Swords and Ploughshares Museum facts for kids
Established | 1987 |
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Location | Kars, Ontario, Canada |
The Swords and Ploughshares Museum is a special private museum. It is located near Kars, Ontario, in Canada. This museum focuses on a unique part of Canadian military history. It tells the story of the "Citizen Soldier." These are people who are part of the military reserves or militia. They serve their country in times of peace and war.
The museum shows how military vehicles and items can be used for both army and everyday civilian tasks. For example, a Ram tank from World War II was once a main display. After the war, this tank was changed to work as a snowplow! This shows how military tools can be adapted for peaceful uses.
One important item at the museum is a 1942 Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft gun. This gun is kept in working order. It serves as a living monument to all Canadian anti-aircraft gunners.
History of the Museum
The Swords and Ploughshares Museum started in 1987. It was created by two friends, Captain M.T. Calnan and Captain M.J. Hilash. They both loved military history and collected old military items. They decided to combine their collections. Their goal was to share their artifacts with the public. They wanted to help people learn more about Canadian military history.
In the late 1980s, they bought land south of Kars. A steel building was built there in the summer of 1991. This building became the home for the museum's vehicles and displays.
Colonel Michael David Calnan was an important person for the museum. He was the Honorary Chairman from 1987 until he passed away in 2018.
Fun Outreach Programs
The museum does not have many permanent displays. Instead, it uses "living history" to teach visitors. This means they create interactive displays and demonstrations. They often work with historical re-enactors. These are people who dress up and act out events from the past.
The museum has taken part in many special events. For example, they were in the 50th Anniversary of D-Day Parade in Ottawa in 1994. They also participated in the 64th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain at the National Aviation Museum in 2004.
The museum also helps organize Canada Day parades. These parades happen in nearby towns like Kemptville and Merrickville. They also join other local events, such as the Richmond Fair and the Kars Fair. Owners of historic military vehicles from Eastern Ontario often volunteer their time. They bring their vehicles to be part of these parades.
The Museum in the News
The museum was featured in the Canadian Army News. A short interview and video about the museum appeared in the December 15, 2008, edition.