Featured Exhibition

Lost Liberties – The War Measures Act Exhibition

On display from June 20 to September 13, 2026

The Peterborough Museum & Archives is pleased to present Lost Liberties – The War Measures Act, a travelling exhibition developed by the Canadian Museum of History that explores the difficult balance between national security and individual freedoms during times of crisis.

Opening June 20 and on display until September 13, the exhibition examines the fears, racism, and political tensions that led to the suspension of civil liberties in Canada during the First World War, the Second World War, and the 1970 October Crisis. Through historical objects, archival materials, and personal accounts, visitors are invited to reflect on the lasting impacts these events had on individuals, families, and communities across the country.

About the Exhibition

Lost Liberties explores the experiences of Canadians affected by the War Measures Act, including the internment of Canadians of Ukrainian origin and other nationalities during the First World War, the internment of Italian Canadians, and the internment and forced relocation of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. The exhibition also examines the arrest of hundreds of people in Quebec during the 1970 October Crisis.

“The exhibition sheds new light on the enduring impact of this act on Canada and its people, and allows the public to learn more about these difficult chapters in Canadian history,” says Dr. Xavier Gélinas, Curator of Political History at the Canadian Museum of History and co-curator of the exhibition.

“Lost Liberties not only places these crises in their historical context, but also examines them through multiple perspectives and presents poignant first-hand accounts from the men, women, and children who lived through them,” adds Dr. Mélanie Morin-Pelletier, Historian, War and Society at the Canadian War Museum and co-curator of the exhibition.

Developed by the Canadian Museum of History and supported through a grant from the Endowment Council of the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to engage with important and challenging moments in Canadian history.

Plan Your Visit

Exhibit Dates: June 20, 2026 – September 13, 2026

Admission: Suggested donation of $10 per family / small group

We invite members of the public to visit the Museum and explore this thought-provoking exhibition firsthand.

About the Canadian Museum of History

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s most popular national museum. The Museum’s principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians’ awareness of world history and culture.