The new WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace museum in Scarborough, Ontario is a fantastic resource for teachers and students alike. This small, but comprehensive museum offers a wealth of primary sources from Allied and combatant documents, to photos, propaganda posters and first person stories. While the focus of the exhibit is the immediate World War II period, there is a brief timeline of prewar factors from 1870 through the late 1930s that spark questions and allow for connections to be made to events and currents in Europe, and other parts of the world, from that time. Militarism, nationalism and colonialism are highlighted as key forces of tension and conflict in this period.
The wartime years take up the largest part of the museum and spark many deep questions. The intended audience is grades 9-12 and the senior students, in particular, will find information here that will have them grappling with historical, economic, political, legal and ethical dilemmas using the disciplinary thinking concepts. A visit will no doubt spark inquiry into many realms and help to emphasize the cross-curricular connections within Canadian and World Studies, and the Social Sciences and Humanities. There is something for everybody and even seasoned teachers will learn something new.
The focus of this curation, and the final exhibit section, is to educate for peace and this is where students will really be prompted to face the past, the present, and the future they want to create.
This small, but mighty museum which opens in the fall is perfect for a half day field trip which is FREE for students and teachers. The staff are also eager to engage with teachers to help co-construct follow-up questions and activities to share. Keep an eye out for opportunities later this fall.
OHASSTA is excited to partner with the Asia Pacific Peace museum to bring you resources and PD opportunities, so stay tuned.
The museum is located at 1775 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2X7. asiapacificpeacemuseum.com
