Matt Hayday, a historian at the University of Guelph, has spearheaded the formation of a new organization to represent Canadian political historians. The first meeting of the Canadian Political History Group will take place at the Canadian Historical Association Annual Meeting at Carleton University on Monday May 25th from 12:00-1:00 in Mackenzie (ME) 4494. The group is intended for anyone with an interest in the many aspects of Canadian political history. The first meeting will involve the approval of a constitution, election of officers, etc.
Dr Hayday explained the rationale of the group as follows: “First, I believe that there are more people working on political history topics than many of us realize, and I would like to try to foster more of a sense of a research community for us to exchange ideas and keep each other apprised of what we are working on. Second, I would like there to be more of a political history presence within the Canadian Historical Association. One of the first objectives that I had in mind for such a group would be to organize political history panels for the CHA Annual conference. Third, I believe that there is a “new” political history emerging, one which takes into account many of the new ideas and methods that have been developed in other branches of history. I think it would be productive to have a more active discussion about where Canadian political history is heading – and to demonstrate that it still has some vitality!”
I plan to become a member of the new group. I’m looking forward to its first meeting, which will take place a week from today.
The Past Speaks 