Media Advisory - 25th Anniversary of Heritage Minutes celebrated with interactive digital exhibit

TORONTO, March 31, 2016 /CNW/ - On March 31, 1991, Heritage Minutes debuted on national television, introducing Canadians to the 60-second history lesson. The short films, which commemorate notable figures and events in Canada's past, have since become 'a part of our heritage.' To mark the project's 25^th anniversary, The Canadian Encyclopedia has released a digital exhibit on this unique touchstone of Canadian culture.

The exhibit explores the creation, production and response to Heritage Minutes and includes archival interviews with creators Charles Bronfman and Patrick Watson.

Visitors can view previously unreleased behind-the-scenes material from the classic collection, including scripts and storyboards, and get a sneak peek at upcoming Minutes.

The exhibit also includes the first online appearance of the Lester B. Pearson Heritage Minute, pulled from circulation in the early 1990s and only recently discovered in storage.

View the exhibit here: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/exhibit/25th-anniversary-of-the-heritage-minutes/

A project of Historica Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, a free bilingual online resource, offers the largest collection of authored, accurate, and continuously updated articles focused on Canada and Canadiana.

Historica Canada is the country's largest organization dedicated to enhancing awareness of Canada's history and citizenship.

SOURCE Historica Canada

Andrea Hall, Communications Coordinator, Historica Canada, t. 416-506-1867 ext. 261, [email protected]; Nicki Thomas, Manager, Heritage Minutes, t. 416-506-1867 ext. 236, [email protected]