FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAINT JOHN, NB — The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) has introduced its MAKING HISTORY NOW Capital Campaign Chair and Leadership in support of a renewed, world-class provincial museum on its historic 1934 site in Saint John. The ‘Making History Now’ campaign’s goal is to raise $35 million by 2027.
“This project is a bold investment in the future of New Brunswick,” said Tracy Clinch, Chair of the New Brunswick Museum Board of Directors. “It’s about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about connection, inclusion, learning, and building pride in who we are. We invite all New Brunswickers to be part of this historic journey.”
The new museum will feature state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, discovery centres, research and teaching laboratories, a public auditorium, Indigenous engagement spaces, and a rooftop terrace. Designed as a modern, provincial hub, the new building will preserve the Museum’s historic façade while introducing fully accessible, inclusive, and immersive spaces that reflect the province’s diversity, resilience, and ingenuity.
The capital campaign cabinet is chaired by Jim Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, who has championed the Museum’s bold vision and inspired others in the business community to follow suit —beginning with a transformative $3 million lead gift from the company.
“We have a lot to be proud of here in New Brunswick,” Irving said. “A new, world-class New Brunswick Museum will inspire new generations of New Brunswickers, giving them a chance to learn more about our province’s history and its importance to the rest of the country.”
The campaign is supported by a dedicated campaign cabinet composed of community leaders, philanthropists, and cultural champions from across the province, lending their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the success of the project:
Campaign Cabinet
JIM IRVING, Co-CEO, J.D. Irving, Limited
ALDÉA LANDRY, President, Landal Inc.
TRACY CLINCH, President and CEO, Masitek Instruments Inc., New Brunswick Museum Board
JOEL RICHARDSON, Vice-President, Public Relations, Cooke Inc.
ANDY CARSON, Vice-President, Government Relations, J.D. Irving, Limited
BRENDA ORR, Chair, Foundation of New Brunswick Museum
SONIA VAN ROESTEL, Head of Marketing, Kent Building Supplies
WAYNE POWER, New Brunswick Museum Board
JOHN MCAVITY, Foundation of New Brunswick Museum
BRENT SUTTIE, COO, Director of Research, New Brunswick Museum
Early commitments, including significant commitments from all levels of government and visionary philanthropic leaders, have laid a strong foundation for success, demonstrating confidence in the museum’s vision and momentum behind this transformational project. The New Brunswick Museum will announce other donors over the coming weeks and months. To learn more or make a gift – visit makinghistorynow.ca.
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