History students search the past in Ottawa

The recent History experiential learning trip to Ottawa provided students with an excellent opportunity to further their research, dig deeper into one-of-a-kind primary sources, and enrich their undergraduate careers. Over March 21-24, 2019, eight King’s History students visited the Library & Archives, the Library of Parliament, Parliament Hill and Senator Salma Ataullahjan’s office. Students had the opportunity to engage in archival research relating to their research essays for their course, History 4896 (Special Topics: Hate Speech), taught by professors Dr. Jennifer Tunnicliffe and Dr. Renee Soulodre-LaFrance.

The History students felt the excitement of their first trip to the national archives. They experienced the strict procedures of gaining access to the collections where their documents needed to be requested in advance. Their materials varied from original drawings of political cartoons published in Canadian newspapers from 1960-70s to immigration papers on microfiche to documents about the shift in the role of religion in the Canadian education system.

The library provided them with all the equipment they needed to conduct their research, including access to cameras and microfiche readers. The students worked hard to look through as much material as possible during their trip.

The students visited Senator Salma Ataullahjan’s office where they met with members of the Senator’s team. The students had an engaging discussion with the Senator’s staff about her work in human rights in Canada and around the world. The students also got the chance to visit the Senate building of Canada.

The students met with Julian Walker at the Library of Parliament for a discussion of the work he does for the library as an analyst and the internship and job opportunities available. The students ended the trip with an early morning tour of the House of Commons.

Brianne Little, fourth-year History at King’s, shares what she got out of the trip. “Going to Ottawa was an absolutely incredible experience. We’ve done tours of beautiful and historic buildings and we’ve come to the National Archives. The trip has helped my essay by providing me with primary resources, which I wouldn’t have been able to find back in London. I am so thankful for the experience,” Little said.

For more information about the History program at King’s: https://www.kings.uwo.ca/academics/history/