Working Abroad

Missionaries are an apposite example of New Brunswickers who venture far afield to work and, of course, the military often sent people to work in foreign lands, but there were also individuals who worked abroad in a variety of other capacities. Some professionals, such as teachers, engineers and physicians found that their training led to jobs outside Canada. Some had business interests in such places as Europe, the United States, Central and South America. Others were lured by the adventure of working in far-off countries or found jobs in the course of their travels. During the nineteenth century, the California Gold Rush (1848-1855) drew many men from Saint John and the surrounding areas with hopes of discovering great wealth.

Quite naturally, they brought or sent home objects representing the countries where they worked and the cultures with which they came in contacts. Their souvenirs and mementos now enrich the Province with artefacts from around the world indicative of globetrotting New Brunswickers.