Traveling exhibit visits Essex County

An interactive exhibit that is traveling across Canada has made its way to Essex County.

The “It’s an Honour” exhibit celebrates Canada’s National Honours system. A system that was created to award special Canadians for their excellence in various fields and achievements.  Using special features and an informative tour guide, the exhibit tells visitors how the honours system works. Guests can also read stories about the people who have received the awards.

Travelling on a one-of-a-kind 1000 square foot trailer, the exhibit is all bilingual and offers free admission. Francois Grenier is the tour manager who talks to every guest who visits, ensuring they receive a personalized experience.

“It’s a hands-on type of exhibit,” Grenier said. “We’ve got medals all around on retractable wires, so all you do is give it a pull and you get a closer look, and every screen inside the exhibit is touch screen.”

Natalie McFadden brought her mom out for a fun afternoon at the exhibit and learn more about what the medals mean.

“It’s great recognizing what different awards mean, what it represents, and how Canadians can contribute to serve the greater good,” McFadden said.

The exhibit has been traveling for a year-and-a-half and  six more months left on the road. It was created by a fellow honours recipient, Don Taylor, a philanthropist in Canadian health and education.

“Mr. Taylor was awarded in 2012, the Order of Canada, for all his acts of generosity,” Grenier said. “He saw a very small exhibit in Parliament Hill about the medals and awards handed out to inspiring individuals. He thought ‘I wish everyone in Canada’ could see this, and got the idea.”

The exhibit has traveled to big and small towns in every province and visits all different locations across the towns.

Schools are an especially popular stop for Grenier and his exhibit, with many schools viewing it as a field trip that comes to them.

“We’ve gotten very positive feedback from the schools,” Grenier said. “They learn a lot and it’s a very dynamic environment, so the kids learn without even knowing it. We are very proud.”

“I think it should be taught more in schools. When I was younger I didn’t know anything about this,” McFadden said.

“It’s an Honour” started its Essex County tour on Jan. 14 in Windsor, with stops in LaSalle, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Kingsville and Leamington. It will finish in Chatham on Feb. 10. Anyone looking for further information, date or times can visit www.gg.ca/honoursexhibit