The BPW Connection

 

It was great to reconnect with some friends from the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs during the $1 commemorative coin launch honouring Elsie MacGill. During Elsie’s lifetime the organization was known as the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women, and she played a prominent position in the organization as a member, then as provincial President of Ontario (1956-58 and subsequently national president (1962-64).

It was therefore fitting to see Karin Gorgerat, BPW Immediate Past National President, Shannon McEwing, BPW Canada First Vice President, and Colleen Babiuk-Ilkiw BPW Canada Vice President, at the event!

Adding a special material history touch to a special event!

There is something truly special when someone goes out of their way to make a special day spectacular. Bert Furlong did that for me at the Hangar Flight Museum at the launch of the $1 commemorative coin honouring Elsie MacGill. He had obtained an original patch from the Canadian Car and Foundry plant (presently Bombardier Inc.) in Fort William, Ontario (presently Thunder Bay, Ontario).

I had never seen one of these before, but the importance of the material history was clear. In aviation history it is easy to get star struck by the leading actors of material history which are usually the aircraft themselves. This is understandable when you are standing in front of a multi-million-dollar piece of technology.  

While this patch could be seen insignificant in comparison, the reality is that it was a personal artifact that one of the members of Canadian Car and Foundry owned. It was a sign of identity and belonging to an important team that helped produced 1400+ Hawker Hurricane aircraft during the Second World War which made an important contribution to the Battle of Britain. Behind every aircraft were teams of supporting actors that dealt with design details and the actual construction and assembly of these planes, and many of them were women.

Historical research often requires a blend of historical resources (paper (documents and books), oral, paper, etc.) and it is truly special to see the unique material pieces as it further illuminates the story and gives it an increased personal touch. 

Thanks for sharing this great resource Bert!

Seeing an idea become reality: The $1 Elsie MacGill commemorative circulation coin

 Almost a year ago, I received a text from Matt Traversy at the Royal Canadian Mint. He told me that the Royal Canadian Mint was starting work on a proposal for a $1 commemorative circulation coin that would feature Elsie MacGill, and he wanted to know if I would be able to help out with the project. I am always happy to help amplify the Elsie’s story, and I was happy to support this idea.

Over the months, Matt and me had great exchanges about how to ensure the design was fully reflective of Elsie’s ability to weave together her strong ties to the engineering and feminist worlds. It was a fascinating process, and I learned a lot along the way from his insightful questions and comments as he sought to ensure she was well-depicted on the coin and that her story was accurately told in the supporting materials.

Once the project got the green light, I also had the opportunity to assist with the review of the various publicity materials that the incredible team at the Royal Canadian Mint engineered ranging from their dynamic landing page to the fascinating promotional video that emphasizes the need for young women to reflect on Elsie’s story while drafting their own unique flight paths!

If you haven’t had a chance to see these resources and the video, they are available via the Royal Canadian Mint. Just click HERE to go direct!

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Being asked to serve as the emcee for the launch event was truly an honour! Working with the onsite team leading up to and at the unveiling of the coin in Calgary, Alberta at the Hangar Flight Museum provided a glimpse of professional efficiency at its best. Special shout out to Deneen Perrin, Alex Reeves, Pascale Poulin, Tyler Rabb, and Leanne Lovsin who ensured the take-off was smooth and turbulence free!

Thanks again to the whole Royal Canadian Mint team for the opportunity to help send this coin soaring, and my you all have unlimited horizons!

Off and soaring: The new Elsie MacGill $1 commemorative circulation coin!

Today was a historic day!  The Royal Canadian Mint officially unveiled the new Elsie MacGill $1 commemorative circulation coin at the Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta. I had a honour to be asked by the Royal Canadian Mint to emcee the event, and assist in the unveiling of the coin. It was a truly moving experience!

It was my pleasure to share some brief reflections on Elsie MacGill, and then to introduce:

• Ms. Phyllis Clark, Chair of the Royal Canadian Mint Board of Directors;
• Mme Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint;
• Hangar Flight Museum Executive Director Brian Desjardins;
• Richard de Boer, President of the Mosquito Society; and
• Elsie MacGill’s grandson, Rohan Soulsby.

The importance of the event drew a full house of representatives from the engineering and feminist worlds, which is in keeping with the connections Elsie made between these two worlds during her lifetime. 

The presence of the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and key advocates for women in engineering such as Dr. Mary Wells, Dean of Engineering at Waterloo University and Dr. Laleh Behjat, Professor and NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (Prairies) at the University of Calgary's Schulich School of Engineering was heartwarming to see.   

It was also wonderful to see a range of different generations present, from some who are just starting out in life to those who have been following the stories of aviation for a lifetime. In both cases the passion and excitement for today's event was strong and clear. 

In my brief remarks I noted the following:

Throughout my research, I learned a lot from Elsie, and one of the most important things she contributed to Canadian society was her vision of change.

She saw a world where equality amongst Canadians was the rule not the exception and where women were fully recognized for the contribution of their “womanpower”. As a pathbreaking practicing engineer, science and technology worked hand-in-hand with this vision as did effective partnerships with men.

Challenges were only problems to be solved, and her dogged determinism, like that of her mother Helen Gregory MacGill helped her meet them head on. For Elsie, the sky was not the limit, because her horizons were unlimited, and she encouraged those around her to share her vision.

There are many more reflections I will be sharing on this event in the coming days. In the meantime, I encourage you to checkout the following:

• The Royal Canadian Mint - "Elsie MacGill" 
• New Canadian $1 coin honouring Elsie MacGill unveiled at Calgary's Hangar Flight Museum, , CTV Calgary
• "Royal Canadian Mint issues a new $1 circulation coin honouring engineer, women's rights champion and "Queen of the Hurricanes" Elsie MacGill", Cision