The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) and Brandon University's Public History Program are proud to announce a new collaboration that will shine a spotlight on the overlooked contributions of women in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War.
The project, titled Stories from the Women's Division, is being developed by Brandon University student Seraphina Gilbert as part of their Practice of Public History class. The exhibition will be featured at Brandon's Shopper's Mall later this winter, where it will reach wide audiences with untold stories of women who stepped forward to serve their country.
While women in the RCAF Women's Division played essential roles in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and Canada's wartime effort, their voices have too often been missing from the historical record. This initiative aims to change that.
"This project represents an exciting opportunity to highlight the contributions of women whose stories have historically been overlooked," said Zoe McQuinn, Director General of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. "The CATP Museum is committed to ensuring our exhibits reflect the diversity of experiences that shaped Canada's wartime aviation history. We're thrilled to be working with Brandon University to make that happen."
The project is supported by CATPM Head of Collections Judith Grierson and BU History and Public History Professor Dr. Rhonda Hinther, who is supervising Gilbert's work.
"Public history is about making the past meaningful and accessible to communities today," said Dr. Hinther. "By partnering with the CATP Museum, our students gain invaluable hands-on experience, while also helping to bring forward stories that inspire reflection and recognition."
The project also invites the public to take part by sharing personal stories, photographs, and artifacts connected to the Women's Division. These contributions will help ensure the exhibition reflects a rich range of experiences.
"I'm eager to connect with families and community members who may have Women's Division stories to share," said Gilbert, a BU music major with a minor in Public History. "These narratives are deeply personal and powerful, and preserving them helps ensure future generations understand the full scope of Canada's wartime history."
This exhibition builds on a growing partnership between BU and CATPM. Over the summer, the museum employed two Brandon University students, including Seraphina, who brought fresh perspectives and storytelling to the museum's digital presence. This new exhibit also marks the first step in a larger partnership between CATPM and BU to ensure that less-heard voices are included in the telling of Canada's WWII aviation history.
"Strengthening ties with community partners like Brandon University helps us bring new voices and energy into the museum," added McQuinn.
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is Canada's only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history and legacy of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Located in an original wartime hangar in Brandon, Manitoba, the museum is a National Historic Site and home to Canada's largest flying collection of WWII training aircraft. Interested people can also visit the museum online at airmuseum.ca.
Members of the public with stories or artifacts related to the RCAF Women's Division are encouraged to contact Gilbert at GilberSG71@BrandonU.ca or McQuinn at DirectorGeneral@catpm.onmicrosoft.com.
