Release: October 22, 2018

TWO EVENTS
A free public talk by historical geographer and author Ronald Rees
New Brunswick’s William Francis Ganong

and

The launch of a new illustrated book
The Creative City of Saint John

The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) and the Royal Society of Canada, Atlantic Steering Committee, are pleased to host a twofold event that is sure to engage the public on Saturday, November 3 from 2:30-5pm at the NBM Exhibition Centre.

Beginning at 2:30-3:15pm in the Mary Oland Theatre enjoy a compelling talk by historical geographer and author Ronald Rees on New Brunswick’s William Francis Ganong: Impassioned Naturalist, Geographer, and Wilderness Explorer. During this richly illustrated talk learn about Dr. William Francis Ganong (1864-1941) an extraordinary New Brunswicker through historical photographs as well as Ganong’s own maps and drawings. Get a glimpse into the working life of one the province’s most renowned scientists and historians – from his summers conducting field research in throughout New Brunswick to his role in helping to found the NBM.

Following the talk, from 3:15 to 5:00 pm, at the NBM Shop, pick up your copy of The Creative City of Saint John newly released by Formac Publishing Company Ltd. Enjoy conversations and refreshments with some of the scholars who contributed to this fascinating book, including its editors : Gwendolyn Davies, Emerita Professor and Dean at the University of New Brunswick and a prolific author, editor and authority on Maritime/Canadian literature;  Peter Larocque, Head of Humanities and Curator of Art at the New Brunswick Museum, Fellow of the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design as well as an honorary member of the New Brunswick Historical Society; and Christl Verduyn, Professor of English, Davidson Chair and Director of the Centre for Canadian Studies at Mount Allison University, who has published extensively in the areas of Canadian literature and Canadian studies.

This publication results from the 2016 symposium, The Creative City: Saint John, jointly organized by the New Brunswick Museum and the Royal Society of Canada (Atlantic Steering Committee) that focused on aspects of Saint John’s contribution to art, architecture, literature and science in the period 1867 to 1967.

This book presents a wide-ranging portrayal of the creative work accomplished in the city in the hundred years following Confederation. With over 100 illustrations relating to the art, early scientific discoveries, music and best-selling authors, this book features new insights on Saint John’s creative impact as never before.

Among the many revelations are: the contribution to Maritime natural history made by a moth found in the city, the role of the city’s Great Fire in generating a host of visual artists documenting the urban landscape, and the little-known Hollywood connection that made the city a hotbed of film production — in the early 1900s.

“The partnership between the Royal Society of Canada (Atlantic Steering Committee) and the New Brunswick Museum has permitted multi-disciplinary research to be brought to the public.  This intersection of art, history and science is fertile ground for understanding our past, present and future. ” says Peter J. Larocque, NBM Art Curator.

All are welcome to join historians, editors, scholars and representatives from both collaborating partners at this event at the New Brunswick Museum on Saturday, 3 November 2018, 2:30-5pm. Free event.

The Creative City of Saint John and Ronald Rees’ NEW BRUNSWICK WAS HIS COUNTRY, The Life of William Francis Ganong are available at the NBM Shop and make a great gift idea for the upcoming holidays.

For more information:

Caitlin Griffiths or Aristi Dsilva, Communications & Marketing, New Brunswick Museum
(506) 654-7059 or (506) 643-2358
info@nbm-mnb.ca