Monthly Archives: June 2012
New Library and Archives Canada Film on YouTube
Did you know that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has a YouTube channel where historical films are made available from our holdings?
The latest addition to our YouTube channel is the silent documentary The Tide of Immigration. This film is part of the Canadian National Pictorial Series and was produced by Pathéscope of Canada Limited between 1919 and 1921.
Early 20th-century films depicting the lives of newcomers to Canada are rare, especially film footage of immigrant children who were cared for at the Dr. Barnardo Homes. This compilation of news reels includes varied footage of new settlers and life in Canada during that time period.
Film sequences show Irish immigrants in a knitting factory; people enjoying the scenery at Grand Beach, Manitoba; and other stories for you to discover. Intertitles (text that appears between the film sequences) provide some contextual information.
Discover more! Consult Discover the Collection: Films, Videos and Sound Recordings to begin your online search today!
Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!
Sir Robert Laird Borden images now on Flickr
New Podcast Episode: The Shamrock and the Fleur-de-Lys
We are pleased to announce the release of our latest podcast episode: The Shamrock and the Fleur-de-Lys.
In this episode, we consult a panel of experts about the massive immigration of Irish settlers to Quebec in the 1800s. We examine the journey they made in order to establish their new lives on foreign soil, as well as the cultural bond that formed between the Irish and the Québécois.
Subscribe to episodes using RSS or iTunes, or just tune in at: Podcasts – Discover Library and Archives Canada: Your History, Your Documentary Heritage.
For more information on recent announcements at LAC, visit “News“.
Library and Archives Canada launches Wahkotowin – Indigenous Imprints in Canadian Heritage online kit
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the launch of the online toolkit Wahkotowin—Indigenous Imprints in Canadian Heritage, on the new Indigenous Heritage portal.
The toolkit gives access to the significant stories of numerous Aboriginal individuals and communities across Canada and streamlines digital content from LAC‘s databases, virtual exhibitions and digitized resources through a single portal.
Wahkotowin is a Cree-Michif term that embodies the notion of “kinship” in the context of identity, relationships and shared histories.
This first toolkit introduces the Métis, one of three Indigenous groups in Canada, and Louis Riel, one of Canada’s most talked about and controversial figures.
Through Wahkotowin, you can follow the lives of Indigenous people, places and events, and connect to our shared history, culture, heritage and identity.
For more information on recent announcements at LAC, visit “News“.
Arthur Meighen images now on Flickr
We are pleased to announce that a new set of images depicting the 9th Prime Minister of Canada Arthur Meighen is now available on Flickr.
Arthur Meighen was born in Anderson, Ontario on June 16, 1874. Running as a candidate for the Conservatives in Portage la Prairie, Meighen was elected to the House of Commons in 1908. In 1920, Arthur Meighen became leader of the Conservatives and Prime Minister of Canada until 1921. Arthur Meighen became Prime Minister again on June 29, 1926 but only for four months until September 24, 1926. Meighen retired in 1927 and was appointed to the Senate in 1932.
To learn more about Arthur Meighen:
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online, Arthur Meighen.
For more information on recent announcements at LAC, visit “News“.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – Photographs
June 5, 2012, marked the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To celebrate this exceptional event, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) presents an outline of the types of photographs held in its collection about Queen Elizabeth II.Since the 1950s, The Queen has made more than 20 visits to Canada! Our collection contains numerous photos, movies, private and government documents, stamps and even some cartoons of Her Majesty, which were used to convey a particular message. Ready for an overview of the photographs?

Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Vladimir Tiara, the Queen Victoria Jubilee Necklace, the blue Garter Riband, Badge and Garter Star and the Royal Family Orders of King George V and King George VI (1959). MIKAN 4301935
Photographs
We have many photographs of Queen Elizabeth II in our collection; several of which are digitized and accessible via the new Portrait Portal and Flickr. You can also browse photographs from Archives Image Search Results.
Here are some interesting references:
- 21 colour photographs of the Queen’s Coronation, Department of National Defense fonds, sub-series ZK
- Official portraits of the Queen, National Film Board fonds, sub-series Still Photography Division
- A vast assortment of photographs depicting the British royal visits and events in the Federal News Photos fonds, including the Queen’s coronation in 1953, the official visits to Canada, the official photographs of the Royal family at Windsor Palace in 1959 and much more!
- The fonds of photographer Rosemary Gilliat Eaton contains many wonderful pictures of the Queen; including many of her visit to Canada in 1957.
- The Weekend Magazine contains photographs of the royal tours during the 1950s. Those pictures which are often candid shots, provide an interesting contrast to official photos.
Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!
Faces of 1812
The Canadian War Museum is proud to present Faces of 1812, an exhibition created by Library and Archives Canada in conjunction with the opening of its major exhibition 1812.
Faces of 1812 presents some of the men and women, both combatants and civilians, who experienced the War of 1812. It likewise highlights the conflict as a rich and continuing source of artistic inspiration, commemoration, and reflection.
The War of 1812 united French- and English-speaking Canadians, First Peoples, and the British against a common foe. The confidence gained through their successful joint defence helped lay the foundations for modern Canada.
Faces of 1812, a complementary exhibition to the Canadian War Museum’s 1812 will be on display at the War Museum in Ottawa from June 13, 2012 until January 6, 2013.
You can also discover thousands of portraits on LAC‘s new Portrait Portal.
For more information on recent announcements at LAC, visit “News“.
Did your ancestors come from Russia?
Do you wonder who your first Russian ancestor was and when he or she left Russia and arrived in Canada? Are you curious about your family’s Russian heritage?
If so, the LAC website is a great place to begin your research. For instance, you will find a page specific to genealogical research for the Russians. It provides you with historical background, LAC’s archival collections and published material, as well as links to other websites and institutions.
If your ancestor came to Canada between 1865 and 1935, you might find his or her name on passenger lists.
Tip:
Tracing your Russian ancestor in Canada is the first step. Joining a genealogical society is an ideal way to begin your genealogy research.
Learn where and how to begin your research at Library and Archives Canada by watching this short orientation video: Orientation Services for Clients at 395 Wellington.
For more information on recent announcements at LAC, visit “News“.
Release of New Orientation Video
We are pleased to announce the release of our new orientation video.
This video is the second in a series of tutorials that provide useful tips and recommend tools to help you discover and access archival records, genealogical resources and published materials at LAC.
The tutorial series is just one of a number of LAC modernization initiatives that focus on providing you with quick and useful information about our services.
Learn where and how to begin your research at Library and Archives Canada by watching this short orientation video: Orientation Services for Clients at 395 Wellington.
For more information on recent announcements at LAC, visit “News“.