The Rossy Family Foundation: Museum receives unprecedented gift

Gallery 1 of the new Canadian History Hall will be named in honour of the Rossy family.
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The new Canadian History Hall is designed to inspire — from the beautiful open space to unique and fascinating artifacts, from cutting-edge interactives to multimedia presentations. But even before it opens, the Hall is already inspiring very welcome generosity. The Museum is delighted to announce an unprecedented gift of $3 million from The Rossy Family Foundation. In their honour, Gallery 1 of the new Hall will be named the Rossy Family Gallery.

The three interconnected galleries of the Canadian History Hall tell the story of Canada’s vast history; at almost 10,000 square feet, the Rossy Family Gallery will explore the country’s history from earliest human habitation through to the brink of Confederation. The Rossy family is thrilled to be part of the excitement in Canada’s most-visited museum. “We are delighted to support the Canadian Museum of History in this celebration of our shared Canadian heritage. Through the exploration of early Canadian history, we hope the Rossy Family Gallery inspires a deeper understanding of our collective journey towards the diverse and inclusive Canada of today.”

The Rossy Family Foundation supports non-profit organizations that are active in the areas of arts and culture, education and health care.

The Rossy Family Foundation is particularly interested in improving the lives of Canadians through strategic donations in support of health care, education, the arts and Canadian civil society. Fittingly, a third of the family’s gift to the Museum is being directed toward education programs: the Rossy Family Canadian History Hall Education Project Fund at the Canadian Museum of History.

This three-year initiative will see new programs in the Hall, outreach through a broadening of digital capacity and a more physically robust travelling component specifically designed with schools in mind.

Funding for multi-year projects is vitally important. Lisa Leblanc, the Museum’s Director of Creative Development and Learning, says, “We are grateful The Rossy Family Foundation understood and championed the benefit of long-term funding. Their commitment to ensuring program funding is stable allows us to broaden our program and to envision the possibilities for the next generation.”

The Rossys have made sure the Canadian History Hall will be a vibrant and exciting exhibition for many years to come. And thanks to them, the Museum’s ability to provide curriculum-connected programming is likewise ensured.