The Waterdown Museum of Hope opened its Semester 2 exhibition on May 5, 2025, coinciding with the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. This ambitious semester featured 16 student-curated exhibits alongside a new permanent installation: the Dryden Collection, honouring Murray Dryden, founder of the Maple Leaf Club for Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands.

We are deeply grateful to the Dryden family for their generous donation of artifacts and photographs that tell his remarkable story and legacy.

This semester has been especially meaningful. Families of Dutch heritage were moved to see their family history, and the bravery of their relatives, reflected in the exhibits, which chronicle powerful stories of resistance, courage, and liberation.

The highlight of the May Exhibit was the arrival of the Liberation Flame on Friday, May 9. At the same time, board member Karin Lang was in Wageningen, where she had the unique opportunity to see the original flame, creating a meaningful connection between her visit and the flame’s arrival at the museum later that week. At 5:30 PM, the flame from Wageningen, Netherlands, was officially welcomed to the museum, escorted by four RCAF pilots. There was great enthusiasm among the crowd gathered to take part in this memorable moment.

A heartfelt thank you to Dutch historian Dr. Jay Pinto, whose years of dedicated work made this moment possible.

The flame’s arrival stands as a powerful symbol during this milestone anniversary. The flame was flown to Brandon, Manitoba the next day, where it will be permanently housed at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial.

We hope that all who attended felt inspired by this tribute to freedom, resilience, and the enduring bonds between Canada and the Netherlands.

Bob Thomas, Executive Waterdown Legion welcomes guests to the opening of Semester 2 Museum Experience.

On May 9, 2025, the Liberation Flame from Wageningen, Netherlands arrived at the Waterdown Museum of Hope.

Rob Flosman welcomes Dr. Jay Pinto, the driving force behind bringing the Liberation Flame to the Waterdown Museum of Hope.