Artifacts make museums powerful communicators. Authentic objects touch us in deeply personal ways, connecting us to the thoughts, emotions and daily lives of our ancestors. Artifacts are the building blocks of our collective memory and our national story.

On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, the Canadian Museum of Civilization has launched the 150thAnniversary National Collection Fund Campaign. The National Collection Fund will enable the Museum to acquire artifacts that might otherwise be lost to our national heritage.

The Museum’s artifacts collection is its lifeblood — the very foundation of its educational programming, exhibitions and publishing program.

As a dynamic institution, the Museum must continually enrich its collections. To do so, it relies primarily on generous donations of artifacts and on some grants. However, many opportunities for artifact acquisition are still missed. When they are put up for sale, artifacts often remain on the market for only a brief period, and they are sometimes very expensive — particularly when competition is strong. We risk losing these artifacts — and a piece of our heritage — as they scatter, even outside the country.

It is vital that artifacts related to Canada’s past, and items that have important stories to tell in the future, reside with us.The Museum’s collection is the result of 150 years of acquiring and preserving Canada’s heritage, a heritage that the Museum intends to increase and protect for future generations of Canadians.

Together, we have a responsibility to rescue, preserve and care for our national treasures.

150TH ANNIVERSARY
NATIONAL COLLECTION FUND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

DONATIONS TO THE NATIONAL COLLECTION FUND

Anyone can make a donation to the National Collection Fund.

All donations will be used to acquire objects or collections. The Museum's collections fall under several categories: Archaeology, Ethnology, History, Cultural Studies, the collections of the Canadian Postal Museum, and the collections of the Canadian Children's Museum.

Founders will be given permanent recognition in the Museum.
Donations can be spread out over a five-year period.

To donate to the 150th Anniversary National Collection Fund, please contact:

CIVILIZATION COSTUME BALL - A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Invitation to the Civilization Costume Ball – (PDF format 936KB)

As part of the 150th Anniversary National Collection Fund Campaign, the Civilization Costume Ball — A Journey Through Time will be held on September 20, 2006 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. All profits from this fundraising event will go to the National Collection Fund.

The Museum will be transformed for the occasion into a vast time capsule, in which songs, dances, historical figures, and the food and drink of various eras will delight all in attendance. Guests — in period costume if they like — will journey through each of the periods that have shaped the history of Canada.

To purchase tickets for the Civilization Costume Ball, to sponsor a historical time capsule, or to make a donation to the National Collection Fund, please contact:

Join us in safeguarding our heritage for people today and in future generations. Attend the Civilization Costume Ball:

• Purchase tickets at $500 plus taxes;
• Purchase a "time travel package" of ten tickets at $5,000 plus taxes;
• Sponsor a time capsule – you will get fantastic visibility and unparalleled entertainment for your sixteen guests: $15,000.

Please note that a receipt for the charitable portion will be sent to you after the Ball.

For more information, please call:

MEMBERS

Members of the Canadian Museum of Civilization can purchase tickets at $450 plus taxes by contacting:

PARTNERS