Ten years of travelling to all areas of the country. Rattling around in trains, trucks, planes, ferries and ATVs. Ten years of young hands exploring as youngsters learn about Canada’s military history.
The Canadian War Museum’s Supply Line program celebrated a decade of service in 2024. This national educational program brings a Discovery Box of military objects into classrooms anywhere in Canada. Schools can book a First World War or a Second World War box, at no cost, for a two-week borrowing period. Among the 23 objects that you can find in the First World War box are a gas rattle and a prisoner of war’s scrapbook. The Second World War box includes a lifeboat ration tin, a flying helmet and more.
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It is you, our donors, who make this program possible.
Last school year, Supply Line travelled to a small community in Newfoundland and Labrador. The school’s principal, Sarah, describes the area as “a big hill.” There are no roads. When her Discovery Box arrived, by ferry, she recruited a helper to pick it up by ATV and bring it to the school. Getting a Discovery Box to this remote area is just one example of how your donations ensure that every student in Canada can access hands-on learning about our military history.
But after 10 years, the 50 Discovery Boxes need repair and, in some cases, replacement.
“We regularly clean and do small repairs on the boxes, and fix or replace the items. But now, much of the interior protective packaging is ripped and coming loose. Some of the boxes need to be replaced entirely. And the more fragile items, such as those made of paper — photo albums for example — need more durable materials,” explains Allison Eagen, Director of Learning and Engagement.
These boxes carry the tangible reminders and stories of those who have served our country. We must preserve them properly and respectfully.
With a price tag of $40,000, this endeavour will take a couple of years. The boxes will continue to be available to schools during the work. We look forward to keeping you informed about our progress!
For more information about the Supply Line refurbishment project, please contact Kim Strydonck at 819-776-8640 or kim.strydonck@warmuseum.ca.
Supply Line is generously supported by the R. Howard Webster Foundation, the Crabtree Foundation, the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, and other individuals across the country. We are grateful for your generosity.
