Editor’s note: The banner image above is from the wedding of Sandy and Diane Weir, November 1974. Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta.
Written by: Heather Northcott, Government Records Archivist, Provincial Archives of Alberta
Showcasing a variety of archival records and images, the Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA) is pleased to present its latest exhibit “Love and Marriage.”
The exhibit was inspired by the often joyful and sometimes sad stories that fill the archival vaults waiting for discovery. Visitors to the exhibit will first encounter images and letters about love blossoming before exploring narratives of engagement and marriage. The arc of romance and marriage leads naturally to anniversaries, divorce and death. The exhibit would not be complete without addressing who is missing – the groups or communities not well represented by the archival documents – and putting a call out for records donations.
While many of the images and documents are light-hearted, some touch on heartbreak. One particularly poignant love story is between schoolteacher Robina Hamilton and farmer Léon Meyus. Their love letters are filled with a gentle tenderness. Sadly, during WWII, Léon left his farm to work in Calgary where he was hit and killed by a train. The registration of his death and a related newspaper article are included in the exhibit. So too is a newspaper memorial written by Robina a year later. Eventually, Robina went on to marry another man and that marriage registration is on display.
March 1955. Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta.
February 26, 1954. Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta.
The theme of love and marriage is used to illustrate the variety of records at the archives. As a total archives, the PAA has official government records as well as records donated by private individuals. The government records featured in the exhibit, such as marriage registrations, death registrations and divorce records, are frequently used by genealogists. But, just as archival research often requires the use of multiple sources, the government records on display only provide part of the story, and it is the private donations of letters and photographs that add detail and personality to the individuals involved.
By using a familiar tale, visitors can hopefully see their own stories and be inspired to explore the archives further. The “Love and Marriage” exhibit will be on display at the Provincial Archives of Alberta, 8555 Roper Road, until April 2025. Admission is free. Please consult the PAA for the facility hours.
RETROactive 