During the 1940s, more than 44, 000 war brides and their 21,000 children immigrated to Canada from foreign countries to join their servicemen husbands.

In addition, an estimated 4,000 women emigrated from Canada as brides of Allied military personnel who had trained in Canada.

The Royal B.C. Museum honours these courageous women by sharing their stories. The collection War Brides: One-Way Passage consists of 80 contemporary paintings; created by Calgary artist Bev Tosh, more than 800 photographs; and a series of multiple media installations. The exhibition, which features 13 war brides from British Columbia, will be on the third floor of the museum, until Sept. 1.

"These are stories that showcase the strength and durability of the human spirit during one of the most tumultuous times in history. Crossing the Atlantic was a dreadful journey," says Tosh. "For many of the war brides, it was a long, heart-wrenching trip, leaving behind everything and everyone they had ever known. Some say the ships sailed on oceans of tears."

As the provincial museum and archive "we are honoured to host this exhibition," says CEO of RBCM Pauline Rafferty.

Information: www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca; Call: 1.888.447.7977.