Exhibit at The Rooms Will Honour Those Who Fell at Beaumont-Hamel

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 22, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

July 1 is more than a day of celebration in Newfoundland and Labrador. Every year, before the Canada Day festivities begin, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador gather to remember and honour the soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment killed in the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel in France on July 1, 1916. The province, which at that time was not part of Confederation, took part in Beaumont-Hamel as a member of the British Empire.

The Government of Canada will support The Rooms-Newfoundland and Labrador's foremost cultural institution-in creating "Where Once They Stood We Stand," a comprehensive project that includes an on-site exhibit, a centennial commemorative event on July 1, and an online exhibit.

The Rooms will receive $1 million over two years from the Celebration and Commemoration Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Quick Facts

- Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Colonel in Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, will participate in a commemorative event and officially open displays about the battle in the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre at The Rooms on July 1, 2016.

- Commemorative programming for the centennial of Beaumont-Hamel at The Rooms began in 2014 and will continue until 2018.

- The Rooms is Newfoundland and Labrador's most important cultural institution. It opened in 2005 and includes the provincial archives, museum and art gallery. The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador is also responsible for the Colonial Building and regional museums located across the province.

Quotes

"Thanks to this initiative of The Rooms, all Canadians will have the opportunity to learn more about the valour and courage displayed by the young men of Newfoundland and Labrador at the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel in the First World War. Commemorations such as these, and the upcoming anniversary of Vimy Ridge next year, honour the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Rooms is proud to pay homage to our brave forefathers through this extraordinary new permanent exhibition. On the eve of the 100^th anniversary of the most formative event in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, we are honoured to have Canadian Heritage support us in capturing the remarkable story of the First World War and its profound impact on our history and culture."

- Dean Brinton, CEO of The Rooms Corporation and Co-Chair of The Rooms capital campaign

Associated Links

Where Once They Stood We Stand

The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel

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