By Krista McCracken I have a love for most things history related and I thoroughly enjoy all kinds of comics. So when these two interests collide I take note. There are a number of great contemporary history themed comics such as Machiavelli and Hark! A Vagrant (check out Ian Mosby’s great post about this webcomic). The idea of using comics… Read more »
The development of service clubs in Canada and the current decline of membership in these once vibrant community organizations.
By Krista McCracken One of my favourite rural Canadian moments occurred when I was a child attending the International Plowing Match. I was standing with my parents in front of a pen that held two young calves, when a young girl yelled “Look at the sheep, Mom!” The girl was at least eight years old and apparently didn’t know the… Read more »
By Krista McCracken In recent years Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations in Canada have increased dramatically in number and their popularity continues to grow. The state of CSAs in my area speaks to the rising success of the CSA movement; all of the established CSAs in my area are no longer taking members or have a waiting list. Across the… Read more »
By Krista McCracken Historical photographs can be used to serve a variety of research, personal, and community interests. Images can be used for genealogy, legal testimony, supplementing written historical accounts, and providing windows into the past. Photographs can also be used as important tools in healing, reconciliation, and in the reclamation of lost history.The use of photographs in the reclamation… Read more »
Almost everyone has at least one memory of working with a ‘lifer’ or ‘old-timer.’ In some cases these employees have been at the organization since its inception, in other cases they have worked there for their entire career or as long as anyone can remember. The phrase “can remember” is often at the heart of discussions about institutional memory. The… Read more »
Earlier this month there was considerable discussion on the ARCAN and the Archives & Archivists listserves about which photo sharing/hosting sites can best serve the needs of archival institutions. Despite all the chatter there was little consensus on what hosting site was ideal for archival organizations. Many cultural heritage groups are looking for affordable solutions to making their collections more… Read more »
When someone talks about undertaking serious historical research what comes to mind? Perhaps you conjure up an image of a dusty archives room and leaning towers of paper. Census data, photographs, journals, correspondence, business records, and many other traditional archival materials may come to mind as potential sources. Did the phrase historical research make you think of artifacts? No? Not… Read more »
Last week the remote Northern Ontario community of Peawanuck First Nation welcomed home Charlie Hunter. Charlie passed away in 1974 while attending St. Anne’s Residential School in Fort Albany. He died while saving a fellow student who had fallen through ice near the school. Following his death Charlie Hunter was buried in Moosoonee without the consent of his family. The… Read more »
Acting as the host institution for a conference or workshops can be both a blessing and a curse. Host organizations often experience increased interaction with participants and gain publicity in their local community. Hosting a conference or workshop takes considerable effort and planning and can place strain on regular staff and use up time and monetary resources. Despite planning hurdles,… Read more »
