The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
October 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 68
Arms of The Thunder Bay Historical Museum SocietyBlazonPurpure on a pale of birchbark proper between two keys wards in base Or, an hourglass proper its stand Purpure; SymbolismPurple and gold represent the mineral wealth of the Thunder Bay region. The colour purple represents the gemstone amethyst, which has been designated as the provincial mineral of Ontario. Keys are frequently used as a symbol for museums, indicating both the unlocking of knowledge of the treasures of the past and the safeguarding of that knowledge and those treasures. The unique use of birchbark represents the Ojibway culture and Midewiwin scrolls, which record in pictographic images the traditions of the Midewiwin society of the Ojibway people. It also represents the birchbark canoe used for transportation and commerce in the fur trade era of Canadian history. The hourglass is symbolic of the passage of time. |
CrestBlazonAn open book Argent bound Purpure in front of a demi-compass rose Or; SymbolismThe compass rose indicates exploration, both in its historical sense and in the concept of intellectual exploration. The open book represents the Museum’s archival collection and its research and publishing mandate. |
MottoBlazonLEARNING FROM HISTORY; SymbolismNot applicable |
Badge of The Thunder Bay Historical Museum SocietyBlazonAn hourglass as in the Arms encircled by a wreath of mountain maple leaves and nodding trillium flowers proper; SymbolismThe hourglass is repeated from the arms. It is surrounded by a wreath of mountain maple (acer spicatum) leaves and nodding trillium (trillium undulatum) flowers. These plants are indigenous to northwestern Ontario and are hardy varieties of the sugar maple and white trillium more usually found in Canadian symbolism. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 17, 2007 in Volume 141, page 587 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterBarbara Saville CalligrapherHeather Taylor Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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