Officers’ Quarters Publication Launch: War Brides Issue

Fredericton, New Brunswick (November 10, 2010) – The York Sunbury Historical Society, through a partnership with the Stepping Stones Writers Group, is getting ready to launch their latest issue of the Officers’ Quarters.

Edited by Elaine Mercer, this issue of the local history publication features the first half of the York Sunbury Museum War Brides exhibit that was closed in 2009. Ms. Mercer joined the York Sunbury Historical Society Publication Committee earlier this year. She is the facilitator of the Stepping Stones Writers Group and a published author. She has a passion for history and particularly enjoys biographies. She is a welcome addition to the Publication Committee.

The War Brides exhibit was opened in November 2006 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the war brides of Canada. It traced the war bride experience from meeting Canadians overseas and falling in love to the marriages that followed, the trans-Atlantic journey and their adaptation to life in New Brunswick. The York Sunbury Museum is grateful for the assistance of Melynda Jarratt who guest curated the exhibit and has assisted with this publication. Ms. Jarrett is a New Brunswick historian specialising in the war brides experience and has written 3 books on the subject.

After the York Sunbury Museum closed the exhibit, several patrons expressed disappointment and the decision was made by the York Sunbury Historical Society Publication Committee to present the contents of the exhibit in an Officers’ Quarters. The material is too extensive for one issue so it will be divided into two parts. Part one and will include: War Declared in 1939; I Do; Battle of Britain in 1940; Life During Wartime; and Prisoner of War from the exhibit curated by Ms. Jarratt as well as two new articles from guest authors.

Guest authors are two members of the Stepping Stones Writers Group: Jo-Anne Hemming and Rose Burke. Ms. Hemming’s article tells the story of her aunt Marjorie Cox who married a British Soldier and moved to Doncaster England during the war. Ms. Burke’s article relates the story of her mother, a Dutch war bride who moved to Charlotte County.

The launch will be on November 18th during the York Sunbury Historical Society’s monthly program at Old Government House. This month the program will start at 7pm.

The York Sunbury Historical Society founded the York Sunbury Museum (571 Queen Street) in 1934 and Museum remain a non-profit enterprise with a small paid staff and numerous volunteers who work tirelessly to create informative exhibits, organize public programs and publish the local history periodical, the Officers’ Quarters. The material for the Officers’ Quarters is submitted by guest authors, society members and society program guest speakers. The content is primarily related to the history of Fredericton and central New Brunswick but sometimes include the history of other parts of the province and Canada. The Publication Committee is always looking to add to its team of volunteer writers to share in this interesting, challenging and worthwhile local history activity.

The York Sunbury Museum was founded in 1934 by the York Sunbury Historical Society. The Society was formed in 1932 and now has members from all over North America, however, most are from central New Brunswick. In 1959, the Museum found permanent headquarters in the Officers’ Quarters (571 Queen Street) in the heart of downtown Fredericton.

The York Sunbury Historical Society and Museum remain a nonprofit enterprise with a small paid staff and numerous volunteers. They work tirelessly to create informative exhibits, organize programs and events as well as publish a local history periodical The Officers’ Quarters.

The York Sunbury Museum is the home of the famous Coleman Frog. He is the 42lb wonder that lived in the Killarney Lake just north of Fredericton about 100 years ago.

The York Sunbury Museum is a gateway into the exciting history and diverse heritage of central New Brunswick. Because central New Brunswick is where the provincial capital is located, and because it served as a meeting place for Aboriginals, Loyalists, Acadian, and other European settlers, the York Sunbury Museum is an excellent place to start. With over 4,000 square feet of exhibit space and a collection of over 30,000 artefacts the museum is a fun and exciting way to look into our past.

York Sunbury Historical Society and Museum
Ruth Murgatroyd, Executive Director

Civic Address:
571 Queen Street

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1312 Station "A"
Fredericton New Brunswick
Canada E3B 5C8

Phone: (506) 455-6041
http://www.yorksunburymuseum.com/4ELRY1

This release was published on openPR.