• Collecting the World in Newfoundland

    Misha Ewen  Sugar, tobacco, porcelain, and cod. These worldly goods—that came to define early modern empires and networks of global trade—could all be found in the homes of Newfoundland women Sara Kirke and her sister Frances Hopkins. The Pool in Ferryland was their home throughout the middle and later decades of the seventeenth century. Their… Continue Reading

  • Unearthing a New Acadia

    Hilary Doda This post begins an occasional series on Material Histories. Using artifacts as a lens, frameworks from archaeology and other fields of material history can be extremely helpful for historians seeking to incorporate different, often non-literate, voices into their understanding of past societies. ~ Editors A small green glass jewel in a plated metal… Continue Reading

  • “English” Chairs and “English” Desks: Rethinking Material Culture in New France

    Philippe Halbert In 1726, the earthly possessions of Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil and governor-general of New France, were inventoried at his Quebec residence. The late governor-general’s château Saint-Louis ranked among the most sumptuous households in the capital city, and the royal notary Jacques Barbel appraised an array of French and Flemish tapestries, Chinese… Continue Reading

  • Chaises à l’anglaise et bureaux anglais, ou repenser la culture matérielle en Nouvelle-France

    Philippe Halbert En 1726, les biens terrestres de Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil et gouverneur général de la Nouvelle-France, ont été inventoriés à Québec. Sa résidence, le château Saint-Louis, figurait parmi les plus somptueuses de la capitale. Parcourant les chambres, antichambres et cabinets du château, le notaire royal Jacques Barbel a dénombré des tentures… Continue Reading