Bethune Memorial House
Encyclopedia
Bethune Memorial House, a National Historic Site of Canada in Gravenhurst
, Ontario
, Canada
, commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune
. Impatient and restless, he was inspired by a sense of duty to others and a love of the outdoors. In Bethune, these characteristics were the seeds of a battlefront surgeon, activist, humanitarian, inventor, teacher and artist. The historic site explores the roots and examines the legacy of this international hero. Dr. Bethune is most famous for the last two years of his life, which were spent in China
, serving as a surgeon and teacher. Generations after his death, his name is still warmly remembered, as his story continues to be taught as an example to millions of Chinese students.
The house was built in 1880 to serve as the manse of Knox Presbyterian Church. Malcolm Bethune became the minister of Knox Church in 1889 and, a year later, his son Norman was born in the manse. The Bethune family remained in Gravenhurst until 1893 when they moved to Beaverton, Ontario
. Thereafter, the house was occupied by a succession of ministers.
In 1973 the house was purchased by the federal government's Department of External Affairs. Restoration of the building was subsequently undertaken by Parks Canada
, which is now responsible for its operation.
In August 2002, then Governor General
Adrienne Clarkson
, who has Chinese ancestry, visited the house and unveiled a bronze statue of Dr. Bethune erected by the Town of Gravenhurst. It is located on the main street alongside the notable Opera House.
, the Canadian Heritage Information Network
, and the Virtual Museum of Canada
.
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Gravenhurst is a town in the Muskoka Region of Ontario, Canada. It is located approximately south of Bracebridge, Ontario. The mayor is Paisley Donaldson...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune
Norman Bethune
Henry Norman Bethune was a Canadian physician and medical innovator. Bethune is best known for his service in war time medical units during the Spanish Civil War and with the Communist Eighth Route Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War...
. Impatient and restless, he was inspired by a sense of duty to others and a love of the outdoors. In Bethune, these characteristics were the seeds of a battlefront surgeon, activist, humanitarian, inventor, teacher and artist. The historic site explores the roots and examines the legacy of this international hero. Dr. Bethune is most famous for the last two years of his life, which were spent in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, serving as a surgeon and teacher. Generations after his death, his name is still warmly remembered, as his story continues to be taught as an example to millions of Chinese students.
The house was built in 1880 to serve as the manse of Knox Presbyterian Church. Malcolm Bethune became the minister of Knox Church in 1889 and, a year later, his son Norman was born in the manse. The Bethune family remained in Gravenhurst until 1893 when they moved to Beaverton, Ontario
Beaverton, Ontario
Beaverton is a community in Brock Township in the Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario, Canada.Originally part of Thorah Township in Ontario County, Beaverton was first settled in 1822. The settlement is located on Lake Simcoe at the mouth of the Beaver River...
. Thereafter, the house was occupied by a succession of ministers.
In 1973 the house was purchased by the federal government's Department of External Affairs. Restoration of the building was subsequently undertaken by Parks Canada
Parks Canada
Parks Canada , also known as the Parks Canada Agency , is an agency of the Government of Canada mandated to protect and present nationally significant natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative...
, which is now responsible for its operation.
In August 2002, then Governor General
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
Adrienne Clarkson
Adrienne Clarkson
Adrienne Louise Clarkson is a Canadian journalist and stateswoman who served as Governor General of Canada, the 26th since Canadian Confederation....
, who has Chinese ancestry, visited the house and unveiled a bronze statue of Dr. Bethune erected by the Town of Gravenhurst. It is located on the main street alongside the notable Opera House.
Affiliations
The museum is affiliated with the Canadian Museums AssociationCanadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is a national organization for the promotion of museums in Canada.The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The...
, the Canadian Heritage Information Network
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Canadian Heritage Information Network is a Canadian government-supported organization that provides a networked interface to Canada's heritage, largely through the World Wide Web. It aims to give access to Canada's heritage for both Canadians and a worldwide audience, by supporting the...
, and the Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is Canada's national virtual museum. With a directory of over 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions and a database of over 600 virtual exhibits, the VMC brings together Canada's museums regardless of size or geographical location.The VMC includes virtual exhibits,...
.