Next In Conversation event explores the history of Orillia’s Champlain monument
“Orillia’s Champlain Monument: Historical Insights,” will be the topic of discussion at Lakehead’s upcoming In Conversation at the Orillia Public Library on Tuesday, April 21. Photo by Deb Halbot Photography
April 14, 2015 – Orillia, ON
What is the history behind one of Orillia’s most talked-about, and sometimes controversial, landmarks – the Champlain monument?
At the next In Conversation event – on Tuesday, April 21 – at the Orillia Public Library, Lakehead’s Dr. Michael Stevenson, Associate Professor of History, will present his interesting research findings about the monument, originally intended to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Champlain’s travels through the region.
The sculpture by Vernon March was unveiled in 1925 after being delayed by the First World War. Dr. Stevenson will highlight the issues of historical memory, civic boosterism, and the representation of Aboriginals that emerged during the construction of the Champlain Monument and that continue to resonate today.
“The Champlain Monument represents one of the most intriguing pieces of Orillia’s past,” says Dr. Stevenson. “What I have found especially interesting are the recollections of local residents who have a family connection to some aspect of the monument or who have conducted their own investigations into its history. I’m looking forward to both sharing my research and discussing the story of the monument’s creation with Orillians at the upcoming In Conversation event.”
Dr. Stevenson’s talk and discussion takes place on Tuesday, April 21, from 6:15 to 8 pm at the Orillia Public Library. Admission is free, but registration is required and is accepted by email at info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca; by phone at 705-325-2338; or in person at the Library (36 Mississaga St. West).
For a full schedule of In Conversation topics and dates, visit the Lakehead University website at lakeheadu.ca and check the calendar of events.
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In Conversation series website link: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/public-lectures.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca
In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.
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