Archaeology Magazine's Top 10 Discoveries of 2011

photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Since 2006, Archaeology Magazine has published an annual list of Top 10 Discoveries, and it is always interesting to see what they come up with as they scour the globe for important findings.

This site presents these findings for 2011, complete with illustrations, photographs, and explanations.

In 2011, the key finds included a Viking boat burial in Scotland, a Mayan female ruler in Guatemala, and an Atlantic whaler in Hawaii. Also, the site includes three listings of Sites Under Threat. Recent sites have included Altamira Cave and Pompeii.

After close consideration of these sites, visitors should feel free to browse around past sites from 2006 through 2010. Visitors may also want to sign up for the free RSS feed from Archaeology Magazine and their various electronic newsletters.

Visit the site at: http://www.archaeology.org/1201/features/australopithecus_arab_spring_pompeii_altamira.html

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2012.
http://scout.wisc.edu/

2012 Shortlist for Governor General's History Award (Pierre Berton Award) Announced

Canadian History Having a Banner Year Across All Media Platforms

WINNIPEG, June 23, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canada's National History Society today released the shortlist for the 2012 Pierre Berton Award now formally a part of the Vice-Regal honours for Canadian History.

Since its inception in 1993, the Award has grown to become Canada's top honour for writers and producers of Canadian history in popular media. Past recipients have included Pierre Berton, Peter C. Newman, Charlotte Gray, Jacques Lacoursiere, Jack Granatstein, Will Ferguson, Paul Gross, Des Morton, CBC's Canada: A People's History; The CRB Foundation's Heritage Minutes, and Historia TV's "J'ai La Memoire Qui Tourne."

"Each year there seems to be more and better books, television, film, and new media programming on Canadian history, which was of course, why the Award was established in the first place," noted Richard Pound, Chair of the board of directors of Canada's History Society. "This year's finalists best demonstrate how far we have come in the last two decades, in our mission to make Canadian stories more available and accessible to a wider audience."

This year's short list includes:

...Richard Gwyn is one of Canada's most respected political journalists. A Toronto star columnist since 1973 and frequent commentator on radio and television, he has also published seven best-selling books about Canadian political history including his most recent two-volume series about Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister.

...Legion Magazine (Canvet Publications) began publishing in 1926 to serve the interests of the members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Over the past two decades the magazine has evolved into an engaging and attractive popular magazine that focuses on all aspects of Canada's military past. Today its readership includes not only the 300,000 veterans who receive the magazine but also includes a growing book and online audience that is estimated at over 1 million.

...Bernard Zuckerman, the seven time Gemini-award winning television producer, has created some of Canada's most memorable historical drama and documentary productions including feature length movies about Dieppe, the Dionne Quintuplets, and most recently The Man Who Made Us: Sir John A. Macdonald movie appearing on CBC in 2011.

...Dictionary of Canadian Biography Canada's most authoritative and fully bilingual historical reference was founded in 1959 as a joint initiative of the University of Toronto and University Laval. The Dictionary features over 8,000 biographies of men and women, French, English, Aboriginal, and newcomers who have in some way shaped the country. The project publishes its biographies in order of the date of death and is currently researching persons who died in the 1930's to complete Volume XV. The DCB has made its research freely available online, where they currently receive more than 1 million unique visitors each year.

...Le Quebec, une histoire de famille is a series of 52 short stories (2-3 minutes in length) about the origins of many of the best known family names in Quebec that are widely broadcast on television (TVA), online, and multiple new media platforms. Narrated by celebrated media personalities the series has gained widespread recognition throughout Quebec and is also the subject for a series of educational resources designed for students ages 10-15.

The Governor General's History Award for Popular Media - The Pierre Berton Award will be presented at Rideau Hall by His Excellency, the Governor General of Canada in December. In addition to a medal, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the celebration events in Ottawa, the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize from Canada's History Society.

About Canada's History Society

Canada's History Society is a national charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history. In addition to administering the Governor General's History Awards, the Society publishes Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, and also produces a number of educational and online programs to encourage more discovery, celebration, and understanding about our rich history and culture.

More details can be found at www.CanadasHistory.ca.

Homechild - The Musical playing in Orangeville, Ontario January 2013

Homechild is based on a true account of a young family torn apart by the Child Emigration movement in the early 20th century.

Composer-playwright, Barb Perkins of Erin, Ontario traveled to Wales to research this, her family history, and has put her ancestors’ story to music.

Barb discovered that following the untimely death of her great-grandfather, his widow (Barb’s great-grandmother) had done everything in her power to keep her nine children together with her. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, four of these children were included in a party of orphans who were shipped to Canada as part of the Child Emigration movement.

This movement is a segment of Canadian history that has been quietly ignored in British and Canadian history books until recently. Between 1860 and the 1930’s, a number of schemes were devised to ease social and economic problems in Britain. Hundreds of thousands of children were sent to the colonies during this time in an attempt to provide a young workforce and to populate the colonies with “good British stock”.

The agencies who set up the Child Migration schemes did so on the assumption that poor or orphaned children would have a better life in a new land, but often it was a life of unremitting hardship and abuse.

“HOMECHILD - The Musical” is being presented as a tribute to Homechildren and their descendants everywhere. In Canada, these descendants make up about 12% of the Canadian population.

Booking and ticket details can be found at: www.homechildmusical.com

A link for The story of Hilda Williams as well, her story appears in the Anthology of British Home Child Stories

Details at www.orangevillemusictheatre.com

Story from British Home Children In Canada...be sure to listen to a sample of the music on this page

Coming to Orangeville Music Theatre at The Town Hall Opera House January 12-26, 2013

City Archives opens photo exhibit portraying early 20th-century Toronto immigrants

photo credit: City of Toronto Archives

TORONTO, June 21, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - This evening, City of Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22 St. Paul's), City Clerk Ulli Watkiss, City Archivist Carol Radford-Grant, and co-curator Sarah Bassnett joined community members to officially launch a new exhibition at the City of Toronto Archives: "Picturing Immigrants in the Ward - How photography shaped ideas about Central and Eastern European immigrants in early 20th-century Toronto."

Using photographs taken from the press, municipal government reports, social service agency publications and immigrants' personal documents and other archival items, the exhibit looks at how photography played an important role in shaping both the public perceptions and the varied social identities of Central and Eastern European immigrants in the Ward in early 20th-century Toronto.

Historically, the Ward is recognized as the downtown neighbourhood that included the area around Old City Hall and was bounded by College, Queen and Yonge streets and University Avenue.

"This exhibit provides visitors with a unique and fascinating insight into the portrayal of people who lived in Toronto during the early 20th century, and how our neighbourhoods have changed since then," said Councillor Matlow.

The exhibit includes four new large-scale panoramas depicting contemporary scenes of what was once the Ward neighbourhood, commissioned by contemporary artist Susan Dobson. This free exhibit continues to May 2013.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/archives/.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Facing History and Ourselves creates a new educational resource on Canadian Aboriginal languages

TORONTO, June 21, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Facing History and Ourselves is creating an educational resource for teachers and students that explores the effects of lost and endangered languages on aboriginal identity, culture, and community. This guide will help young people understand the impact of individual choices in building an inclusive society and empower them to be active, ethical citizens in their schools and communities.

The resource, which will be developed over the next three years, will weave together a series of readings, including primary sources, testimonies, interviews, literary excerpts, essays, articles, photographs, paintings, and other media. A research and review team including aboriginal scholars will help shape the themes and messages and review chapters for accuracy and context. The goal of the guide is to increase an understanding of history, heighten awareness of Canadian aboriginal languages, and provide a framework for thoughtful conversations about identity and language.

Facing History has been awarded a grant of $45,000 from TD Bank Group to create this important resource. The three-year grant supports Facing History's mission of engaging youth in important civic education and promoting social and ethical awareness, as well as TD's effort to make a lasting difference in the community.

"This will be Facing History's first resource guide specific to Canadian history. We are grateful for this grant from TD," said Facing History Director, Leora Schaefer. "This is an important topic that will resonate with educators and students. We look forward to seeing the impact the book will have when young people discuss the themes raised within its pages."

"TD is proud to partner with Facing History on developing this important resource and contributing to the terrific work they do," said Domenic Natale, Vice President, Aboriginal Trust Services, TD Bank Group. "We embrace this opportunity to encourage dialogue in the classroom so students can better understand our history to make better, more informed choices today for a brighter future."

Facing History is thrilled to announce this grant on National Aboriginal Day. Formally established in 1996, National Aboriginal Day is a time for all Canadians to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Intuit, and Métis peoples. Facing History's new resource will similarly generate awareness among youth—particularly non-aboriginal youth—about aboriginal lives and languages with the goal of creating a more informed and humane citizenry.

Visit facinghistory.org/offices/toronto to learn more about Facing History's work in Canada.

About Facing History and Ourselves

Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. By studying the historical development of the Holocaust and other examples of genocide and mass violence, students make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives

Canadian Government Commemorates 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Fight for Canada

TORONTO, June 18, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Commemoration activities for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 were officially launched today at an event at the Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto. The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, marked the anniversary of the start of the conflict in 1812 as an unprecedented opportunity for all Canadians to take pride in what was a defining moment in Canada's history..

Local students attended the event with descendants of heroes of the War of 1812 who shared stories of their ancestors' contributions to the fight for Canada, including Nicolas de Salaberry (Charles-Michel de Salaberry), Shari Graydon (Laura Secord), and Gilbert Wahiakeron (John Norton). The Queen's York Rangers Regiment officially carried the history of the 1812 units it perpetuates, as a link to the importance of the war in creating Canada's military.

"The descendants of those who fought for Canada during the War of 1812 are living testaments of the enduring history that unites us as a country," said Minister Moore. "Over the next three years, I encourage everyone to learn about the Fight for Canada and this defining chapter in our history."

"Because Laura Secord risked great personal peril to communicate what she knew, she's a particularly relevant source of inspiration for me in the work that I do in training women to share their insights—just as my famous ancestor did," said Shari Graydon.

The Canadian Government is investing in activities across the country that will boost tourism and encourage Canadians to learn more about the importance of the War of 1812 to Canada's history. This includes support for:

...a pan-Canadian educational campaign focused on the importance of the War of 1812 to Canada's history;
...support for up to 100 historical re-enactments, commemorations, and local events;
...a permanent 1812 memorial located in the National Capital Region;
...interactive tours, six exhibits, and improvements to three national historic sites across the country;
...investments in infrastructure at key 1812 battle sites, such as Fort Mississauga and Fort York, Ontario; and
...celebrating and honouring the links that many of our current militia regiments in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada have to the War of 1812.

Fort York National Historic Site played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. Built in 1793, its defensive walls enclose Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the War of 1812 and the Canadian Government's commemoration

Canadian Museum of Civilization acquires historic "last spike"

GATINEAU, Quebec, June 14, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canada's national history museum has acquired the silver "last spike" that symbolizes the 1885 completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and the uniting of the country from sea to sea. This historic artifact was donated to the Canadian Museum of Civilization by heirs of William Van Horne, the legendary railway executive who led the construction project. The donation was unveiled today at the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion in Calgary.

The ceremonial spike was carried west in 1885 by the Governor General, Lord Lansdowne. He was supposed to hammer it into the track during the now-famous "last spike" ceremony at Craigellachie, British Columbia. Unfortunately, Lord Lansdowne, with the spike in his possession, was unable to make it to the ceremony. He later had the spike mounted on a stone base and sent as a gift to Van Horne. Held privately by the family for the past 125 years, the "last spike" will be on display at the Museum of Civilization following its première in Calgary.

"The completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway is one of the most significant and famous events in our country's history," said Mark O'Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "The ceremonial 'last spike' is an extraordinary artifact that will help us tell this story to future generations. We are very grateful for this generous donation."

"Sir William Van Horne was passionate about Canada and proud of his contribution to its development," said Sally Hannon, a member of the donor family. "I believe he would be delighted to know that this symbol of his greatest achievement will have a permanent home in Canada's national museum of human history."

The building of the CPR was integral to Canada's political and economic development. The promise of a rail link with central Canada helped entice British Columbia into Confederation. The railroad opened the Canadian Prairies to settlement and large-scale grain production, and gave rise to towns and cities across the West.

The donation includes an exchange of correspondence between Lord Lansdowne and William Van Horne, as well as over one hundred personal items which tell much about the man and his family, further enhancing this outstanding acquisition.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the centre for research and public information on the social and human history of the country. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Museum is Canada's largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum of Civilization's principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the promotion and enhancement of Canadian identity.

The Last Spike(s)

The official ceremony marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was held November 7, 1885 at Craigellachie, British Columbia, the meeting point of construction crews coming from east and west.

In the famous photo of the event, company director Donald Alexander Smith, with white beard and top hat, is driving the "last spike" into place. But another person—and another spike—were supposed to be immortalized in the official photo.

The original plan called for Canada's Governor General, Lord Lansdowne, to wield the maul. He had travelled west with a ceremonial silver spike made for the occasion, but had to return to Ottawa before the event took place, arriving home with the silver fastener.

Smith was his replacement, and the iron spike he drove was indistinguishable from the countless others that had been pounded into place over the previous four years. In fact, Smith bent the first "last spike" with a poor swing of the maul. It was removed and he hammered a second into place.

Smith retrieved the bent spike and later had pieces removed and fashioned into jewellery for the wives of CPR directors. The rest of the bent spike is now displayed at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa. The second "last spike" was removed (to discourage souvenir hunters) and reportedly given to the son of the patent office president. It is said to be still in that family's possession, reshaped into a carving knife.

Lord Lansdowne had the ceremonial silver spike mounted on a stone base and sent as a gift to Sir William Van Horne, the CPR executive who led the construction project. The silver "last spike" was privately held by Van Horne and his heirs for 125 years. The family donated the historic artifact to the Canadian Museum of Civilization, along with correspondence between Lord Lansdowne and Sir William Van Horne. The collection also includes more than one hundred personal items from Van Horne, including paintings, books, linens, furnishings, photographs and dishes.

Each of the "last spikes" has a unique story. But all symbolize the completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway and the building of a country from sea to sea.

Canadian Government Invests in War of 1812 Exhibition in Ontario

SOUTHAMPTON, Ontario, June 8, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - An investment in the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre's exhibition on the HMS General Hunter will give local residents and visitors the opportunity to take part in commemorative activities and learn more about the War of 1812. Support for the exhibition was announced today by Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament (Huron-Bruce), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Canada would not exist had the American invasion of 1812-1814 not been repelled; for that reason, the War of 1812 was a defining chapter in our history," said Minister Moore. "We invite all Canadians to learn more about this important part of our past and to take part in many of the activities and events that will pay tribute to our heroes."

With this funding, the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre will tell the story of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie through an exhibition on the HMS General Hunter, a British warship that saw active duty during the War. Other planned activities include the production of short films about the ship's history, family programming, and historical conferences in partnership with local marine heritage societies. Over the next three years, about 20,000 visitors will be able to learn more about the history of this warship.

"By supporting this project, our Government is helping this cultural attraction in our community grow and giving Southampton's residents and visitors the opportunity to appreciate this important moment in our history," said Mr. Lobb. "We are proud to help commemorate the heroic efforts of our ancestors and tell the story of the Canada we know today."

"The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre Committee and Staff are thrilled to receive this grant from the Government of Canada War of 1812 Commemoration Fund," said Barbara Ribey, Director of the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre. This funding is particularly important in order for us to strengthen and grow the interest in our historical past. Today, especially children have knowledge gaps pertaining to our Canadian history, and it is our mandate to help tell those stories that define the beautiful country where we live for our visitors and residents alike."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $90,000 through the War of 1812 Commemoration Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of this event in our history.

Celebrating Its 33rd Anniversary “INSIGHTS” Returns to Wellington County Museum and Archives

ABOYNE Ontario June 8, 2012 – One of the longest running juried art exhibitions in Ontario, Insights showcases works of local art from emerging and established artists.

Organized and sponsored by the Elora Arts Council, the show opens on June 20 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.

Insights provides an opportunity to view a wide range of mediums at their best - from traditional to modern and the serious alongside the whimsical. Three-dimensional works, fibre art, delicate drawings and bold paintings create an exciting experience for all. Sixty winning entries will be chosen by jurors Tony Luciani, Riki Weiland, and Graeme Chalmers.

Please join us at the opening reception on Wednesday, June 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. The awards presentation begins at 8:00 pm. Refreshments and live musical entertainment are provided.

The exhibit runs until Labour Day, September 2, 2012

The Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on Wellington Road #18 between Fergus and Elora. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on weekends and holidays

WELLINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
0536 Wellington County Rd. 18
Fergus, Centre Wellington,
Ontario, CANADA N1M 2W3

tel: 519.846.0916
TOLL FREE: 1.800.663.0750 ext. 5221

www.wcm.on.ca

Toronto Boom Town (Video)

This short documentary studies the contrast between the sedate Toronto of the turn of the century and the thriving, expanding metropolis of 1951. Aerial views give evidence of the conversion of the old Toronto into the new--the city with towering skyscrapers, teeming traffic arteries, vast industrial developments and far-reaching residential areas housing over a million people.

Toronto's mid-century progress is also Canada's, as manifested in the building of Canada's first subway, and in the bustle of the nation's greatest trading centre--the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Going Back in Time: The Ontario Agricultural College Review Goes Digital

GUELPH, Ontario May 30, 2012 - University of Guelph Library News - Social media makes it possible for us to go back in time and relive past events through photos and videos with the click of a button. Reliving the social events of yesteryear is not always an easy task, but for the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and the MacDonald Institute (Mac) grads from 1939-1946, a Library digital collections initiative; the OAC Review Digitization Project, will let them do just that.

The OAC Review is a journal that was published from 1889-1961 with eight issues published per academic year. The OAC Review was truly the “Facebook” of its time and was filled with articles, news items, life announcements, advertisements, and photos that provide a glimpse into what campus life was like in the past. In total, approximately 670 issues were published and to date, all issues from 1939-1946 have been digitized. Going through the digitized versions of the OAC Review is like taking a history lesson with a wealth of juicy social details.

Highlights include:

...War time: The first issues were digitized from 1939, during the onset of the Second World War with content focused on the war effort. Advertisements for farming equipment were abundant, describing tractors and plows as “weapons” and “swords”. Students had to find lodgings off-campus and were required to undergo military training. In 1941, the north end of campus was ceded to the Royal Canadian Air Force and converted into RCAF No. 4 Wireless School, transforming Creelman Hall into a mess hall, Johnston Hall into an administration building and barracks, and Johnson Green into a military drilling ground. During World War II, Mac also closed its doors to civilian students in order to provide training to air force chefs for training on food preparation and nutrition and sanitary preservation of their food.

...Traditions: Daisy Chain Ceremony: In 1924, the Mac girls wished to utilize the flowers that grew on campus. They made garlands out of peonies, daisies, and irises and raised them like “crossed swords” through which the graduating class would walk under during the commencement ceremony, and the Daisy Chain Ceremony was born.

...Social /personal details: Student GPAs as well as relationship statuses (who was married or engaged) were published along with articles about campus and student life. Campus visits by British Royalty were also recorded, such as the visit of Princess Alice (granddaughter of Queen Victoria) during Farm and Home Week in 1942.

...Breaking news: Revolutionary medical breakthroughs, such as penicillin being used for the first time on civilians was featured.

...The Birth of Home Economics: Stories highlight how Mac paved the way for Guelph’s future Home Economics program, and eventually for the contemporary Family Relations and Applied Nutrition department and the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, by developing a field of domestic science that taught women how to take care of their families.

...Advertising: Like all historical periodicals, the OAC Review provides, through its advertisements, a “snapshot” look at the social mores and issues of its time.

The OAC Review Digitization project has been undertaken on a pilot basis by the U of G Library in order to experiment and learn about the best ways to digitize historical materials, and how best to support similar preservation projects in the future. The project has been guided by Jim Brett and Helen Salmon, both U of G librarians. Jennifer Oldham, a U of G alumni from the Fine Art and Settlement Studies program, and currently re-enrolled as an Honours Psychology student in Applied Social Research, began working on digitization of the Library’s print issues of the OAC Review in May 2011, under the sponsorship of the University’s Undergraduate Research Assistanceship Program. Jennifer’s passion for history and genealogy drew her to the project, “The project revolutionizes the way archival items are stored at U of G and preserves the wealth of information and history in the OAC Review. It combines everything I’m passionate about,” said Jennifer.

For the first year, Jennifer worked very hard to develop a standardized and efficient digitization process. It takes eight-hours to digitize one issue of the OAC Review and involves three basic steps. The first step involves scanning and the second is the most time-intensive as it involves editing through a process known as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which makes it possible for the content (such as text) to be easily searched. The final step of the process is to upload the digitized files to The Atrium, the university’s online repository for academic articles. The Atrium is fully accessible to anyone, from anywhere in the world.

“The OAC Review Digitization project is beneficial because it preserves the original historical document safely in the Library Archives and the electronic versions allow alumni and researchers to access the content from anywhere in the world,” said Jennifer.

The digitized version is also fully searchable, allowing readers to look for specific topics, places and names. It is a rich source of Canadian social history, and of the University’s heritage.

The preservation of the OAC Review helps preserve campus and local community history. It also gives a chance for OAC and Mac alumni to re-live their university experience.

To browse the OAC Review collection, visit http://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/xmlui/handle/10214/2802.

Benjamin Moore program grants cash and paint to community and heritage groups across Canada

photo: 1919 Cardurcis House Minnedosa District Museum and Heritage Village

OTTAWA, May 31, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Community Foundations of Canada and Benjamin Moore & Co. today announced grants and donations of paint to help 38 community groups across Canada improve historic buildings or community meeting places in their communities.

This year's grants from the Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program total $72,000 in funding and $24,100 in paint for organizations from Victoria, BC to St. Stephen, NB.

"This is an innovative and valuable partnership, because there are very few programs that help community groups maintain their physical space," says Ian Bird, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. "For more than a decade Benjamin Moore & Co. has been building smart and caring communities from coast to coast by helping us take better care of the places that matter to us. "

"This program is a wonderful way for Benjamin Moore & Co. and its retailers to connect with community, with the support of Community Foundations of Canada. Together we find projects where our products and expertise can make a real difference to organizations that work so hard in our communities," says Doug Funston, Commercial Manager for Benjamin Moore & Co. in central Canada.

Since 1998, the Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program has supported more than 220 community groups with grants totaling $674,000 and $163,000 in donated paint. Community foundations across the country assist the program by using their local networks and community knowledge to identify applicants that meet the program's criteria.

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada's more than 180 community foundations, which help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. To find out more visit www.cfc-fcc.ca

Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883 and established its Canadian operations in 1906. One of North America's leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, its products are distributed through a network of independent paint and decorating retailers. Benjamin Moore has been a longstanding steward of the environment with a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices plus the ongoing development of the most eco-responsible formulations possible. Its portfolio of Green Promise® products continues to grow and includes Aura, über-performance low-VOC paint; Natura, the true zero-VOC interior paint, remaining zero in any colour, any sheen; and, EcoSpec Zero-VOC Paint for commercial interiors. For more information visit www.benjaminmoore.com

Visit www.cfc-fcc.ca for a full list of 2012 Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program Grantees.