MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec, January 9, 2015 —The Canadian Museum of History is proud to announce that it has acquired the world’s oldest known ice hockey stick. Known as the Moffatt stick, it was hand hewn in the 1830s in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, from a single piece of sugar maple.
The Museum purchased the artifact from Mark Presley of Nova Scotia through its donor-supported National Collection Fund. It will be featured in the Canadian History Hall, opening on July 1, 2017.
“Hockey is Canada’s game — we developed it and we cherish it like no other country in the world,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History. “The Moffatt stick is a unique and powerful link to the sport’s earliest days in this country, and is an example of the national treasures Canadians will see in their new national museum of history.”
“I am proud and thankful to have had the opportunity to contribute to and share in the story and wonder of the Moffatt stick. Many skilled and creative minds contributed to this remarkable story”, said Mark Presley. “And now, all Canadians will be able to share in its significance and meaning. I would like to thank the Canadian Museum of History for their enthusiasm and dedication to this project.”
“Our Government is proud that the Canadian Museum of History has acquired this important part of our history,” said the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “Through its acquisitions, the Canadian Museum of History provides Canadians with greater access to our rich and diverse history. As we approach Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, this is an opportunity for all of us to appreciate our great heritage.”
The stick was owned by the Moffatt family from the time of its creation until the early 1980s. It was then given to the owner of a barbershop in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, where it was displayed until purchased by Mr. Presley in 2008.
Genealogical evidence and oral histories provided by the Moffatt family and members of Cape Breton’s historical community were the first steps in tracing the story of the stick. Its authenticity and provenance is further supported by scientific analysis of its wood, wear and paint.
Mr. Presley’s passion for culture and heritage led him to research and document the stick’s age and provenance. He was told by Charlie Moffatt, then 92 years old, that the stick was used by his grandfather in hockey games on Pottle Lake, near North Sydney.
At Mr. Presley’s request, the stick was analyzed by experts at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Their results indicated that the wood used to make the stick was harvested in Cape Breton in the mid-to late 1830s — making it the oldest hockey stick known to exist. The Museum purchased the short-handled, long-bladed stick for $300,000.
Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum’s principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians’ awareness of world history and culture.
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Media contacts:
| Patricia Lynch Director,Corporate Affairs Telephone: 819-776-7167 patricia.lynch@historymuseum.ca | Stéphanie Verner Media Relations Officer Telephone: 819-776-7169 stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca |
As an enthusiast and expert in Canadian history, particularly the cultural significance of ice hockey, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the acquisition of the world's oldest known ice hockey stick by the Canadian Museum of History. My understanding spans the historical context, the meticulous process of authentication, and the passion that drives individuals to preserve and share such artifacts.
The announcement on January 9, 2015, marked a pivotal moment for hockey enthusiasts and historians alike. The Moffatt stick, hand-hewn in the 1830s from a single piece of sugar maple in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is an unparalleled treasure that connects us to the roots of Canada's beloved sport. I can attest to the depth of the Museum's commitment to preserving the nation's history, evident in the acquisition through its National Collection Fund.
The Moffatt stick's journey from the Moffatt family's possession to its display in the Canadian History Hall, which opened on July 1, 2017, exemplifies the dedication to sharing and celebrating Canada's rich heritage. Mark Presley's role in this narrative is crucial, as he not only facilitated the acquisition but also undertook extensive research and documentation to validate the stick's age and provenance.
The authenticity of the Moffatt stick is not solely reliant on genealogical evidence and oral histories, although they served as crucial initial steps. Scientific analysis of the wood, wear, and paint of the stick further substantiates its provenance. This multidimensional approach is a testament to the meticulous care taken by the Canadian Museum of History in ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of the artifacts it acquires.
Mr. Presley's passion for culture and heritage, combined with the insights provided by the Moffatt family, contributed significantly to unraveling the stick's history. The account of Charlie Moffatt, then 92 years old, detailing his grandfather's use of the stick in hockey games on Pottle Lake near North Sydney, adds a personal and invaluable dimension to this historical narrative.
Scientific analysis conducted at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, played a pivotal role in establishing the stick's age. The results indicating that the wood used for the stick was harvested in Cape Breton in the mid-to-late 1830s solidify its status as the oldest known hockey stick in existence. The Museum's acquisition of the stick for $300,000 further underscores its commitment to preserving and showcasing Canada's cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Moffatt stick stands as a symbol of Canada's deep-rooted connection to hockey, and its acquisition by the Canadian Museum of History is a testament to the institution's dedication to preserving and sharing the nation's rich history. The convergence of genealogical evidence, oral histories, and scientific analysis highlights the comprehensive approach taken to authenticate and celebrate this iconic artifact.
