Secrets of Radar Museum Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

On May 22, 2023, we celebrated our 20th year open to the public. The museum held a rare Holiday Monday opening to open its doors, free, to the public. Visitors were treated to tours that highlighted the new additions and sophisticated new display materials, lunch, and (brief) speeches. Theresa Armstrong, MPP for London-Fanshawe was on hand to deliver kind words and hansard, and cut the cake. She did both with enthusiasm and skill! Guests included former staff and Board Members, volunteers past and present, and family members of Jim Sands, one of the museum’s founders. There was even a well-behaved pupper who joined the fun. Thank you to Theresa Armstrong and the London Amateur Radio Club for joining us in our merry-making.

Government of Canada supports The Secrets of Radar Museum through the Tourism Relief Fund

We simply can’t keep quiet about this wonderful funding news anymore! See below for more details!

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The Secrets of Radar Museum received nearly $38,000 from Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization through FedDev Ontario to support future growth, increase public access to its collections, and attract visitors.

November 8, 2022, London, Ontario

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The tourism sector is vital to the economy and jobs in Ontario’s Southwest. The Secrets of Radar Museum is a distinct tourism destination that draws visitors from near and far. Not only does this relief fund allow us to move forward on major projects that preserve and present history within our region, the majority of our grant will be spent right here in southwestern Ontario with local vendors.

Today, The Secrets of Radar Museum received a non-repayable contribution of nearly $38,000 from Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization to upgrade aging infrastructure to support public access. This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization received nearly $11 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

This investment will help The Secrets of Radar Museum adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in London.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

Goodbye? Hello! to Elizabeth

Elizabeth Grayson leaning on a display table in the Secrets of Radar Museum, August, 2022. Used with permission.

Sometimes a summer job contract or university intern really clicks with us and our mission and over the years we’ve had several employment contract staff and interns return to us or stay on as volunteers, sometimes for several years.

We are delighted to announce that following the conclusion of her summer Young Canada Works contract, during the Annual General Meeting, Elizabeth Grayson stood for election to the Board of Directors. She was unopposed and the membership unanimously accepted her election. She has taken on the job of handling memberships, among other things, and we couldn’t be happier.

During her three-month summer contract, Elizabeth worked diligently to catalogue, cull, and house several archival collections, attended museum network events, and developed her own interpretive approach to our exhibit material to provide excellent tours. Elizabeth is in the process of completing a Bachelors in Museum Studies at Western University and is brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. Welcome aboard, Elizabeth. We hope you enjoy your term on the Board!

Anticipating Summer '22

We are delighted to announce that we received funding through the Young Canada Works in Heritage program to hire a summer student! YCW is an excellent program that allows museums with small budgets to expand their capacity and get important work done. Our student will work with our collection and archives, learn to give awesome tours, and will participate in the day-to-day running of a small museum. Having a student means a return to our summer hours, opening 5 days a week! Our new student joins us for 13 weeks, beginning May 31 and we can’t wait!

Welcome to the team, Elizabeth!

Annual General Meeting Summary

Thank you to our members who attended in person, and to those who sent in their Proxy votes. Our meeting, which was held on site with social distancing protocols in place August 20, 2021, was an enjoyable and positive event. In spite of the challenges caused by a global pandemic that lead to restrictions and closures, over all the year April 1, 2020-March 31, 2021 was strong. Our finances are healthier and our community involvement on multiple platforms has increased. Steve Bourdeau reported on the activities of the Museum, Dan Steinhaur reported on the finances, which were accepted. Maya Hirschman reported on the Museum’s acquisitions, and gave a short talk about her PhD research which is interested in SORM and the veterans who founded it. Of significance, a motion was made and approved to raise the membership fees in 2022, which have not increased since 2006. More information on that will follow in the forthcoming Autumn newsletter. All members of the executive stood for re-election and have returned for another two-year term. The Board is looking for two additional members to assist with memberships and fundraising. If you have interest, please contact us to learn more. Your current Board of Directors is Steve Bourdeau (President), Dan Steinhaur P.Eng (Treasurer), Dr. Paul Joe, and Maya Hirschman MA.

Notice of Annual General Meeting: August 20, 2021

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of The Secrets of Radar Museum will be held on Tuesday August 20, 2021 at 6:00pm at The Secrets of Radar Museum 2155B Crumlin Side Road, London, Ontario.

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING:

1. REPORTS and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2021.

2. ELECTION / RE-APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY TRANSPIRE.

PROXY FORM

Being a member in good standing of The Secrets of Radar Museum, I appoint Steve Bourdeau, Chairperson of the Meeting, or another member if listed below, as my proxy to act generally at the meeting on my behalf and vote in accordance with the directions given at the General Meeting of The Secrets of Radar Museum on August 20, 2021.

Please print the name of your proxy:____________________________________________________

Signed:________________________________ Dated:______________________________________

Please detach and mail to: The Secrets of Radar Museum

2155b Crumlin Side Road, London, On, N5V 3Z9

Or email digital version to: info@secretsofradar.com

In Memorium: Charles "Charlie" Murfin Jackson, May 7, 2021

We were deeply saddened to learn of Charlie Jackson’s recent passing. Charlie was a founder of this museum, and for many years he was a regular presence giving tours and answering questions. Intelligent, articulate, warm, and jovial, Charlie delighted in telling stories of his time as a radar mechanic and instructor during the Second World War, and his memory for technical radar and electronic specifications was exceptional. He was a teacher at heart and his passion for sharing knowledge was evident no matter who he spoke to. Charlie’s final visit to the museum was in 2018 when he gave a talk to a large group of Girl Guides who sat in rapt attention. We owe Charlie a great debt of gratitude for all the time he put in to make SORM the place it is today, and for his willingness to share his experiences. Our sincere condolences to his family, especially his wife Jean, who often accompanied him to the museum and although she must have heard his stories dozens of times, never lost her enthusiasm and always encouraged him to talk more. The family has graciously asked that expressions of sympathy and donations be made to the Secrets of Radar Museum or the Alzheimer Society through London Cremation Services (519-672-0459 or at www.londoncremation.com).

Charlie Jackson speaking to a visiting Girl Guide troupe, November 8, 2018.

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Charlie Jackson’s Obituary, from the London Free Press:

Charles (Charlie) Murfin Jackson passed away peacefully at Parkwood Veteran's Institute on May 7, 2021, in his 101st year. Charles was the beloved husband of Jean Jackson, to whom he was happily married since May 21, 1949, and the dear father of Brian Jackson (wife Joyce), Carolyn Wright (husband Charlie), Nancy Wiebe and Louise Hush (husband John). He was the proud grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of eleven. Charlie was a WWII radar instructor, an electronics teacher, Principal of the Western Ontario Institute of Technology, and Vice President of St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. In his long retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and bridge, and dancing with his wife Jean and with the many friends they made through those activities. He also was a lifelong, active member of the Kiwanis Club in London and Windsor. The radar museum in London was a keen interest for him. Jean and Charlie enjoyed an independent life up until the past few years. Jean was a loving and devoted partner as Charlie transitioned to Veteran's Care at Parkwood. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date to reflect upon and to celebrate Charlie's life. Email louise.hush@gmail.com for details. Expressions of sympathy and donations would be appreciated and may be made to the Radar Museum of London or the Alzheimer Society through London Cremation Services (519-672-0459 or at www.londoncremation.com). Very special thanks to the attentive staff and Dr. Borrie at Parkwood. Through the pandemic, they have been an amazing support to Charlie's mental and physical wellbeing.

Published on May 12, 2021

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Obituary shared by St. Clair College: Charles Jackson was a trailblazer

May 12, 2021

Charles (Charlie) Jackson, who became head of the Western Ontario Institute of Technology (which was the predecessor to St. Clair College), died at his retirement home in London on May 7. He was 100.

Mr. Jackson became the principal of the Western Ontario Institute of Technology (W.O.I.T.) in 1960 and served until 1966. He served as St. Clair College’s Vice President – Academic from 1967 to 1978,

Mr. Jackson oversaw the transition of WOIT (which was located on Mercer Street in Windsor) to St. Clair College, under the provincial legislation creating a network of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology back in the late 1960s.

He once told a reporter that the success of the community college initiative was a source of pride for him. He noted that the year before the South Windsor land acquisition where St. Clair now sits, W.O.I.T graduated 80 students but there were 120 jobs waiting for them.

“Our students were already able to talk on their bosses’ level,” he said at the time.  “We were proving that we offered a concentrated and job-oriented education for people who wouldn’t or couldn’t go to university.  Our students were adults and we treated them as adults……and it paid off. “

Mr. Jackson moved to London after his retirement. He leaves behind his wife Jean, four children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

St. Clair President Patti France honoured Mr. Jackson as a trailblazer and someone who cared deeply about the College. “W.O.I.T. built the foundation for St. Clair College to continue the work of providing a place for students to advance their education, find jobs in their fields and contribute to their communities.”

In September of 2014, the College named the road in front of the Ford Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing (FCEM) at our main campus, Chas Jackson Way in his honour. His portrait is displayed on the wall of Griffin Hall (across from our College bookstore) alongside the portraits of the past College Presidents.

In Memorium: Jacob Julien Olson, 1921-2020

Julien Olson, as he was known to us, was a good friend to the museum. He passed away on June 24, 2020, just days away from his 99th birthday.

Originally from Alberta, Julien joined the RCAF in 1941 and successfully completed his training as a radar mechanic. Unlike many of his colleagues who were posted in multiple places and theatres, Julien served overseas in Britain for the duration, proudly supporting first the RAF Pathfinder 109 Squadron’s twin-engined Vickers Wellington medium bombers and then the legendary de Havilland Mosquito light bombers as a radar technician. The use of blind-bombing system Oboe was pioneered in the Mosquito; Oboe’s high accuracy enabled the Pathfinders to mark targets and was crucial to the success of the RAF's campaign against the Ruhr. The squadron continued performing marking duties until the end of the war, including the last raid on Berlin on 21 April 1945, as well as supply drops into the Netherlands near the war’s end. While overseas, Julien met the love of his life, Lilian, an RAF WAAF. They were married in September, 1945, and she returned with him to Western Canada. They eventually settled in Ottawa, where Julien, a trained architect, began a new career with the Federal Department of Public Works.

In 2013, Julien organised a radar luncheon so that former SORM curator, Maya Hirschman, could interview a dozen WWII radar mechanics and operators. Julien made sure she was well looked after and that as many veterans were there as possible. She returned in 2014 to carry out a couple deeper interviews, and again, Julien, along with his daughter Christine, was a terrific host. He also arranged for the museum’s H2X radar unit to travel from Ottawa to London, where it is proudly displayed. Several artefacts belonging to Julien are displayed at the museum that document his ingenuity, which was indicative of radar mechanics as a whole, including a small ammeter he built from the cannibalised parts of broken equipment warehoused on a base in England.

We at the museum will sincerely miss Julien—his dedication and generosity—and are eternally grateful for his decision to involve himself in the goings-on at SORM.

You can read Julien’s full obituary published in the Ottawa Citizen.

Left to right: David Barlow (donor of the H2X), former curator Maya Hirschman, radar veteran Roy Taylor, and radar veteran Julien Olson, 2014.

Welcome Back! We've Missed You!

Well hello there! It certainly feels like years since we last greeted you in person, but we’re excited to welcome you back to the museum on Saturdays, 10AM-4M, starting July 18. We’re following the advice of public health authorities and guidelines offered by the Ontario Museum Association in order to help ensure your visits are enjoyable, educational and, above all, safe. As we re-open SORM to the public, we ask you to work with us to keep the museum a safe place for yourself, for all visitors, and for our volunteers by carefully reading these guidelines.

Guidelines for Visiting SORM

1. If you feel unwell, or have recently travelled abroad, please stay home!

2. All staff, volunteers, and visitors must wear a mask or face shield and respect social/physical distancing. Some exceptions for masking apply:

• Children under two years of age.

• Persons with an underlying medical condition which inhibits the ability to wear a mask or face covering.

• Persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance.

• Additional accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code will also be considered.

3. The museum floor is marked with direction arrows. If not taking a guided tour, please follow them.

4. Hand-sanitizer is available for use at the museum, but remember that this is a museum and unless expressly permitted, for your safety and the care of our collection, please don’t touch the artefacts.

5. In order to preserve a 2m physical distance, we have a strict visitor capacity. You may be asked to wait outside. Please be patient.

The safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors is our top priority. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our precautions as required.

Distance Vectors image by Vecteezy.

Update on Temporary Closure to the Public

Left: Coast Defence gun-laying radar, Newfoundland, c.1945. Simpson Collection, SORM
Right: Unknown man in bed with a dog, Marble Island radar station, 1943-4. Chown Collection, SORM.

A message from the President.

May 27, 2020

We at the Secrets of Radar Museum sincerely hope you’re doing well during these challenging times. The SORM Board of Directors feels it is important to communicate and update our members and supporters on our status as the pandemic runs its course.

The situation is generally looking positive for Ontario’s re-opening, but at this time it is not possible for the Secrets of Radar to comply with the requirements for the Stage 1 re-opening. Masks are still in short supply and sanitizing the sensitive vintage and historic artifacts after each visitor is simply not possible.

The Ford Government has, as of today, extended the Emergency Orders to June 9, limiting public gatherings to 5 people. Should there not be a second wave, we hope we can find a way to open in stage 2. This is projected to be in two to four weeks. Our partners, too, are affected by the rules around re-opening. The 427 Wing and LARC are evaluating the situation and we are working together to devise an appropriate, measured course of action.

We remain very active, applying for grants, looking after the collection, and producing new social media content regularly. Many of you have visited our new YouTube page to view our #MuseumFromHome videos (https://tinyurl.com/SecretsofRadar) and engaged with us during Museum Week, giving us great feedback and support. You can expect to see more new content in the days to come.

As a way of supporting us, please consider renewing your membership early!

Stay Home, Stay Well. See you soon!

Steve Bourdeau

President, Secrets of Radar Museum