In recognition of National Nursing Week, the New Brunswick Museum is proud to celebrate the selfless dedication of the province’s nursing profession, as embodied by the Nursing Association of New Brunswick (NANB).
For over a century, NANB has played a vital role in shaping the province’s healthcare landscape, protecting the public through regulation, and advocating for the highest standards of care.
At the heart of this celebration is a remarkable collection of artifacts and archival records, donated to the New Brunswick Museum by NANB. Comprising over 3,000 items, this treasure trove of nursing history spans from the early 20th century to the present day. From badges and technical equipment to uniforms and personal effects, each object tells a story of dedication, perseverance, and compassion.
Meet some of the trailblazing nurses who helped shape the profession. Arlee (Hoyt) McGee, the late leader who spearheaded the collection’s development, is just one of many unsung heroes whose legacy lives on through these artifacts. Others, like Lieutenant Elizabeth Burnham Lowe, who served in Canadian Army General Hospitals during World War II, demonstrate the bravery and selflessness that defines the nursing profession.
But preserving this history is a delicate art. Meet Dee Stubbs-Lee, NBM Conservator, who worked tirelessly to stabilize the collection’s most fragile items, including a hemoglobinometer and a nurse’s apron, without erasing the evidence of their storied past. “We always differentiate between new dirt and old dirt,” she explains. “Our goal is to find a balance between preserving the past and making it accessible to the future.”
The NANB’s impact is evident in the many artifacts on display. A 1910 postcard from Victoria Public Hospital, Fredericton, and a photograph of student nurses “probationers” practising their skills at Hotêl-Dieu Saint-Joseph, Campbellton, c. 1940, offer a glimpse into the early days of nursing education in New Brunswick. Fast-forward to the 2007 NANB Union T-shirt, and the spirit of collective action and professional advocacy within the nursing community is clearly reflected.
Today, the Nursing Association of New Brunswick continues to shape the future of healthcare in New Brunswick, with over 9,000 members strong. As we celebrate 100+ years of NANB’s commitment to excellence, we honour not only the nurses who have come before us but also those who will follow in their footsteps.
The New Brunswick Museum’s collection of NANB artifacts is a testament to the power of preservation and the importance of remembering our shared history. Visit us to discover more about the brave women and men who have dedicated their lives to caring for others.
Learn More
- Visit the New Brunswick Museum’s website to explore more of the NANB collection.
- Discover the latest news and initiatives from the Nursing Association of New Brunswick at www.nanb.nb.ca.
Acknowledgements:
The New Brunswick Museum would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the Nursing Association of New Brunswick for their generosity in donating this remarkable collection. We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of our curatorial and conservation teams, who have worked diligently to preserve the history and legacy of the nursing profession in New Brunswick.
