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Rebuild our underground history

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We’re shaking things up underground at the Diefenbunker Museum and we want you to come along for the ride!
Are you ready to help bring Canada’s most unique and important Cold War site to life? If so, read on.

How you'll bring history to life underground
We’ve got a BIG dream – to return the Bunker to its original state while it was in operation (1961-1994). Part of our dream includes returning the Bunker’s “Black Platform” to its original state as the Master Control Centre (MCC) (see 'Then' in the image below).

Today, Black Platform (see 'Now' below) is your first point of contact once you enter through the blast doors into the Bunker. It is so confusing. It serves as our welcome desk, ticket processing, the museum store, toilet fundraising area…Wait what?! Don’t worry, we’re just as confused as you – precisely why we need your help bring history back to life!

We're sure you agree, 'The Future' makes more sense. Together, we can bring the subterranean Master Control Centre back, transport everyone back in time, and set the stage for Canada's most unique underground experience.


Our vision for the future:
Imagine, the MCC becomes similar to what it was during the Bunker’s operation. You’ll be able to touch and feel the control buttons, see the original MCC control desks (yes we have the originals in our collection!). The red  encased box you see above is the controls for operating the blast doors that we still use today. We'll put them on display for all to see. You will truly be immersed in history. 

By donating to this project - the Master Control Centre Rebuild - you are:
·         part of our masterplan to build from the (under)ground up! This is just one small part of our overall vision to make the ENTIRE Bunker part of your experience – where you'll be able to explore every nook and cranny as it was when the Bunker was in operation;
·         bringing Canada’s most unique Cold War site to life;
·         investing in a huge part of our Canadian history;
·         supporting the dreams and the passion of every staff and volunteer who help keep this massive place open and running for all to experience; and,
·         setting the stage for all guests, as they transport back in time.

Did you know that the Diefenbunker became a museum in 1998 because a group of dedicated community volunteers believed that the Bunker should be shared with all Canadians and the world? It’s amazing what a passionate group of like-minded people can do together. And just look at where we are today – we’ve shared our Bunker with almost a million people and our visitor numbers continue to grow. The world wants to know our history – so let’s share our history, together.

How your donation will be used:

Your donation will be used to recreate our Master Control Centre (MCC). The more we raise, the more we can make happen. So we have two options:

Operations MCC - Option 1: ($5000)
Here is the rendering for Option 1. It includes using the original MCC desk retrofitted to fit our modern day tech equipment, new flooring, interactive control panels and buttons that replicate what was there. All guests will be able to touch and feel the buttons. Plus we will build an enclosure to house to Blast Door Controls. 
Operation MCC - Option 2: ($2500)
Here is the rendering for Option 2. It includes, new floor, sign vinyl on the wall (instead of interactive pieces), welcome desk using an old desk from the Bunker and a new panel cover for the "welcome' desk. A modern TV built to look old on the back wall. 

Our Gratitude

As a private, charitable museum that relies on its visitors for 75% of our operating funds (yes! 75% of our funding comes from people showing up at our blast doors!), we truly are driven by passion for this building, its history, its potential, and its sustainability for the future.

Your support fuels this passion (it’s a little contagious!) and truly reinforces our belief that this place is important. This place is worth investing in. This place tells an important part of our history. So thank you. Every dollar counts and as we’re used to operating on a shoe-string budget, we really know how to stretch those dollars.

We’re grateful to everyone who sees our passion and love for our ‘little’ bunker and want to make it an even more immersive place to share with the world. We’re not kidding when we say that we celebrate every $5 donation, as much as we celebrate the $400 donations. Thank you.

With sincerest gratitude,

~ our passionate 11 full time staff, 14 part time staff, and over 40 dedicated volunteers

***The Diefenbunker is a registered charity. Tax receipts are available upon request for donations of $20 or more.




Organizer

Kelly Eyamie
Organizer
Carp, ON

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