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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Samuel de Champlain Bust Donated to Champlain College, Trent University Connie Burton and Jeremie Giles Make Significant Contribution Peterborough, June 24, 2004
Mr. Giles has always been an admirer of Samuel de Champlain and as such has felt that the explorer has not been sufficiently honoured. Mr. Giles wished to project a more realistic image of the explorer than the portrayals of him as a civil servant. There is no existing image of him, but Mr. Giles did extensive research finding that there were, however, many excellent written descriptions, particularly by the Jesuit priests that worked with Champlain and also by other historians such as Samuel Morison. "I felt the donation to Trent was most timely as it coincides with events planned this summer in the United States, Canada and France to acknowledge the 400th anniversary of Champlain's involvement in establishing the first French settlement in North America," said Mr. Giles. The donated bust is the plaster prototype for a three metre high bronze-cast statue purchased by the City of Hull that will be inaugurated in July to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first French settlement in North America.The Royal Canadian mint is also issuing a 2004 Silver Dollar in honour of the anniversary. Canada Post is also issuing a stamp to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the French settlement of Iles St. Croix. Connie Burton is also known for her stellar turn as Patsy Cline in the musical tribute Always … Patsy Cline which played to sold-out Showplace houses in the spring of 2003. Connie was the soloist in the band Something Blue, a well known dance band in Ontario in the 70's & 80's and she later performed with her brother Keith Burton in the band, Tribute. For more information about Trent University's art collections please follow this link http://bink.trentu.ca/artinventory/index.cfm. - 30 - For more information please contact: Julia Harrison, Chair of Women's Studies, Chair of Trent Art Collection Presidential Advisory Committee, (705) 748-1011 x1515 Or Jeremie Giles (705) 799- 2644
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Well-known local singer and businesswoman Connie Burton made a significant donation of a bust of Samuel de Champlain by local artist Jeremie Giles in honour of Trent University's 40th anniversary - and the 400th anniversary year of Champlain's expeditions to the New World.