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Bay Chaleur Military Museum Logo21st Century, Circa 2004
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Welcome to the Chaleur Bay Military Museum . . .The Gaspe has a rich military tradition. Gaspesian communities have always responded to the country's call in an outstanding way. This exhibit will explore the military history of the region from its earliest times to the present day, the contributions of Gaspesians in the major conflicts of the 20th century, and the effects these conflicts have had on the small communities dotting the shores of the Gaspe coast.
We hope that you enjoy your visit and this tribute to the brave men and women who have given so much to and for this country.
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Bay Chaleur Military Museum Sign20th Century, Circa 2004
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Bay Chaleur Military Museum20th Century, Circa 2004
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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History of the MuseumMuch credit for the original idea to create a military museum must be given to Jean-Marie Jobin, who, in 1994, was mayor of New Richmond. He had just returned from France, where he had visited a military museum in a small town. He was so impressed with the efforts of a few people to create a memorial to the liberators of France, that he came home with the conviction that the same could be done here.
A committee was formed under the chairmanship of Bert Cyr, a Royal Canadian Air Force Veteran, and it was because of his determination and perseverance that a Foundation was established, permitting the Museum to issue receipts for income tax purposes. All efforts to obtain money in the form of government grants were unsuccessful with the exception of a small amount in 2002, and another moderate amount in early 2004.
Under the direction of Phil Doddridge, a veteran of the Battle of Hong Kong, efforts were concentrated on soliciting funds from the private sector. A substantial amount was received from a source in Montreal which wishes to remain anonymous. Another appreciable amount was recieved from a Hong Kong Veteran, who had written a book and who donated most of the proceeds from the sale of the book to the Museum. An appeal was made to friends and acquaintances, far and near, which generated enough money to undertake the initial phases of the project. Without the support of Hong Kong Veterans, their families, associations, and friends, the Bay Chaleur Military Museum would still be but a dream.
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The Bay Chaleur Military Museum is situated in a historic building, a former church administered by the United Church of Canada which ceased to function as a place of worship a number of years ago. It was purchased in 2002, and relocated to its present site. That summer the roof was replaced with cedar shingles, for practical purposes as well as enabling it to blend in with those of the Gaspesian British Heritage Village. The head of the Building Committee, Jim Martin, then continued, with a small army of volunteers, to restore the building to its present state. This required much time and patience, since they were dealing with a structure that was over 100 years old.7
Relocating Oak Bay United Church21st Century, Circa 2003
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Oak Bay United Church is Brougt to its new Home21st Century, Circa 2003
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Attic and Roof Relocation21st Century, Circa 2003
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Oak Bay United Church in its new Home21st Century, Circa 2003
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Bay Chaleur Military Museum20th Century, Circa 2004
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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Bay Chaleur Military Museum20th Century, Circa 2004
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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The development of the Museum's theme, the research, organization, and display of artifacts, was carried out by Rachel Dell, who had recently completed her studies in anthropology and museum curatorship. This local resident was a godsend for the Museum, because she not only brought with her the benefit of her studies, training, and enthusiasm, but had access to an intimate knowledge of the history of our area.14
Creation of an Exhibit21st Century, Circa 2004
Bay Chaleur Military Museum, New Richmond, Quebec Canada
Credits:Bay Chaleur Military Museum
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