Canada’s National History Society Impact Report 2023–24

The Stories Campaign will share Canada’s past with four million people annually

Stories are the thread running throughout everything we do at Canada’s National History Society — telling them, exploring them, introducing them to new audiences, debating them, and giving them context. We are halfway through the Stories Campaign, a focused effort to create a pool of $5 million. This funding will enhance our ability both to reach as many people as possible and to highlight new perspectives, all within our characteristic framework of rigorously researched, engaging, community-oriented popular history. As we enter our second century of publishing, we thank all donors and invite you to consider a major gift through the Stories Campaign. We want to continue to provide a place to tell all the stories of Canada.

We help Canadian educators provide depth, nuance, and meaning in the classroom

If future generations are going to understand our past and how it shapes our present, they need teachers who are informed and passionate about history. 

Canada’s National History Society is here to help. We provide practical support in both French and English for teachers, whether they are facing challenging questions from teenagers or are doing their best to cover unfamiliar subject matter in a busy elementary classroom. We offer the professional development teachers need, such as workshops and conferences, as well as the Historical Thinking Institute, which helps teachers apply critical-thinking skills as they consider information from the past. 

Teachers have told us they want trustworthy, readyto- use resources. Stretched budgets mean they need them for free. Over the past year, we responded with printed copies of Kayak for younger learners and What’s the Story? / Quelle histoire! for older students beginning their own historical inquiries. In collaboration with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, we created and distributed a publication to aid young people on their Reconciliation journeys. Many Canadian communities lack reliable Internet, so printed copies ensure that no classroom is left out. Publications are accompanied by digital classroom resources to create a package that teachers can put to use right away. 

In 2023–24, 555,000 copies of free publications for youth were sent to Canadian classrooms. The demand is much greater than we are able to supply. With the leadership support of two of our donors, as well as contributions from people like you, we reprinted a special Black history issue of Kayak in time for Black History Month. All 150,000 copies were reserved in less than fourteen hours. 

Governor General’s History Awards: Celebrating history leaders and history makers

From coast to coast to coast, dedicated Canadians inspire others with their own love of history. The annual Governor General’s History Awards — organized by Canada’s National History Society — celebrate their work with an unparalleled program of events on a national stage. Each year, a select group of laureates gathers for two days of special events, including a formal awards ceremony. This life-changing experience has created a lasting community of alumni who continue to share their passion for Canada’s history. 

Since the Governor General’s History Awards were inaugurated in 1996, 248 Canadians have been honoured. In November 2023, fourteen new laureates were inducted. Honourees included popular historian, author, and video host Adam Bunch; Indigenous historian Lianne Leddy; community and history groups from Quebec, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador; as well as six teachers from four provinces. 

”Ensuring Canadians know about their history has never been more important than in today’s complicated world. The programs of Canada’s National History Society are among the best ways to accomplish that –– it’s why I’ve supported them for over twenty-five years.”  
— E. James Arnett

Our magazine’s title says it all — Canada’s History

Six times a year, this award-winning publication offers curious readers thought-provoking perspectives on the people and events that continue to shape our country. Together with podcasts, videos, and an extensive website, including an archive featuring a century’s worth of stories from The Beaver, Canada’s History magazine is reaching new audiences who value its intelligent, open-minded approach. We collaborate with organizations ranging from the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, to Quebec museums, to the Korean War Legacy Foundation to bring their communities’ stories to a wider audience.

 The Beaver is back — thanks to the Editor’s Circle

The Editor’s Circle was established in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Beaver magazine — now known as Canada’s History. As a tribute to our antecedent publication, The Beaver has returned in a special supplement within the pages of Canada’s History. 

An annual giving program, the Editor’s Circle supports Canada’s History’s second century of storytelling. Patrons and Supporters, whose gifts range from $500 to more than $10,000, are recognized here. Integral to our editorial success, donors’ contributions empower us to share more diverse stories of Canada’s past. 

We are grateful for the loyalty and generosity of all the subscribers and donors whose support helps to keep history alive — and helps us put The Beaver back into the pages of Canada’s History.