontline and beyond, this inspiring documentary sheds light on the often-overlooked logistics heroes who helped to shape Canada’s identity.
Through dramatic reenactments, rarely-seen archival footage, and interviews with Canada’s top historians, experience the rich tapestry of our nation’s history. These captivating narratives will touch your heart and leave you in awe of the courage that shaped our country.
Join us in paying tribute to the unsung heroes who have played a pivotal role in shaping Canada's history. Together, we will illuminate the legacy of bravery and resilience that resonates through the ages!
About the Speakers:
Jimmy Johnston: Jimmy was a scrappy New Brunswick soldier whose footsteps echoed alongside those of his faithful companions - the horses of the First World War. As a horse transport driver, Johnston's published memoir documents unparalleled valour in the face of adversity, where amidst the deafening roars of cannons and the pangs of longing for home, he stood as an epitome of resilience and compassion.
Marion Orr: In an era where the sky was a frontier yet to be conquered by many, Order of Canada recipient Marion Orr soared above societal norms and expectations. As one of the pioneering ferry pilots, Orr defied gravity and gender barriers, proving that the skies weren’t just a domain for men. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us of the audacity of dreams and the strength required to chase them.
Doug Thorlakson: Journey to a more recent past with Lt. Doug Thorlakson. Amidst the dusty landscape of Afghanistan, Thorlakson's death-defying tale echos the changing dynamics of warfare, and the unchanging core of human courage.
After the film, we will partake in a Q&A with John Conrad.
Best-selling author and Colonel (Ret.) John Conrad is a central figure in the section about Afghanistan. He and Lt. Doug Thorlakson narrate this section of the film, discussing the challenges and dangers inherent in delivering supplies to the frontlines. They also discuss, in depth, Lt. Thorlakson’s brush with death during an ambush by a suicide bomber while on duty.