Flying into the New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope that everyone has had a wonderful holiday season and is looking forward to the new possibilities that 2015 brings!  The year is already flying along - no pun intended - really!  On January 11th, 2015 I had a wonderful opportunity to work with April Butler from Pan Productions.  She conducted a video interview with me for a documentary on Hawker Hurricanes.  Elsie's role in their production during the Second World War was of interest and her activities afterwards in engineering and feminism.  

The following day I was able to share Elsie's story with my some of my colleagues at work.  It was wonderful to share it with them as I have often spoken of the work with a number of them.  

I am also looking forward to a new opportunity.  At the end of the month I will be at Vintage Wings Canada at the Gatineau Airport for a presentation and book signing from 1pm-3pm!  This is an excellent opportunity to learn about vintage aircraft and hear about Elsie if you are interested.  I would also encourage you to check out their website for more information:   http://www.vintagewings.ca/

Here is hoping that you have a wonderful year and that you always have unlimited horizons in all you do!

The Queen of the Hurricanes to Return to Thunder Bay! December 22nd 2014

In 1938, Elsie Gregory MacGill arrived in Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay).  She was ready to start a new and exciting position as Chief Aeronautical Engineer at Canadian Car and Foundry (now Bombardier). 

Elsie left the region suddenly in 1943, but a chance to discuss her incredible life as a a woman of many firsts, a famous war personality during the Second World War, and a prominent Canadian feminist will take place at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum on December 22nd, 2014 at 7pm!

I am looking forward to sharing this incredible story with you!

Cheers,
Crystal

Sneak peak of pictures from the website:  https://sites.google.com/site/crystalsissons/home

Amazing Night at BPW Book Launch!

The book launch with BPW Ottawa was a wonderful evening!  Many thank to all the members of BPW Ottawa who organized such a wonderful event at Ottawa City Hall.  It was a great evening of socializing, and sharing the incredible accomplishments and life story of Elsie Gregory MacGill.

Elsie was definitely with us in spirit as a former Toronto Business and Professional Women's Club member, a former Ontario Provincial President and National President!  To share her story with BPW members and guests was a honour.

 BPW Ottawa members with Queen of the Hurricanes

 

BPW Ottawa Book Launch! December 11, 2014

This is a quick announcement to let you know that BPW Ottawa will be hosting a book launch for Queen of the Hurricanes on December 11, 2014.  This launch is open to the public please register on event brite to allow for adequate planning for this fun social evening!

Amazing Evening with WISE Ottawa!

Tonight I had the privilege to speak to Ottawa's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Ottawa about Queen of the Hurricanes.  It was a wonderful opportunity to share the history of Canada's first practicing woman engineer with current and future women in science and engineering. 

Elsie was involved with WISE since its creation and she also spoke to one of the early groups, and received honorary membership. 

WISE members have been very supportive of my research, and I am very grateful for their support and interest.  Thank you to all who came out tonight and for the excellent engaging Q&A session!

Over the weekend I will post photos on the blog and my website.

Next public book launch will be in Thunder Bay, Ontario on December 22nd! 

Looking forward to WISE Taking Flight Event - November 13, 2014

The WISE Taking Flight book launch event is quickly approaching!  It is at the Colonel By building (RM 707) at the University of Ottawa at 6pm.  More information about the event is on the Facebook Invitation: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/567918046687094/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Elsie was an honorary member of WISE and supported it from its creation!

See you Thursday!

Good friends and good books!

Thanks to all who were able to come out to the FHS Ottawa book launch.  It was a wonderful evening full to the brim with good friends, good food and drink and great discussions about women's history!  Many thanks to Diana for organizing this event, you support throughout the journey has been much appreciated!