Ashlee Beattie, Learning and Creative Development Specialist for In Their Own Voices: Stories From Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones
1. What are your main priorities as Learning and Creative Development Specialist Learning Specialist for the In Their Own Voices project?
I provide the creative framework and serve as the visitor experience advocate for the Voices online exhibition. I also develop accompanying educational resources, lead collaborative efforts with the Voices Advisory Committee and coordinate the planning of the affiliated conference the Museum will host in October 2025.
2. How do you ensure that the online exhibition will have a wide appeal?
I’ve worked closely with my colleagues in Digital Technologies to make the website as user friendly as possible, allowing audiences to easily find stories that resonate with their interests. We focus on empowering diverse narratives, ensuring authentic representation of all voices. We hope audiences will take ownership of their journey and feel comfortable exploring the website. If they’d prefer a guided experience, we’ve provided that opportunity as well!
Ashlee Beattie
3. What inspired you to work on the Voices project?
For about a decade, as the War Museum Training Coordinator, I cultivated the professional development of our visitor-facing staff and volunteers. In that role, I coordinated the Museum’s Witness to History volunteer program, helping veterans, military personnel and expert civilians share their stories with Museum visitors and students both on site and across Canada. Supporting others in sharing their own story is so rewarding! And now, with the Voices project, I feel fortunate to be able to help amplify the compelling stories the team has collected.
4. What has your work with veterans taught you?
My work with veterans has shown me people’s incredible capacity for resilience. I also appreciate that — regardless of their background, experience or age — I’ve consistently found common ground and enjoyed meaningful connections with them. Veterans have taught me the value of truly listening. Their stories are rich with experiences that are often difficult to grasp fully without giving them the space and time to share. In addition, their sense of duty and service inspires me to approach my work with commitment and purpose.
5. What do you hope will be the legacy of the Voices project?
I hope the Voices legacy will give visitors the understanding that military history includes complex, emotional events while demonstrating human resilience and connection. Voices shows that veterans’ experiences shape their lives and impact their families, communities and Canada. I also hope that Voices inspires recognition that, while moments shape us, each of us is more than any single moment in our lives.
