While metal detecting on a construction site earlier this year, Stephen Kellar of Moncton, NB, found what may have been the find of his life. Buried 6 inches beneath the ground, he found the Silver Memorial Cross belonging to the youngest New Brunswick soldier killed on active duty in the First World War. Pte Clifford Robinson Oulton enlisted in 1916 when he was only 14 years old and was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele on November 1, 1917, aged 15 years 334 days.
The Albert County Historical Society and Museum are proud to announce the Re-Dedication Ceremony of the First World War Field Guns taking place on Saturday, 13 June at 1:00pm at the Albert County Museum.
The two field guns are hugely symbolic to Albert County and to Canada, with the first being captured at Vimy Ridge, France, and then being won by the citizens of Albert County in the 1919 Victory Loans Competition. The second was awarded to Albert County in recognition of those who served during the Great War from Albert County, as Albert County had one of the highest enlistments per capita in Canada. This year not only marks the 100th anniversary of their arrival in Hopewell Cape, but also the symbolic end to a 5 year restoration project on the guns by the museum. As part of the ceremony the cannons will be “fired” in salute to the citizens of Albert County who gave so much during the First World War.
The event takes place live at the Albert County Museum, and is being celebrated outside with social distancing and safety in mind. This event will be broadcast live on Facebook for those unable to attend.
PLEASE NOTE DUE TO HEALTH REGULATIONS ON SITE NUMBERS WILL BE LIMITED TO 50 (FIFTY) PEOPLE - WE HAVE ARRANGED OVERFLOW VIEWING ACROSS THE ROAD - LIMITED TO 50 (FIFTY) PEOPLE.
102 years ago today, April 9, 1917 the men of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, stormed the hills of Vimy Ridge for the first Allied Victory of the First World War.
The Canadian Corps captured more ground, more prisoners and more guns than any previous Allied offensive. It was a major victory for the Allies. With the overall success of the Battle of Arras, a turning point in the Great War had been reached. Read more…
With 2018 quickly drawing to an end, we can look back on our year at the museum with pride. We opened an amazing new exhibit - The County of Heroes, CY Peck, VC and the Victory Cannons. The exhibit highlights the significant accomplishments of the people from Albert County both during and after the First World War. The exhibit honours the 55 men from Albert County who paid the supreme sacrifice while serving their county, and those who survived the horrors and came home. The exhibit tells the exciting story of the pair of German guns which sit in Hopewell Cape Square, and how they came to be there. It also honours, Cyrus Peck, a native born Albert County man who won the Victoria Cross, September 2, 1918 by telling his life story. If you haven’t had a chance to see it come in 2019!
We also welcomed Dan Ross, our new Manager to the museum. Dan had a great first year, getting a crash course on Albert County’s amazing history. He laid the foundation for our continued success, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he has planned for the future.
We continued our annual events - RB Bennett Day, the 42nd Annual Quilt Show and Fiber Arts Fair, the Royalty Tea, the Antiques Road Show and the Annual Christmas Concert. So without further ado here is the year in review!
During the years of the First World War (1914 -1918) when the soldiers had to spend Christmas far from home, separated from their families and friends, Christmas cards were important reminders that there was life outside the trenches and outside of the war. Here are a few sent by Hugh Wright. Read more here.
