Contemplating Photography

McGill University has created an excellent digital resource on their collection of University War Records. A fascinating archives story in itself, the collection creates digital records of each piece of documentation accumulated during WWII. The materials relate to those associated with McGill who were involved with the war, and provides further insight into the communities affected by conflict at home and abroad. It also is a excellent example of a successful digital initiative that makes available a variety of historical materials.

Principal F. Cyril James established the McGill University War Records office in recognition of McGill men and women in wartime service. In operation between 1942 and 1946 under R.C. Fetherstonhaugh, the office compiled information on the involvement of faculty, students, alumni, and staff engaged in the war effort. Throughout the Second World War, Fetherstonhaugh collected newspaper clippings, correspondence, and photographs, and prepared meticulous index cards to document each individual’s contribution.

The McGill University War Records are comprised of 6,617 index cards and more than 3,000 files containing newspaper clippings, correspondence and photographs. They document the involvement of McGill faculty, students, alumni, and staff in the war effort. In conjunction with the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and the Graduates’ Society, the War Records office solicited information from individuals and families to create these files.

via MUA | McGill Remembers.