Community

Secrets of Radar Museum Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

On May 22, 2023, we celebrated our 20th year open to the public. The museum held a rare Holiday Monday opening to open its doors, free, to the public. Visitors were treated to tours that highlighted the new additions and sophisticated new display materials, lunch, and (brief) speeches. Theresa Armstrong, MPP for London-Fanshawe was on hand to deliver kind words and hansard, and cut the cake. She did both with enthusiasm and skill! Guests included former staff and Board Members, volunteers past and present, and family members of Jim Sands, one of the museum’s founders. There was even a well-behaved pupper who joined the fun. Thank you to Theresa Armstrong and the London Amateur Radio Club for joining us in our merry-making.

Government of Canada supports The Secrets of Radar Museum through the Tourism Relief Fund

We simply can’t keep quiet about this wonderful funding news anymore! See below for more details!


The Secrets of Radar Museum received nearly $38,000 from Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization through FedDev Ontario to support future growth, increase public access to its collections, and attract visitors.

November 8, 2022, London, Ontario


The tourism sector is vital to the economy and jobs in Ontario’s Southwest. The Secrets of Radar Museum is a distinct tourism destination that draws visitors from near and far. Not only does this relief fund allow us to move forward on major projects that preserve and present history within our region, the majority of our grant will be spent right here in southwestern Ontario with local vendors.

Today, The Secrets of Radar Museum received a non-repayable contribution of nearly $38,000 from Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization to upgrade aging infrastructure to support public access. This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization received nearly $11 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

This investment will help The Secrets of Radar Museum adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in London.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

In Memorium: Remembering Dr. Frederick Hunt 1923-2021

In the midst of the pandemic, unbeknownst to us, we lost Dr. Fred Hunt at the age of 97. Former curator, Maya Hirschman, had two opportunities to interview Fred in 2013 and 2014 and she remembers those interviews as poignant and profound, altering her understanding of radar mechanics’ roles as he described his work in mobile radar on the front lines. She remembers him as a quiet, kind, and intelligent man, whose experiences in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands left their mark without ever undermining his deep compassion for his peers and civilians alike. Maya and all of us at SORM offer our sincere condolences to Fred’s family and friends. We know he’ll be missed.

Below is an excerpt from his Obituary (link here):

HUNT, Frederick
(Normandy Veteran - French Legion of Honour)

Passed away peacefully in Ottawa on July 10, 2021 at the age of 97 years. Frederick Hunt, loving husband of the late Alice (née Emond). Born on October 6, 1923 in Port Hope, Ontario son of the late Roy and Elsie (née Jewell). Predeceased by his brothers Jack, Ted and Reese of Port Hope, ON. Predeceased also by his sister-in-law Carol of Baltimore, On. Fondly remembered by his niece and 5 nephews. Frederick spent many dedicated years as a RCAF/RAF radar technician from 1941-1946. He later studied and received his BSc, MSc., and PhD from the university of Western Ontario in the years 1947-1955. After university, he spent 31 years with the National Research Council involving Research and Development of radar and its applications.

Our Statement on Truth and Reconciliation

Statement on Truth and Reconciliation

The Secrets of Radar Museum acknowledges that it is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum.

Museums are not neutral. The history of museums is linked to histories of colonialism and classification—of things, places, cultures, people. Even us, a small museum dedicated to Canadian radar history, is touched by colonialism. The radar history we share has touched every part of the world, has both witnessed and enacted divisive and traumatic actions, not only in and because of war, but in the name of technological advancement and superiority.

We were founded by WWII veterans and share a predominantly military history that is, itself, one of marginalisation and personal sacrifice. It is a history about which we feel enormous pride and love, for our veterans, for our community, for the beautiful stories of overcoming the odds and rising above expectations. But, within that history, and surrounding it, are things that hurt, us, our veterans, our community. Broadly speaking, the Canadian Forces and military tradition share a long history of racism and sexism. This does not make our museum, or the military, inherently bad, but it must be acknowledged that arbitrary restrictions based on stereotypes and prejudices affected who could join what branches of service, for how long, or not at all, and what kind of experience they had while serving. We must acknowledge those wrongs and correct for them. It is a sometimes agonizingly slow process, and many excellent people have been damaged waiting for movement from those unwilling to accept the truth or the willingness to push for change.

Now, faced as we are with the evidence of a traumatic and violent system, one that Indigenous peoples have long spoken of, and about which investigations were demanded (and ignored), we are shaken. We are disturbed by this revelation, by this haunting truth about the Indian Residential School System, and we should be disturbed. It is appropriate to be disturbed, angry, disgusted, horrified, betrayed. What has been enacted against Indigenous peoples in the name of “civilisation” and “assimilation”—and the reverberations that continue to be felt today—are no less than disturbing, angering, horrifying betrayals of human rights and dignity. As a nation, Canada carries a burden of past and current injustices perpetrated against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and these wrongs must be corrected. We must, collectively and individually, demand action, not just because of stolen and lost children, not just for missing and murdered Indigenous women, not just for clean drinking water, but for those human rights and dignity in which we as a nation so strongly believe.

We are a tiny museum, but truth and reconciliation matters to us.

Welcome Back! We've Missed You!

Coronavirus Instagram Post, Coronavirus Instagram Post, COVID-19, coronavirus, virus, prevention, health, epidemic, instagram post, instagram, yellow, if you are sick, disease prevention.png

Well hello there! It certainly feels like years since we last greeted you in person, but we’re excited to welcome you back to the museum on Saturdays, 10AM-4M, starting July 18. We’re following the advice of public health authorities and guidelines offered by the Ontario Museum Association in order to help ensure your visits are enjoyable, educational and, above all, safe. As we re-open SORM to the public, we ask you to work with us to keep the museum a safe place for yourself, for all visitors, and for our volunteers by carefully reading these guidelines.

Guidelines for Visiting SORM

1. If you feel unwell, or have recently travelled abroad, please stay home!

2. All staff, volunteers, and visitors must wear a mask or face shield and respect social/physical distancing. Some exceptions for masking apply:

  • Children under two years of age.

  • Persons with an underlying medical condition which inhibits the ability to wear a mask or face covering.

  • Persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance.

  • Additional accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code will also be considered.

3. The museum floor is marked with direction arrows. If not taking a guided tour, please follow them.

4. Hand-sanitizer is available for use at the museum, but remember that this is a museum and unless expressly permitted, for your safety and the care of our collection, please don’t touch the artefacts.

5. In order to preserve a 2m physical distance, we have a strict visitor capacity. You may be asked to wait outside. Please be patient.

The safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors is our top priority. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our precautions as required.

Update on Temporary Closure to the Public

Left: Coast Defence gun-laying radar, Newfoundland, c.1945.  Simpson Collection, SORM Right: Unknown man in bed with a dog, Marble Island radar station, 1943-4.  Chown Collection, SORM.

Left: Coast Defence gun-laying radar, Newfoundland, c.1945. Simpson Collection, SORM
Right: Unknown man in bed with a dog, Marble Island radar station, 1943-4. Chown Collection, SORM.

A message from the President.

May 27, 2020

We at the Secrets of Radar Museum sincerely hope you’re doing well during these challenging times. The SORM Board of Directors feels it is important to communicate and update our members and supporters on our status as the pandemic runs its course.

The situation is generally looking positive for Ontario’s re-opening, but at this time it is not possible for the Secrets of Radar to comply with the requirements for the Stage 1 re-opening. Masks are still in short supply and sanitizing the sensitive vintage and historic artifacts after each visitor is simply not possible.

The Ford Government has, as of today, extended the Emergency Orders to June 9, limiting public gatherings to 5 people. Should there not be a second wave, we hope we can find a way to open in stage 2. This is projected to be in two to four weeks. Our partners, too, are affected by the rules around re-opening. The 427 Wing and LARC are evaluating the situation and we are working together to devise an appropriate, measured course of action.

We remain very active, applying for grants, looking after the collection, and producing new social media content regularly. Many of you have visited our new YouTube page to view our #MuseumFromHome videos (https://tinyurl.com/SecretsofRadar) and engaged with us during Museum Week, giving us great feedback and support. You can expect to see more new content in the days to come.

As a way of supporting us, please consider renewing your membership early!

Stay Home, Stay Well. See you soon!

Steve Bourdeau

President, Secrets of Radar Museum



Social Distancing due to COVID-19

We have been monitoring the ever changing situation with COVID-19.

Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Theresa Tam, has called for social distancing and a ban on public gatherings to stop the development of new cases. Canada is hunkering down for 3 weeks. Many public institutions, arts and culture organisations, and businesses have drafted new policies aimed at protecting their employees and safeguarding their ability to function. After consulting with our partners on site, the 427 Wing and LARC, the Board has made the decision to temporarily close SORM to the public until further notice.

Click here for more information about social distancing and “flattening the curve”.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay healthy!

Steve Bourdeau,

President

Happy New Year from the Secrets of Radar Museum!

Pictured is CFS Falconbridge, c.1971.  Opened in 1952 as RCAF Station Falconbridge, just north of Sudbury, ON, it closed in 1985 after the Pinetree Line—the line of NORAD radar stations that spanned the breadth of southern Canada—was declared redund…

Pictured is CFS Falconbridge, c.1971. Opened in 1952 as RCAF Station Falconbridge, just north of Sudbury, ON, it closed in 1985 after the Pinetree Line—the line of NORAD radar stations that spanned the breadth of southern Canada—was declared redundant. Photographer unknown. Did you take this photo or know who did? Please let us know! Collection of the Secrets of Radar Museum

For us at “Radar”, this new year—2020—is a special one. It marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

When the war began in September 1939, no one foresaw just how long it would last. As the years crept by, enlistment faltered, enthusiasm waned, and casualties mounted. When it finally ended, thousands of exhausted Canadians returned to their friends and families. Our radar story begins in late 1940 with a few hundred men with radio and electronics skills, culminating at war’s end with about 15,000 total Canadian men and women working in the RCAF radar program. Sworn to the Official Secrets Act, they toiled in often appalling, occasionally extremely dangerous conditions, overseas and in Canada, in every theatre of war, working beside Britons, Australians, and a host of other Commonwealth citizens, as well as Americans, to thwart, baffle, and defend against enemy operations.

We were, of course, founded by those very same WWII radar veterans in order to preserve and share their unique history whose secrecy was mirrored by those involved in experimental scientific and intelligence activities. Like the veterans themselves, many of whom continued to work in radar-related fields in their post-war careers, returned to school, built companies and families, we too have branched out. We’ve come a long way, with multiple exhibits, a unique collection of artefacts and archives, virtual exhibits, and education and outreach programming. Although the past year saw many challenges and changes, standing here looking at our displays, with all of you supporting us in so many invaluable ways, we feel pretty good about the future.

With that said, we offer you gratitude and the sincerest wish for a healthy and happy 2020, and hope that you will continue to engage with us in the weeks and months ahead as we commemorate this momentous anniversary year. To you and yours, Happy New Year!

Press Release Announcing our New Home!

Secrets of Radar Museum

Museum Announces its Relocation

London, ON – After 14 years at its original site, the Secrets of Radar Museum is on the move!

The Secrets of Radar Museum is moving and expects to reopen for the public at its new home in August, 2017. Inventory and packing are well underway, with the first stage of the move expected to occur in mid-June. The Museum is excited to enhance and re-imagine its exhibitions for the new location in a way that will make greater use of its archival and oral history collections.

Support in the form of advice, materials, and funding have been received from other local museums, the London Heritage Council, and individuals; however, relocating a museum is a big project and additional offers of assistance are welcome.

The new site is located at 2155-B Crumlin Side Rd, London, ON N5V 3Z9, which is directly adjacent to the Royal Canadian Air Force Association 427 (London) Wing and shared with the London Amateur Radio Club (LARC). The new site will make for exciting cross-programming and partnerships with the Wing, LARC, and nearby Jet Aircraft Museum.

 

About the Museum: During the Second World War, at the request of the British government, almost 6,000 Canadians were trained in all aspects of radar operation and loaned to the Royal Air Force (RAF). By the war’s end, thousands more had been trained and sent into every theatre of conflict. Sworn to an oath of secrecy that was not lifted until 1991, it was only recently that these men and women were able to share their experiences. Canadian radar personnel were a crucial part of the war effort. Many of these early radar veterans went on to have leadership roles in the development of radar during the Cold War and in the Canadian telecommunications industry. Our museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving their stories and remembering their important contributions. It’s no joke, radar helped win the war!

February Photo Round-Up

We've been busy over the last month or so, writing grant applications, project proposals, and, of course, attending events.  While the applications and proposals are necessities of survival and not a lot of fun, the outreach and events are the reason why we write the grants and crunch numbers.  Interacting, or as we in the museum world call it, engaging with people and our communities is what breathes life into programming, exhibits, talks, displays, etc. 

Wiarton Willy may have predicted more winter, but while many were lamenting, we spent the evening on Groundhog Day with a display at Budweiser Gardens for the incredible presentation of The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines.  The event featured the Pipes, Drums, and Highland Dancers of the Scots Guard.  We talked with audience members, Bud Gardens staff, and event performers until our throats were raw.

The 4th Annual Heritage Fair, presented by the London Heritage Council and the London Public Library, took place on February 13th.  The weather was terrible, but that didn't stop over 400 history buffs of all ages from coming through and spending time learning about London's heritage.  We offered a 45-minute scrapbooking and collage workshop focusing on presenting RCAF history.  We provided reproduced images drawn from our collection, as well as scrapbooking supplies and participants were encouraged to be as creative as they liked.

One of the first visitors to our display at Central Branch for the Heritage Fair.

One of the first visitors to our display at Central Branch for the Heritage Fair.

Finally, our own 3rd Annual Open House took place on Family Day.  The London Amateur Radio Club station, VE3LS, was on the air, volunteers were on hand to answer questions and provide brief tours, and we reprised our scrapbooking craft in the lounge.  Much coffee and hot chocolate was drunk and many cups of "radar" popcorn were enjoyed.

Examples of scrapbooking/collage done by both children and adults at our events.

Examples of scrapbooking/collage done by both children and adults at our events.