The Importance of Living History ~ Interview with Minister Moore

The Honourable Minister James Moore with Best Friend

Ontario Visited ~ Judi McWilliams with
The Honouralbe James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage & Official Languages

The Importance of “Living History” …

We asked Minister Moore, why does the Federal Government feel that Canadian History, the War of 1812 and “living history” is so important and, why is it important to himself as a Canadian?

He replies "it is important to understand that this War defined the fact of Canada. This War is especially important to remember, as it is a very, very rare story line, in that it was an event that was National in Consequence. Again, it defined Canada.”

Ontario Visited/War of 1812 Celebrations have visited many reenactments, heritage villages and museums over the pat few years. We wondered if Minister Moore had ever visited a re-enactment and/or had been a participant (re-enactor) and if so, what was his favorite? With that he told us "I have attended reenactments but 'as a spectator only'." He tells us he is a huge 'Military Buff', but it is not his aspiration to be a reenactor”. Minister Moore did comment that his physical stature might restrict his ability to 'fit' into period clothing. The Minister is an imposing figure at well over six feet tall! I mentioned to him that a local high school history teach, Mr. Chris Robin’s, purchases used clothing (suits jacket and pants), from a local thrift community fundraising store, then hand sows the correct artifacts onto the clothing to make “authentic historical clothing”. I commented to the Minister, that he might only be limited by his imagination.

(To Be Continued)