UPEI Major Contributor to Canada-U.S. Historical Exhibit

This summer, a new historical exhibit on U.S.-Canada relations opened in the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park on Campobello Island, New Brunswick. Built around the theme of “A Legacy of Friendship”, it highlights the remarkable degree of cooperation that has existed – and continues to exist – between the United States and Canada. The University of Prince Edward Island played a central role in the development of this innovative exhibit which portrays a history of friendship that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

“No two countries share more extensive social, economic, and cultural ties. As the world’s largest trading partners, the U.S. and Canada share the world’s longest undefended border, and enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage,” says UPEI Dean of Arts, Dr. Richard Kurial, one of the three-member team who created the exhibit. “As independent nations, they have also learned to work out differences peacefully, without recourse to conflict and force. Based on trust, affection, and mutual respect, this legacy of friendship stands today as the finest example of international cooperation in the world.”

Established in 1964 as a gift from both countries, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park is administered by a joint Canadian and American Commission appointed by the Prime Minister and the President. The only park of its kind in the world, it remains a living memorial to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and to the close ties that bind the Canadian and the American people.

The exhibit was developed on behalf of the Park Commission by a three-member team with direct links to the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. David Woolner, Executive Director of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in Hyde Park, New York, and Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Marist College, served as the project leader. Prior to joining FERI, Dr. Woolner taught history at UPEI and continues to maintain a strong family connection with Prince Edward Island. Dr. Richard Kurial worked with Dr. Woolner on all aspects of the research and writing. The third member was Don Smith of Cornwall, an exhibit designer currently working out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Mr. Smith, a student of both Dr. Woolner and Dr. Kurial, received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History from UPEI in 1995. He subsequently completed a Master’s degree in History from St. Mary’s University and is working towards a Ph.D. in History from the University of Dundee in Scotland.

The official opening of the exhibit was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the American Ambassador to Canada, Paul Celluci, and the President of the University of Prince Edward Island, Wade MacLauchlan, who was most happy with the university’s strong presence in this project. “This is yet another example of the standard of excellence offered by our faculty and graduates,” stated President MacLauchlan. “I am especially pleased to have the University of Prince Edward Island so well represented at this important international exhibit.”

Asked about his involvement in a project with his former colleague, David Woolner, and a former student, Don Smith, Dr. Kurial commented, “It was a delight to work on a project that brought together such a knowledgeable and experienced team. The fact that David and Don are also old colleagues, old students, and old friends, too, only made it all that much more fun. And to have not only the university, but the province of PEI, so involved and engaged in a major international project reveals that the quality of both our faculty and our students continues to gain recognition well beyond the border of our small province.”

The majority of visitors to the Roosevelt Campobello International Park come from the United States. A recent survey showed that the proportion of Canadian tourists has risen to 25 percent, an increase that is linked to the new “The Legacy of Friendship” exhibit.