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.
Morgan, Robert JamesFile 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.
This file contains a history of St. Patrick's Church written by Dr. Morgan in 1966. A pamphlet about the church also included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
File consists of newspaper clippings documenting stories about Cape Breton arts and and education.
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.
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.
File consists of a series of newspaper clippings documenting stories about local preservation of heritage sites, museums and buildings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
File consists of newspaper clippings related to the memory of Sister Margaret Beaton, founder and former Director of the Beaton Institute.
File consists of a hand-written and typed or published version of an article that may have been presented also as a public talk.
File consists of a paper delivered by Dr. Morgan to the Humanities Association of Canada on January 27th 1975.
File consists of news clippings reporting on the activity of The Old Sydney Society dating back to the mid 1970s.
File consists of newspaper clippings covering Cape Breton political events and politicians.
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.
File consists of drafts of Dr. Morgan's William MacCarmick biography for submission to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
File consists of a talk about the history of Sydney Harbour. Date and location of the talk is not noted.
File consists of an address delivered by Dr. Morgan on September 28, 1977 at College of Cape Breton (CBU)
File consists of a speech delivered to the Atlantic Rotary Club Convention in Sydney on June 22, 1981. Two accompany drafts are also included.
File consists of research notes and materials related to Dr. Morgan's article about Richard Gibbons for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
File consists of a talk delivered to the NS School Library Association Annual Conference on October 19, 1979.
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.
This file contains Dr. Morgan's introduction for Owen Fitzgerald's publication Cape Breton.
File consists of drafts in French and English of Dr. Morgan's article for submission to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography about William MacKinnon.
Contains three drafts of Abraham Cuyler's biography as well as correspondence with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
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.
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.
File consists of two copies of a paper about early Cape Breton industry.
File consists of two copies of a paper about ethnic groups in Cape Breton.
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.
File consists of an address delivered by R.J. Morgan to the Atlantic Oral History Conference in Truro on October 19 1979.
File consists of a copy of a speech delivered by Dr. Morgan at the 1979 Sydney Academy graduation ceremonies.
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.
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.