Saint John, N.B — New Brunswick Museum’s (NBM) Making History Now capital campaign announced today that it has secured $19.5 million in pledges and public commitments toward its $35 million public fundraising goal. This public campaign forms part of the Museum’s revitalization project which is supported by $108 million in federal and provincial government funding.
New Brunswick Museum gratefully acknowledges its many supporters whose contributions are making this historic revitalization possible, including:
- Irving Shipbuilding
- Irving Oil Limited
- The McCain Foundation
- Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation
- RBC Foundation
- Harrison McCain Foundation
- Crabtree Foundation
- Canada Life
- Stewart McKelvey
- Scott McCain
- McCarthy Tétrault
- Lorneville Mechanical
- CPKC
Brent Suttie, Chief Operating Officer (NBM), provided an update regarding the restoration of the original Museum and expansion currently underway at the Douglas Avenue site. “The build and heritage restoration is proceeding on schedule and on budget,” Suttie explained. “To date, the project is approaching 10% complete, primarily with the completion of most of the site work required to stabilize the heritage structure while also prepping for the new construction. We would like to acknowledge the excellent work of our construction management partner, EllisDon Ltd., with whom we have successfully awarded approximately 15% of the tenders required for the project. To date, we have seen over 35,000 hours of work completed on the site. We are very pleased to have a number of New Brunswick and other Canadian companies engaged onsite helping us deliver a museum for the next century, for all New Brunswick citizens,” Suttie said.
New Brunswick Museum also released an Economic Impact Report, recently completed by David Campbell of Jupia Consultants. The report details the impact of the build project as well as the longer term impact of the museum to New Brunswick’s economy.
“The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) has embarked on the most transformational expansion in its history,” said David Campbell, President of Jupia Consultants. “The investment will have significant economic impacts in Saint John and across the province both from the capital investment phase and from the expanded operations. The New Brunswick Museum plays a vital role as the steward of our history and the stories and natural wonders that have defined this province. This report shows that it is also an important economic asset and tourism asset for the Saint John region and the province.”
Specifically, the report confirms that the investment will boost provincial gross domestic product (GDP) by $87.5 million. An estimated 961 full-time equivalent (FTE) employment and $59.3 million in labour income will be created from construction, the supply chain, and from induced effects.
Provincial and local government will benefit from nearly $13 million in tax revenue. The newly expanded NBM will boost its annual economic impact. The Museum is projecting 130,000 visitors in 2028 rising to 180,000 by 2032. This will support over 100 FTE jobs and labour income of $6.2 million in 2028, rising to more than $7 million by 2032. That year, government revenue induced by NBM will be an estimated $3.1 million of which $2 million will go to provincial and local governments.
Today’s event also marked the launch of One Seat, One Story, a province-wide fundraising initiative to dedicate a seat in the Museum’s new auditorium. The plaque for each dedicated seat will contain a QR code that shares the story of the person or group being recognized. The initiative is an opportunity for New Brunswickers to see themselves reflected in the Museum — not only as visitors, but as active contributors to New Brunswick’s evolving story. For more information about the New Brunswick Museum Making History Now capital campaign, visit makinghistorynow.ca, or to participate in the One Seat, One Story initiative, visit oneseatonestory.ca.
Quotes:
“The New Brunswick Museum – one of Canada’s oldest – stands at a pivotal moment in its history, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew, reimagine, and reaffirm its role as a cornerstone of community life across the province. The revitalized Museum will be a welcoming, accessible public space where history, art, science, and lived experience converge. The Government of Canada’s funding commitment reflects its belief that museums are vital public institutions that inspire learning, foster connection, and contribute to a vibrant society, while strengthening the region’s economy.” – The Honourable Wayne Long, MP Saint John – Kennebecasis
“A revitalized New Brunswick Museum will serve as a world-class home for our province’s rich heritage, shared stories, and diverse voices, while continuing to protect our irreplaceable natural and cultural legacy. The province is proud to support this project as a vibrant centre for research, education, innovation, and collaboration.” – The Honourable Isabelle Thériault, Minister Tourism Heritage and Culture, Province of New Brunswick
“The momentum behind the Making History Now campaign speaks to how deeply New Brunswickers care about preserving and sharing our stories. This project is about creating a place that honours the people, communities, and histories of New Brunswick, and makes them accessible and meaningful for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful to our lead donors and major supporters whose generosity is helping make this vision a reality.” – Tracy Clinch, Chair of the Board of New Brunswick Museum
“As a donor, a proud New Brunswick company, and part of the fundraising team, we believe in the importance of a home for New Brunswick’s rich and diverse story. The new Museum will offer experiences that are accessible to everyone across the province. It’s a great cause, and we appreciate the support of federal and provincial governments, along with so many donors, in making this generational project happen. On behalf of our great team of employees, we’re onboard with Making History Now and look forward to celebrating with all New Brunswickers the grand opening in 2028!” – Jim Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited and Honourary Capital Campaign Co-Chair
“The New Brunswick Museum is a provincial and national treasure. It offers a window into our past, present and future, with inspiring stories that remind us of the many and diverse people who have made New Brunswick what it is, our connections to each other, and to New Brunswick.” – The Honourable Aldéa Landry, P.C., C.M., K.C., Campaign Francophone Committee Chair
“Together, we need to learn, understand and acknowledge our shared history from those very early times when the first visitors came to our shores. In this new museum, we can bring these stories and our history and heritage full circle for the next generation.”– Chief Akagi, Director, New Brunswick Museum Board of Directors
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MEDIA CONTACTS
New Brunswick Museum
Luis Cardoso
luis.cardoso@nbm-mnb.ca
506-565-3700