190th Anniversary Exhibit | 1821: McGill University's First Year
In 1821 McGill University received its charter and thus fulfilled the requirements under the will of James McGill to benefit from his estate. This exhibition looks at the events of that year - in Montreal, in Canada and in the world: work began on the Lachine Canal, the Montreal based North West Company merged with its arch rival the London based Hudson's Bay Company, George the IVth was crowned king, Napoleon died, the Greek revolution began, independence came to much of Spanish America and the poet John Keats died. These events and others are celebrated through portraits, views and documents providing an eclectic view of the world into which the University was born.
In addition, one section of the exhibition is devoted to James McGill himself with portraits and business documents from the collections of Rare Books and Special Collections. As well, there are books from his library, the plan and elevation of his townhouse and a view of Burnside Place.
The McGill University Library is delighted to join with the rest of the University in celebrating our 190th birthday!
Exhibit runs now to June 1, 2012
Accessible during opening hours. | Free entrance.