Honouring the past, Supporting the present, Inspiring the future: New policy for CAF museums and historical collections

Honouring the past, Supporting the present, Inspiring the future: New policy for CAF museums and historical collections

May 15, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:21

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) museums and historical collections are no longer a mystery.

The newly released Defence Administrative Order and Directive (DAOD) 5040-5, CAF Museums and Historical Collections outlines the CAF's governance, support, accreditation, finance and other responsibilities for the 73 Regular and Reserve Force museums located in communities across Canada.

A CAF museum must be accredited to have met the professional standards and requirements of the CAF. Historical collections comprise military memorabilia for which accredited museum status has not been granted. Museums showcase the history and heritage of CAF environments and commands, ranging in size from small regimental museums to large tri-service museums.

CAF museums and historical collections are established under the authority of Base/Wing/Unit commanding officers (COs) and operate within the non-public property accountability framework. COs play a key role in the stewardship of CAF museums and historical collections. This DAOD is intended to support COs in that responsibility, and they are encouraged to review it thoroughly to ensure they have the guidance needed to succeed.

What do museums Do?

CAF museums contribute to a collective memory and a sense of identity for all Canadians. Museums enhance understanding of the contributions from diverse communities to Canada's military heritage, by promoting inclusive perspectives and lived experiences.

CAF museums are a point of contact between communities and the CAF, and may contribute to community outreach, recruitment and retention efforts. For the CAF, museums enhance esprit de corps and operational effectiveness as centres of training and lessons learned.

This new policy directive enhances the support to CAF museums and historical collections by demystifying governance, resource management and responsibilities. Please reach out to the Directorate of History and Heritage for more information at [email protected]

Why not plan a visit, and learn about Canada's military history and heritage from a CAF museum near you?