This fall, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is looking back at a defining moment in Canadian history with Great War Day: Local Experiences and Legacies.
The one-day event on Oct. 3 will feature memorabilia displays, historical artifacts, military or civilian representations, local memories and commemorative projects, and personal stories of the war that lasted from 1914 to 1918.
“We seek to understand and appreciate the local legacies of the war by way of reflective exhibits, artistic or creative works, and academic interpretations,” said Ken Brealey, associate dean of arts at UFV, adding that the purpose of the event is “to learn about the war through the experiences of those who lived through it, at home and away, and to encourage critical reflection on the causes, conduct, and consequences of this catastrophic and transformative event.”
“The core concept of Great War Day is not to inform the community in top-down fashion about the meaning of the war. Rather, the event is designed to allow individuals, families and the communities of the Fraser Valley to define the Great War in their own, often personal, ways,” said Robin Anderson, an associate professor of history at UFV. “The result should be an eclectic and very representative presentation of the war that will include a public memorabilia display, open to anyone to share their family memories of the war.”
Local museums and archives from Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack will also be presenting their community’s experiences of the war.
The free, public event will be held at the Envision Athletic Centre on the UFV Abbotsford campus. Members of the public are also invited to participate as exhibitors. For more information go to ufv.ca/greatwarday, or contact Angela Reid at angela.reid@ufv.ca or call 604-557-4075.