Dr. Morgan's father-in-law, Judge Alexander Hugh MacKinnon's (1915-1971) collection is MG 9.33.
Robert James (Bob) Morgan is remembered for his outstanding contributions to the archival community, the heritage sector and the scholarly field of local history, particularly the history of Cape Breton Island. In all Bob’s involvements he brought a joyful enthusiasm and genuine respect for the opinions of others. He loved to conduct research and Bob shared freely that research in the classroom, with researchers in the archives and the community through his many public lectures and publications.
Born and raised in Windsor Ontario, Bob received his BA Honours in History and English from the University of Windsor in 1961. Following graduation Bob travelled to Cape Breton in 1962 to take up a lecturing position at Xavier College in Sydney, Nova Scotia. For the next four years he resided in Sydney and taught Canadian history and political science at the new College.
It was during this time Bob became involved with a small but action-oriented group of individuals keen to save an aging and derelict stone church in the North End of Sydney. The church eventually became known as St. Patrick’s Church Museum and the group formed themselves into the Old Sydney Society in 1966. The Old Sydney Society has grown from its initial incarnation of one church museum to include the operation of the Centre for Heritage and Science in the historic Lyceum Building, the Jost House Museum and Cossit House Museum all situated in Nova Scotia’s only designated historic district – Sydney’s North End. Their success continues today as the Old Sydney Society is in its 46 th year.
Bob, through his involvement as a founding and continuing member of the Old Sydney Society, held executive positions numerous times and continued to work toward a thriving heritage community in the area. He volunteered with the Sydney Steel Museum as well as the Lyceum Heritage Society, offered advice to forming societies and advocated on behalf of archives and museums to municipal, provincial and federal government departments as a means to enhance ones engagement with their community. He believed that archives and museums were foundational to responsible citizenship; one must know the history of their community, the struggles and the successes.
Bob’s early teaching and community involvement led him to further his education. Bob obtained his MA in Canadian History from Queen’s University in 1964. It was during his graduate studies at Queen’s that Bob met his future wife Barbara (Babs) MacKinnon a native of Inverness Cape Breton.
Following the completion of his MA Bob worked with the Public Archives of Canada in Ottawa. It was here Bob learned to be an archivist and he developed an interest in the colonial period of Cape Breton history. Bob continued his studies in History and completed his Ph.D. at Ottawa University. In 1971 he was offered the position of Senior Historian at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park where he worked for the next five years.
Working as the Senior Historian from 1971-1976 Bob helped to shape the interpretation of the largest historic reconstruction site in North America. Bob’s keen interest in social history meant he brought the lives of these early settlers, citizens and militia to life and encouraged Cape Bretoners, Nova Scotians and Canadians to know and engage in their past.
In 1976, following the tragic loss of Sr. Margaret Beaton, College of Cape Breton Principal Fr. MacLennan invited Bob to join the history faculty and become the Director of the Beaton Institute archives. During his time as Director, Bob transformed the archives into a research centre out of which has grown the wealth of regional and Cape Breton studies research and programming which is evident at Cape Breton University today. Bob remained with the University for 26 years and in 1990 was appointed Cape Breton University’s first Dean of Research and Development.
Through his position at the Beaton Institute Bob became an advocate of Nova Scotia’s growing community archives and museum movement. In 1982 Bob chaired the first organizational meeting of what would become the Council of Nova Scotia Archives (CNSA). He then served as the CNSA’s first president from 1983-1985. Bob left his mark on the Nova Scotia archival community, laying a strong foundation for other archivists to build upon.
Bob’s contribution was also felt nationally as he was a founding member of the National Archival Appraisal Board and in 1976 served as Vice-President. In 1979 Bob was the Atlantic Canada representative for the Archives Committee of SSHRCC which during his term investigated the reform of the national archival system. Bob also served as President of the Association of Canadian Archivists from 1985-1986.
Dr. Morgan’s publications are indeed a lasting contribution to the scholarly fields of history, public history and regional studies. Bob published 4 books focusing on the history of Cape Breton Island including Rise Again! The Story of Cape Breton Island Volume 1 and Volume 2; Perseverance: The Story of Cape Breton’s University College (1952-2002); and Early Cape Breton: From Founding to Famine. Dr. Morgan also published in various journals on the history of 18th century Louisbourg, historical biographies, the Loyalist founding and early history of Sydney.
During his life Bob was committed to his wife Babs, Cape Breton Island, teaching, heritage, research and writing, and his garden. It is in Robert J Morgan’s honour the series Cape Bretoniana is established and through his legacy this Grant-in-Aid Program is possible.
Published
Dr. Morgan was often referred to as "Bob Morgan".
This fonds consists primarily of textual records documenting the career of Dr. Robert J. Morgan. Over the span of almost five decades, Dr. Morgan held the position of historian, archivist, professor, author, and community leader. Records series documenting Morgan's early career at Xavier Junior College (1962-1966) and then as historian at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site (1971-1976) are included as well as records connected with his time working at College of Cape Breton/University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University - CBU) as professor of history and Director of the Beaton Institute. While at CBU, Dr. Morgan also held the first Dean of Research and Development position. Dr. Morgan was active in the heritage field both at a national and provincial level working with the Association of Canadian Archives (ACA) and the Council of Nova Scotia Archives (CNSA).
Other series in the fonds reflect Morgan's work with local historical societies and community organizations dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Cape Breton's built and documentary heritage. A substantial amount of research notes, index cards and manuscript drafts accompanying Morgan's publications are also included, as well as some evidence of post-retirement contract work.
Series featuring Dr. Morgan's personal and family history include a small portion of records related to Dr. Morgan's involvement with St. Anthony Daniel parish and the Diocese of Antigonish. Personal records and photographs of Dr. Morgan's wife, Barbara Ann Morgan (nee MacKinnon) and her parents (Justice A.H. MacKinnon and Annie MacKinnon nee Ryan) are also found in the collection. Dr. Morgan's love for gardening and botany are represented as well.
A small amount of artifacts including awards and family memorabilia are also included.
Arrangement imposed by the archivist.
An accrual to existing collection MG 12.82 was transferred by estate executor Thomas Ryan following Dr. Morgan's death on May 4th, 2011. The original materials found in MG 12.82 were donated during Dr. Morgan's lifetime.
Reports and research files in this series have been digitized. See Shared Drive.
Published
Series consists of research notes, writing drafts, completed presentations, and published articles related to Dr. Morgan's academic research as well as community service. Some of this content would be found in published monographs by Dr. Morgan or in published anthologies related to Cape Breton history.
Published
File consists of two copies of Dr. Morgan's lecture about John Despard to the Old Sydney Society on November 16, 1971. File also contains a piece of correspondence from Dr. Morgan thanking Rev. Boulton for his assistance locating Jon Despard's gravesite in Oswestry, U.K.
Published
File consists of a hand-written and typed or published version of an article that may have been presented also as a public talk.
Published
File consists of a selection of talks prepared and presented by Dr. Robert Morgan about Fortress of Louisbourg. Included in the file is a talk given to the Western Historical Association Conference in Tulsa in 1975, and another delivered to the Sydney Kiwanis Club in 1976. Also included is a paper prepared for the Council for Abandoned Military Posts and delivered on January 21, 1976. (paper may have been forwarded and read) as well as lecture notes about Louisbourg that could have been used at the College of Cape Breton or for training interpreters working at the Fortress.
Published
File consists of two copies of a paper presented on October 5, 1975. The presentation was given to a meeting of NS librarians at the McConnell Library in Sydney, NS.
Published
File consists of three copies of a paper delivered by Dr. Robert Morgan to the Old Sydney Society February 27, 1975. Also included is what appears to be a preface prepared for an address to the Rotary Club of Sydney on March 18, 1975. A hand-drawn sketch of early downtown Sydney is also found in the file and most likely accompanies the address.
Published
File consists of an article about the history of Sydney and Sydney Steel as well as research notes. The article entitled "Sydney Steel and the Community" was presented to Sydney Academy students on April 26th, 1991 as part of the 150th anniversary of Sydney Academy.
Published
File consists of a talk about the history of Sydney Harbour. Date and location of the talk is not noted.
Published
File consists of a speech delivered to the Atlantic Rotary Club Convention in Sydney on June 22, 1981. Two accompany drafts are also included.
Published
File consists of two copies of a paper about early Cape Breton industry.
Published
File consists of two copies of a paper about ethnic groups in Cape Breton.
Published
File consists of three copies of a paper about early travel on Cape Breton Island. A version of the paper was delivered in Mira on November 21, 1997.
Published
File consists of a copy of a speech delivered by Dr. Morgan at the 1979 Sydney Academy graduation ceremonies.
Published
File consists of a paper delivered to the Registered Nurses Association of Nova Scotia on December 6 1989. Research notes and a graduation address are also included in the file. Also included in the file is a speech given to the 1990 Graduating Class of 1990, Sydney City Hospital.
Published
File consists of a talk delivered to the NS School Library Association Annual Conference on October 19, 1979.
Published
File consists of an address delivered by R.J. Morgan to the Atlantic Oral History Conference in Truro on October 19 1979.
Published
File consists of a speech Dr. Morgan delivered to the Kiwanis Club of Sydney on November 22, 1979. The file also includes a paper about the resources at the Beaton Institute including materials related to labour history.
Published
This file consists of a speech delivered by Dr. Morgan to mark the Cape Breton Historical Society's Cabot Day celebrations for the 483rd anniversary of John Cabot landing in North America. A program for the event is also included in the file.
Published
File consists of a paper delivered to the annual Cape Breton Lodge of Perfection (Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite) on November 3rd, 1978. Paper was also read for the 100th anniversary of the Sydney Lodge No. 84. Included in the file are programs and membership list for the lodge.
Published
File consists of articles, presentations and research notes pertaining to Dr. Morgan's work about Separatism and Cape Breton. Folio 2 includes clippings and conference programs.
Published
File consists of a paper delivered to the graduating class of St. Rita's Hospital on July 26th, 1979 and a paper delivered at the V.O.N. anniversary banquet on April 12th, 1980.
Published
File consists of two copies of a speech delivered on the occasion on the 195th Anniversary of the Foundation of St. George's Parish, Sydney, Cape Breton, 1785-1980. Also included in the file is a copy of the anniversary service programme.
Published
File consists of a speech delivered by Dr. Morgan to the Sydney Rotary Club on March 24, 1981.
Published
File consists of various drafts completed by Dr. Morgan about the Great Famine and his research notes.
Published
Item consists of an article and research notes.
Published
File consists of talks delivered to the the Atlantic Provinces Library Association at Baddeck on May 27th 1994, and another paper given by Dr. Morgan on the occasion of the Cape Breton Regional Library's 40th anniversary on September 10, 1990 as well as the 50th anniversary on October 1 2000. An additional earlier presentation is also included and was delivered at the 1980 Association of Canadian Archivist's (ACA) Conference. This paper outlines details about the status of archives in Eastern Canada.
Published
File includes notes pertaining to the opening of Cossit House in 1977. These appear to be Robert Morgan's notes related to the program of the day.
Published
File consists of an article about the history of Wentworth Park in Sydney, NS. Includes some research notes and files.
Published
File consists of a talk delivered at the Sydney Civic Centre marking the 50th anniversary of the end of World War 2. Dr. Morgan presented the talk on May 8th, 1995.
Published
This file contains a history of St. Patrick's Church written by Dr. Morgan in 1966. A pamphlet about the church also included.
Published
File consists of multiple copies of Dr. Morgan's paper about Cape Breton Loyalists. The paper was presented as "The Trials and Tribulations of the Cape Breton Loyalists" on March 24th 1983 at the University of New Brunswick. Research notes and an imprint of the article is also included in the file.
Published
File consists of a draft and typed copy of a talk delivered to the Sydney Rotary Club on June 26, 1984.
Published
File consists of a paper delivered by Dr. Morgan for the Mainstreet 1988 conference hosted by the Department of Small Business Development (NS Government). Correspondence from conference organizers and information pamphlet also included.
Published
This file contains a talk delivered to the Glace Bay Rotary Club on Thursday March 18, 1982. The paper references local built heritage in relation to the Act.
Published
File consists of a hand-written and typed talk delivered by Dr. Morgan to Heritage and Tourism Speak Symposium in Baddeck on November 6, 1982.
Published
File consists of a talk given to the Highland Village Society by Dr. Morgan on November 18th, 1988 and includes a history of the Highland Village as well as reflections on heritage and culture.
Published
This file consists of two copies of a talk delivered by Bob Morgan on May 13, 1983 to the Grand Narrows and District Board of Trade.
Published
This file consists of a presentation prepared and delivered by Dr. Morgan for a symposium about built heritage organized by the Department of Municipal Affairs in cooperation with the Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness in March 1987.
Published
File consists of speech drafts and program for the Diocesan Synod Dinner on September 20 1985. Dr. Morgan delivered his talk during the evening program.
Published
File consists of two copies of Dr. Morgan's article The Development of Representative Democracy 1763-1835.
Published
File consists of notes about children in early Cape Breton history.
Published
Published
File consists of a talk delivered by Dr. Morgan to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for St. Andrew's Day. The file also consists of an article about Cape Breton written by Bob Morgan for Horizon Canada about Cape Breton's 36 years as its own colony.
Published
File consists of a talk prepared for the N.S. Association of Garden Clubs meeting in North Sydney June 2010 and also a talk to mark the 50th anniversary of the Westmount Gardening Club on July 11 2009. Various research notes are included.
Published
Published
File consists of talks delivered by Dr. Morgan for the dedication of Christ Church in Sydney on November 6, 1982. The file also includes an earlier talk given in Ontario in 1962 about the Hay Bay Church and an address commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Christ Church on June 16 2001. A speech to mark the pilgrimage of the Bi-Centennial Cross in 1987 is also found in the file and contains a history of the St. George's Parish.
Published
File consists of correspondence requesting Dr. Morgan to address the annual meeting of the Sydney Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society, and a copy of the talk. The speech also provides a history of the Beaton Institute / Cape Bretoniana and of the North End area of Sydney.
Published
File consists of an address delivered by Dr. Morgan on September 28, 1977 at College of Cape Breton (CBU)
Published
File consists of drafts of a paper delivered by Dr. Morgan about early surveying in Cape Breton. A copy of The Nova Scotia Surveyor also included.
Published
File consists of a paper delivered by Dr. Morgan documenting the history of the community of Westmount.
Published
File consists of a paper delivered by Dr. Morgan to the Humanities Association of Canada on January 27th 1975.
Published
File consists of a talk delivered by Dr. Morgan for an Irish history symposium in August 1995 as well as excerpts from the diary.
Published
File consists of notes and paper draft related to the 19th century Cape Breton economy. Authorship has not yet been confirmed.
Published
File consists of notes for a talk presented by Dr. Morgan as part of the Gaelic Language Institute held at the Highland Village on May 7 2009. There are also hand-written notes and a program included in the file.
Published
File consists of hand-written notes about the history of Baddeck and a chapter from the publication Baddeck, And That Sort of Thing.
Published
File consists of paper delivered by Dr. Morgan to the Innovations Advisory Committee on April 6, 1989. Correspondence regarding the invitation to speak also included.
Published
File consists of a draft of Dr. Morgan's paper Amerinds.
Published
Files consists of talk co-authored by Robert Morgan and John Johnston and delivered to the Isle Madame Genealogical Society on August 15th 2000.
Published
This file contains Dr. Morgan's introduction for Owen Fitzgerald's publication Cape Breton.
Published
Series consists of research files and course preparation for various history lectures and presentations related to Dr. Morgan's teaching career. Some of these files include training sessions provided to interpretive staff at the Fortress of Louisbourg, as well course content for his College of Cape Breton / University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University) classes. Photographs included in the files were used as illustrations during the course delivery.
Published
File consists of research related to the first Governor of Cape Breton, Joseph Frederick Wallet Desbarres.
Published
Published
File consists of primarily of research related to Dr. Morgan's contribution about John Despard to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography and New Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Correspondence related to the two submissions are included in the file.
Published
Published
Published
File consists of research notes and citations pertaining to the history of Wentworth Park. Dr. Morgan provided history and text for the completion of panels installed installed in Wentworth park as part of a revitalization project.
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
File consists of a transcript of an interview of Abbie Libbus and Aggie MacNeil about women's hockey prior to and after 1950. Interviewer is not listed - possibly Kim Williamson.
Published
File consists of research notes, articles, copied archival documents related to the history of the Dominion Iron and Steel Corporation (DISCO) and the Dominion Coal Company.
Published
File consists of research files, newspaper clippings and articles related to shipbuilding, shipping, coal mining and general industry in Cape Breton. The content primarily focuses on the 19th century.
Published
Published
Published
File consists of research notes and materials related to Dr. Morgan's article about Richard Gibbons for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
Published
File consists of research files and biography related to A.C. Dodd for Dr. Morgan's contribution to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Correspondence related to the DCB work is also included.
Published
File consists of research notes and drafts for Dr. Morgan's contribution to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
Published
This file contains primarily research files related to Dr. Morgan's contribution to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography pertaining to the submission about George Robert Ainslie.
Published
Published
File consists of drafts, articles and correspondence related to Dr. Morgan's Dictionary of Canadian Biography for Hugh Swayne.
Published
File consists of an entry for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography by Dr. Morgan.
Published
File consists of drafts of Dr. Morgan's biography of William Smith and a letter from Dr. Allan E. Marble of the Nova Scotia Historical Society requesting a copy of the entry.
Published
File consists of drafts of Dr. Morgan's biography of James Ogilvie for inclusion in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
Published
File consists of drafts of Dr. Morgan's biography of Nicholas Nepean as well as letters of correspondence between Dr. Morgan and The Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
Published
File consists of four drafts (one in French) of Dr. Morgan's John Murray biography as well as correspondence with staff at the DCB.
Published
File consists of research notes and drafts pertaining to Dr. Morgan's submission to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography about David Mathews. Also included in the file is correspondence between former Provincial Archivist Phyllis R. Blakeley and Dr. Morgan.
Published
File consists of drafts in French and English of Dr. Morgan's article for submission to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography about William MacKinnon.
Published
File consists of drafts of Dr. Morgan's William MacCarmick biography for submission to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
Published
File consists of French and English copies of a biography of Laurence Kavanagh, several detailing Dr. Morgan's correspondence with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography including hand-written notes.
Published
Contains three drafts of Abraham Cuyler's biography as well as correspondence with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
Published
This file consists of a copy of correspondence between Rev. Ranna Cossitt and Rev. William Morice and others dated between 1785 and 1789. A copy of Dr. Morgan's entry for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography about Rev. Ranna Cossitt along with notes and correspondence is also included.
Published
Published
Published
Published
File consists of drafts, notes and correspondence related to Dr. Morgan's work for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography related to the entry for William Campbell. Editorial notes included.
Published
File consists of lecture notes for HIST 345.
Published
Published
File consists of a copy of original legal documents pertaining to the Flahavan murder case.
Published
Published
Poem by Ross Louis presented to Dr. Morgan on the occasion of his full professorship at the University College of Cape Breton.
Published
Poem by Ross Louis presented to Dr. Morgan on the occasion of his full professorship at the University College of Cape Breton.
Published
Homily given in honour of Barbara Morgan by Fr. Frank Abbass at Stella Maris Parish, Inverness.
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published
Series consists of newspaper clippings related to Dr. Morgan's research interests, publications, committee work and community outreach. Primarily focused on Cape Breton related topics.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings concerning various built heritage projects and local heritage preservation initiatives including the excavation under St. Patrick's Church, Louisbourg renovations and Cossitt House.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings about the Beaton Institute at Cape Breton University. Also includes articles related to Dr. Morgan's work and research while Director of the Beaton Institute.
Published
File consists of a series of newspaper clippings documenting stories about local preservation of heritage sites, museums and buildings.
Published
File consists of news clippings reporting on the activity of The Old Sydney Society dating back to the mid 1970s.
Published
File consists of a selection of newspaper clippings and photographs relating to the Fortress of Louisbourg, National Historic Site. File also contains a schedule for the Fortress of Louisbourg, NHS grand opening.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings documenting Cape Breton's commercial and industrial sectors.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings related to the memory of Sister Margaret Beaton, founder and former Director of the Beaton Institute.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings covering Cape Breton political events and politicians.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings documenting stories about Cape Breton arts and and education.
Published
File consists of newspaper clippings which pertain to cultural stories from the local community as well as celebration of anniversaries of various Cape Breton communities and organizations.
Published
Published
Refers to examining the recent history, financial managment, administration, and personel of U.C.C.B
Published
Makes reference to the Shaw report which examines the future of U.C.C.B in 1992
Published
This refers again to the Shaw Report and examines UCCB's role in the Cape Breton Community
Published
Refers to a financial plan laid out in the Shaw Report pertaining to UCCB's future
Published
A continuation of notes on the financial plan laid out in the Shaw report.
Published
This card refers to The Shaw report's reccomendations on Academic Procedures
Published
Refers to the Shaw reports reccomendations on how to organize upper management in UCCB.
Published
This card has notes on the historical background of UCCB given in the Shaw report
Published
Notes on changing the perceived reputation of UCCB
Published
Various Recommendations made by Dr. Morgan in regards to the Shaw report.
Published
Describes how Dr. Morgan wanted to organize his notes on the report.
Published
Notes on the financial recommendations for the university.
Published
Notes on the financial recommendations for the university.
Published
Discussing Dr. Morgan's thoughts on problems facing UCCB's development
Published
Describes Dr. Morgan's notes on recommendations made by the UCCB president re administration.
Published
Short notes on the managment review section of the Shaw report
Published
Dr. Morgan's notes concerning administration changes in the university
Published
Continuation of Dr. Morgan's notes concerning admin changes.
Published
Notes describing various people and their expertise/duties.
Published
Notes regarding the need for legal counsel for the university. Does not mention a specific legal matter.
Published
Notes regarding the university's strategy for public relations.
Published
Notes about UCCB's policies for dealing with external institutions.
Published
Notes regarding the development of athletics at UCCB
Published
Further notes on UCCB athletes.
Published
Notes regarding student affairs and the student union organization at UCCB
Published
Notes regarding the resource managment of UCCB
Published
Notes discussing UCCB's policies on staff rank and tenure
Published
Notes regarding the selection of deans and department heads
Published
Dr. Morgan's notes regarding the importance of faculty co-operation in UCCB
Published
Continued notes on the faculty organization of UCCB at the time of the Shaw report.
Published
Dr. Morgan's notes on administration changes happening in UCCB at the time of the Shaw report
Published
Continuation of the notes regarding the changing of administration staff at UCCB.
Published
Continued notes regarding administration changes at UCCB.
Published
Continuation of Dr. Morgan's notes regarding admin changes at UCCB.
Published
Note regarding the appointment of new admin staff at UCCB
Published
Continuation of the notes regarding admin membership at UCCB at the time of the Shaw report
Published
Continuation of the notes regarding admin membership at UCCB
Published
Continuation of the admin membership notes
Published
Further notes of administration changes at UCCB
Published
Further notes of administration changes at UCCB
Published
Further notes of administration changes at UCCB
Published
Further notes of administration changes at UCCB
Published
Notes on administrative practices at UCCB
Published
Published
Published
Published
Published