Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

We are pleased to announce that the Diefenbunker will be a partner in this year’s 46th annual Winterlude festival!

From February 2 to 19, 2024, festivities will be taking place throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau area, and we invite you to participate by joining us for a variety of family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, an outdoor winter carnival, an Inuit art workshop, and more.

Celebrate diverse Canadian stories and traditions this Winterlude at Canada’s Cold War Museum. More information can be found on our website here: https://diefenbunker.ca/winterlude-2024/

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Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que le Diefenbunker sera partenaire de la 46e édition du Bal de Neige de cette année !

À partir du 2 au 19 février 2024, les festivités de se dérouleront dans toute la région d’Ottawa-Gatineau. Nous vous invitons à participer à une variété d’activités familiales au Diefenbunker, notamment une chasse au trésor, un carnaval d’hiver en plein air, un atelier d’art inuit, et plus encore.

Célébrez diverses histoires et traditions canadiennes à l’occasion du Bal de Neige au Musée canadien de la Guerre froide. Vous trouverez plus d’informations sur notre site web ici : https://diefenbunker.ca/winterlude-2024/

Capital Experience | Vivez la capitale

After a whole year of highlighting never-before-seen artifacts from within our collections in honour of the Diefenbunker’s 25th anniversary, today, we are featuring the last one of this milestone year! What better artifact to conclude this series and symbolize our travels through Cold War history and across the continent than a Marx toy jeep along with its original packaging.

The term “jeep” was originally coined in the 1940s as slang that was used amongst members of the U.S. Army to mean “new recruits” or “vehicles.” After the Army put forward a request during World War II for a general-purpose vehicle that was small, lightweight, had four-wheel drive for cross-country travel, and could carry a light machine gun, the term “jeep” took on a physical form and ultimately became a hero to thousands of Allied soldiers around the world.

One model of particular importance that followed this period of mass production was the M38A1. Developed in 1952, the M38A1 became known as the most all-around military jeep known for its improved comfort and safety compared to its predecessors. Given this, toy renditions of this vehicle, including this one from the Diefenbunker’s collections, became popular thanks to Louis Marx & Company, an American toy manufacturer in business from 1919 to 1980.

In addition to toy cars, Marx also produced tin toys, toy soldiers, toy guns, and boxed playsets that featured many famous battles with armies of two sides, character figures, and terrain features that were commonly used by military strategists to plan battle tactics by using the figures to show the locations of real soldiers. Marx successfully continued to make toy soldiers and jeeps until the company officially closed shop in 1980.

Learn more about the history of these wartime vehicles on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/toy-jeep/

"Marx Toy Jeep & Box, Diefenbunker Museum: 2005.002.001.a-b"

Looking for something funky to do this holiday season? Visit the Diefenbunker and immerse yourself in the work of our 2023 Artist-in-Residence Wind Up Radio!

This multi-part exhibition explores how we cope in the face of an uncertain future, taking inspiration from Cold War preparedness that the Diefenbunker exemplifies. Using satirical music and video compositions that contribute to a long history of musical responses to nuclear war, Wind Up Radio invites us to consider an unlikely truth: that levity and laughter may be possible — perhaps even comforting — in moments of fear and helplessness.

“Cold Comfort for a Hot World” runs until Sunday, February 4, 2024.

Book your visit today to journey through this innovative exploration of the Cold War — you may just find yourself humming along: https://diefenbunker.ca/artist-in-residence/

Merry Christmas!

As we approach the final two artifact features in this year’s series highlighting 25 artifacts from within the Diefenbunker’s collections, today, to celebrate the holidays, we are featuring a Christmas dinner menu from 1976.

An annual Christmas dinner is a Canadian military tradition where junior members are served by their superiors — officers, warrant officers, and senior non-commissioned members show their appreciation to soldiers, corporals, and privates for their hard work in the past year. This culinary ceremony became commonly referred to as the “Soldiers’ Christmas Dinner,” where soldiers would not only be served food by their superiors, but would also be entertained by them through songs and skits.

Though traditions vary among units in the Canadian Armed Forces, the overall practice of role reversal often occurs to this day during the holiday season and likely occurred annually during the Diefenbunker’s operation as Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Carp from 1961 to 1994.

This menu in our collections is from the CFS Carp Soldiers’ Christmas Dinner on December 16, 1976. It contains, in descending order, cocktails, entrees, side dishes, desserts, and coffees and teas that were served for the evening. Alongside the menu is a Christmas message from the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel W.R. Scott, wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Learn more about the Soldiers’ Christmas Dinner and how you can support members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are away from their families this holiday season here: https://diefenbunker.ca/christmas-dinner-menu/

"Christmas Dinner Menu, Diefenbunker Museum: 2010A.002.083"

In honour of the Diefenbunker’s 25th anniversary, we continue to highlight 25 artifacts from within our collections. With only a few more artifacts left to go, this week we are featuring a Geiger counter.

The original Geiger counter was designed in 1908 by German physicist Hans Geiger and British physicist Ernest Rutherford at the University of Manchester, with the purpose of quickly detecting and measuring radiation. The device was later refined in 1928 by one of Geiger’s Ph.D. students, Walther Müller, who improved the counter by developing the Geiger-Müller Tube, which allowed the instrument to detect other types of ionizing radiation.

Following the end of World War II, another kind of radiation-reading device was being mass-produced. While often referred to as “Geiger counters,” these ionization chamber survey meters differed from the Müller model that made them preferable for use by civil defence agencies. These newer devices were designed to measure much higher doses of gamma radiation than the previous versions.

This CD V-710 Survey Meter in the Diefenbunker’s collections matches the later rendition of the Geiger counter produced after WWII. It was manufactured by the Victoreen Instrument Company, which was recognized as the “first nuclear company” and for producing Geiger counters for the United States’ Office of Civil Defence from the 1950s to the early 1960s.

Learn more about Geiger counters and the personnel tasked with utilizing them during the Cold War on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/geiger-counter/

“Geiger Counter, Diefenbunker Museum: 2017.001.0003”

🎄 HOLIDAY HOURS 🎄

The museum and Escape the Diefenbunker will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26, 2023, as well as on January 1 and 2, 2024. We will return to regular operations (Wednesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

We are also offering additional guided tours in English and French in the last week of December.

Plan your visit in advance for the holiday season: https://diefenbunker.ca/admission-directions/

Looking for that perfect gift this holiday season? Treat yourself or a loved one to a one-of-a-kind item from our Gift Shop!

From gift cards to themed merchandise, including custom postcards and magnets from our 2023 Artist-in-Residence, we’ve got you covered.

When you gift a loved one a Diefenbunker gift card, you give them the opportunity to immerse themselves in history and explore secrets from the Cold War. Give the gift that keeps on giving — purchase a gift card online, or check out the items in our Gift Shop on your next visit underground.

In honour of the Diefenbunker’s 25th anniversary, we continue to highlight 25 artifacts from within our collections. This week, we are tuning it back to the 1950s and featuring a transistor radio.

The transistor radio is a small portable radio receiver that was introduced to the world following the invention of the transistor, a semiconductor device that switches electronic signals, in 1947. This introduction of small, but powerful hand-held devices revolutionized the field of consumer electronics and gained popularity as tensions began to rise as a result of the Cold War.

Radio became crucial during this time of uncertainty as it was the most reliable form of communication for reporters to broadcast advice, instructions, and messaging communicated via the Canadian Emergency Broadcasting System in the event of a nuclear war. These radio broadcasts would reach CBC frequencies across the country and would have been broadcasted from the Diefenbunker’s CBC Radio Room — the primary station to broadcast civil defence messaging to the public.

This Sony TR-712 Handy Personal Transistor Radio in the Diefenbunker’s collections was developed in 1959. This radio contained frequencies for the American CONELRAD (Control of Electromagnetic Radiation) method of Emergency Broadcasting that rapidly switched the transmitter stations to make the broadcasts unsuitable for Soviet bombers who may have attempted to home in on the signals.

Learn more about radio during the Cold War on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/transistor-radio/

"Transistor Radio, Diefenbunker Museum: 2000.004.001"

Santa is coming to town!

Today, starting at 6:00 p.m., the 14th annual Santa Claus Parade will be taking place in Carp, starting and ending at the Diefenbunker. We are pleased to participate this year — look out for the Diefenbunker float in the parade, and you may get a treat as we pass by!

Join us for this special event. We can’t wait to see you there!

As our 25th anniversary nears its end, we enter into the final stretch of our 25 artifact highlights! This week, we are featuring an original dresser from the Prime Minister’s suite.

Sleeping quarters within the bunker during its operation as Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Carp was dependent on both rank and seniority at the site. The Prime Minister and Governor General, as the head of state and representative of the monarch, were each given a private suite inclusive of a secretary's office, a personal office, and a respective bedroom with a three-piece bathroom.

Those in senior ranks were given individual bedrooms on the 200 Level of the bunker with communal washrooms and showers. Lower ranks were assigned to communal dormitories on the 400, 300, and 100 Levels. Each dormitory contained three bunk beds and could sleep up to nine personnel at a time, operating on a “hot bunking” system over an 8-hour shift. This system involved three people rotating a single bunk in a 24-hour period.

This dresser from the Diefenbunker’s collections was used in the Prime Minister’s suite. It is original to the site and would have been used by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker if he had to go underground to oversee Canada during a lockdown period. The dresser was removed from the bunker after the site was decommissioned in 1994, however, the dresser was later returned in 1997 by volunteer Pierre Remillard, former CFS Carp personnel responsible for building operations, construction, and maintenance.

The dormitory spaces can still be viewed today. On your next visit underground, immerse yourself in our “Canada and the Cold War” exhibition that has been curated in former sleeping quarters on the 400 Level of the bunker.

Learn more about the Diefenbunker’s dormitory spaces on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/dresser/

"Dresser, Diefenbunker Museum: 1999.030.015"

As our 25th anniversary nears its end, we can’t help but reflect on all that we have accomplished this year. From our one-of-a-kind programs and immersive exhibitions, to engaging interactives and behind-the-scenes content, none of it would have been possible without our incredible team.

Our museum is governed by a Board of Directors, led by an Executive Director, and operated by a full-time professional staff and volunteers who collectively attend to the stewardship, vision, growth, and sustainability of this museum and national historic site. Together, our small but mighty team remains committed to preserving Canada’s Cold War story for future generations.

To our team, thank you for all that you do, and to our unwavering audience, thank you for supporting us on our journey for the past 25 years.

Meet the talented individuals who have helped make it all happen: https://diefenbunker.ca/people/

To spread some holiday cheer, we are having a sale on December birthday parties!

Would your child like to celebrate their birthday with a one-of-a-kind spy-themed party? Our Bunker Birthday Parties offer a fun and active underground experience where children can learn the art of espionage, take on secret missions, and solve the mystery of Agent X.

We are pleased to offer 49% off birthday parties on the following days:

> Saturday, December 23
> Saturday, December 30
> Sunday, December 31

Book by phone before Monday, December 18 — spots fill up quickly!

More information here: https://diefenbunker.ca/birthdays/

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new 3-D Virtual Tour!

Take a walk through history and explore the Diefenbunker from any device, even with VR goggles if you have them. This updated virtual tour meets national standards for digital accessibility and allows you to explore both inside the bunker and outside, on our above-ground Interpretive Trail.

Check out spaces like never before by transcending barriers inside the Machine Room, the Medical Centre’s Operating Room, and more!

Immerse yourself, 75 feet underground, from the comfort of your own home: https://diefenbunker.ca/virtual-tours/

Fun fact: our Pudge is hiding in 22 locations throughout the bunker on this virtual tour — can you find them all? Let us know in the comments below!



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We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Resilient Communities Fund.

As we continue to highlight 25 artifacts from within our collections for the Diefenbunker’s 25th anniversary, this week, in recognition of our newly unveiled Machine Room viewing platform, we are featuring a Mirrlees 5-Cylinder Diesel Engine.

The Machine Room is the heart of the Diefenbunker. This historic space was designed to sustain the bunker’s operations and had to be ready at all times to support 500 to 600 designated government officials, military personnel, and civilians who would have been stationed in the bunker for 30-day lockdown if a nuclear attack on Canada was detected during the Cold War.

This diesel engine from the Diefenbunker’s collections was designed and produced by the British engineering company Mirrlees, Bickerton & Day Ltd. This company was founded in 1907 and was known for the development of diesel engines that powered the first tanks used in World War I.

This Mirrlees 5-Cylinder Diesel Engine currently in the Machine Room was acquired by the Diefenbunker in 2005 from the Regional Emergency Government Headquarters at Camp Borden. To prepare for the arrival of this 6-ton unit, a custom cradle for the engine block had to be built in order to dismantle, transport, and reassemble the engine — unfortunately, it was installed backwards, which continues to be a running joke among former staff.

Learn more about this diesel engine and the individuals who worked extensively on keeping the Machine Room operational on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/diesel-engine/

Only 6 hours remain to donate to our campaign!

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far towards our goal of raising $10,000 in support of student education. We still need your help to reach our goal!

Since the museum opened in 1998, over 11,500 students have engaged in our award-winning educational programs. With your support today, we can provide up to 700 more students with an experiential learning opportunity inside Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact.

Help us reach more youth with important history lessons. Every contribution counts.

Donate here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/diefenbunker/campaign/givingtuesday2023/

Today is !

We need your help to reach our goal of $10,000 in support of youth education. Your donation will fund school field trip transportation costs to the Diefenbunker and will bring as many as 700 students from across the National Capital Region to take part in one of our five unique educational programs that are all linked to provincial elementary and high school curriculum.

With rising transportation costs and limited school resources, it is becoming more challenging for students to participate in these immersive learning opportunities outside of the classroom. With a donation of just $30, you can fund two students’ academic experience, 75 feet underground.

We invite you to join this global generosity movement by gifting an unforgettable educational experience to the next generation.

Donate today: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/diefenbunker/campaign/givingtuesday2023/

Today, we officially opened the doors to the heart of the Diefenbunker — the Machine Room!

Immerse yourself in an engineering marvel on our newly installed viewing platform for the site’s operational Machine Room. We are pleased to safely open this historic space to the public for the first time.

The Machine Room played, and continues to play, a crucial role in the building’s operations. As you look out from the viewing platform, you’ll see original machinery and self-sufficient systems that were designed to sustain the bunker in the event of a nuclear attack.

Book your visit today to experience Canada's most significant Cold War artifact like never before: https://diefenbunker.ca/descend-into-history/

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Resilient Communities Fund, and the support of the David & Susan Rose Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation.

In honour of the Diefenbunker’s 25th anniversary, we continue to highlight 25 never-before-seen artifacts from within our collections. This week, we are featuring a “No Trespassing” sign from the Department of National Defence.

Secrecy was of the utmost importance for buildings in the Emergency Government Headquarters. Personnel who worked in these sites were given specific clearances for different sections of the building, based on their role.

As part of the continuity of government planning to safeguard the workings of the government in the event of a nuclear attack on Canada during the height of the Cold War, Regional Emergency Government Headquarters (REGHQ) built across the country provided up-to-date information to the Central Emergency Government Headquarters (CEGHQ). Located in Carp, ON, this main site is more commonly known as the Diefenbunker. This sign in the Diefenbunker’s collections was acquired from the former REGHQ site located at Canadian Forces Base Borden in Barrie, ON.

Like at the site in Borden, trespassing signs like this would be placed near specific areas of the Diefenbunker to deter personnel from entering restricted zones. In addition, a military police officer would have been stationed next to the signs to inform personnel that they were forbidden to enter that part of the building.

Learn more about this sign and the origins of “No Trespassing” on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/no-trespassing-sign/

"No Trespassing Sign, Diefenbunker Museum: 2000.016.003"

Starting this weekend, we invite you to unleash your inner spy and head underground to sleuth your way through the bunker to solve a family-friendly mystery puzzle!

Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet when you arrive, and as you explore the museum, see if you can find all of the clues needed to reveal a hidden message. Show us your findings to spin the prize wheel — we have many great prizes to give away including Diefenbunker merchandise, free admission passes, and other special offers for our 25th anniversary!

You can participate in this new activity every weekend until the end of the year.

Book your visit: https://diefenbunker.ca/admission-directions/

We invite you to participate in our newest interactive!

As you explore the Diefenbunker and learn about Canada’s Cold War history, look for a sign asking, “What would you do?” Scan the QR code to let us know your thoughts, and see what others think.

Found in the Medical Centre on the 400 Level, here is our first poll: If a nuclear attack was detected in Canada during the Cold War and you were to remain underground for a 30-day lockdown period, what role would you want to take on in the bunker?

What would you do? Participate in this and future polls on your next visit to the Diefenbunker, or join the conversation online!

Cast your vote:

What Would You Do? What would you do? Participate in this and future polls on your next visit to the Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, or join the conversation online!

Don’t miss out on our annual Whisky Tasting Fundraiser, coming up this Saturday, November 18! The final day to purchase tickets is Thursday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m.

We invite you to savour a slice of the past with creative whisky and food pairings, a walk through history, and a silent auction. We are pleased to share this year's whisky selections:

> Rabbit Hole Dareringer Bourbon Whisky (United States)
> Bladnoch Vinaya Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland)
> Penderyn Sherrywood Single Malt Whisky (Scotland)
> Aberfeldy 16 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland)

We look forward to welcoming you underground soon for this one-of-a-kind event!

Reserve your spot today: https://diefenbunker.ca/events/2023-whisky-tasting-fundraiser/

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We would like to thank our Uranium level event sponsors Kinburn Plumbing and Heating Ltd., Lyon Family Law, and food sponsor The Swan at Carp. Thank you also to our Neptunium level sponsors Lee Valley Tools Ltd., C&M Electric, CSS Building Inc., and our equipment sponsor Mastermind Event Rentals.

Whisky selections are subject to change.

On this day, we remember those who gave and continue to give their lives to build a more peaceful future for all.

Today at the Diefenbunker, we are flying a retirement flag to honour Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Nelson Hatch, who served at Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Carp from 1990 to 1994. MWO Nelson Hatch was a distinguished member of the Canadian Armed Forces, and during his time at CFS Carp, he played various crucial roles in the operation of the Emergency Radio Room, Transmitter Site, and Electronic Workshop. On behalf of all of us at the Diefenbunker, thank you for your service, and we would also like to wish you a very happy birthday!

This morning, Diefenbunker staff attended the West Carleton War Memorial Remembrance Day Service in the Village of Carp. This community gathering was dedicated to all who serve, both past and present. We were honoured to lay a commemorative wreath in tribute to these individuals.

Lest we forget.

As we continue to highlight 25 artifacts from within our collections for our 25th anniversary, this week, in honour of Remembrance Day, we are featuring a Canadian Centennial Medal along with a ceremonial photo memorializing the day the medal was received.

The Canadian Centennial Medal commemorates the Centennial of Canada’s Confederation in 1867 and was awarded to people who were recommended by governments and associations for having provided valuable service to this country. The commemorative medal program recognized a total of 29,500 award recipients, including Dave McBride.

This medal pair in the Diefenbunker’s collections belonged to Dave McBride, a former teletype and cypher technician who worked at Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Carp from 1963 to 1970, and then again between 1978 and 1982.

This artifact includes the Canadian Centennial Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration. The Canadian Forces Decoration is awarded to officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Forces who have completed twelve years of service. The decoration is awarded to all ranks who have a good record of conduct. Along with this medal pair, there is a photograph of then-Corporal Dave McBride receiving the Canadian Centennial Medal on July 1, 1967.

On November 11, we honour individuals like Dave McBride, other former Diefenbunker personnel, and those who gave and continue to give their lives to serve our country during times of war, conflict, and peace. Please join us in a moment of silence this Remembrance Day.

Read more about the significance of these medals on our blog: https://diefenbunker.ca/centennial-medal/

The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum will be open on Remembrance Day this Saturday, November 11. We invite you to join us underground as we remember and honour those who have served to make our world a better place.

On this day, we offer veterans and active military personnel, and their accompanying family members, free admission. We will also observe a moment of silence throughout the museum at 11:00 a.m.

During your visit, please take a moment to share what peace means to you at our family-friendly activity station. We encourage you to display these expressions of peace on the wall for others to read.

There will be no guided tours offered this day.

Join us for a day of reflection: https://diefenbunker.ca/admission-directions/

With our annual Whisky Tasting Fundraiser coming up on November 18, we are pleased to announce a featured item in the event’s silent auction: a vintage Eames-style chair!

Seen throughout the Diefenbunker, these iconic chairs were originally designed by Americans Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950s as a staple piece of furniture. Eames-style chairs were commonly seen in North American homes during the Cold War era, and today they give us a glimpse into what life was like at the time.

By taking home a stylish piece of history from the Diefenbunker’s storage, you are supporting our ability to continue stewarding the expansion of our collections and our preservation efforts.

Other silent auction and raffle items at the Whisky Tasting Fundraiser include:

> Private tour of the Machine Room
> Private tour of our Collections
> Diefenbunker Gift Basket
> Diefenbunker Membership

With the purchase of your event ticket, you can also participate in our 50/50 draw, take pictures in our retro photo booth, and explore the museum’s immersive exhibitions.

Get all the event details and reserve your tickets here: https://diefenbunker.ca/events/2023-whisky-tasting-fundraiser/

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We would like to thank our Uranium event sponsors Kinburn Plumbing and Heating Ltd., Lyon Family Law, and food sponsor The Swan at Carp. Thank you also to our Neptunium sponsors Lee Valley Tools Ltd., C&M Electric, CSS Building Inc., and our equipment sponsor Mastermind Event Rentals.