We have had a busy few months at the University Archives and Special Collections. While a dearth of file folders brought processing work to a brief but grinding halt, we focused on putting up some targeted displays, and catching up on odd projects.

The first new display to go up, making use of the new display cabinets was an exhibition showcasing a portion of the treasures our donors have shared with us over the past few years. These donations serve to enhance research at the university, as well as preserve local histories. Also, many are just plain interesting to look at! (Musk Ox horns or Victorian Trade Cards, anyone?).

That display has since been replaced with the Ground and Third floor exhibition on Women in Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, which is currently ongoing. This was an interesting exhibit to put together. Aside from dominant names such as Sylvia Fedoruk, finding materials relating to the early study of physics by women at the U of S required a lot of detective work and digging.

Female Physicist Facts:

• Luise Herzberg, the first woman to be given any sort of a staff position in physics at the U of S is also thought to have been one of the last Jewish people to receive a PhD in 1933 Germany.
• The first female graduate with a B. Sc in Physics at the U of S was Margaret Marshall, in 1938.
• The first female M.Sc in Physics at the U of S was Norma Morgenroth, 1946. She acted as head of the Physics club from 1942-1943.

The Link Gallery has also seen a display rotation, with Amy Chillog’s exhibition on Robert Newton Hurley going up this month. Hurley is known for his colourful landscapes depicting the beauty of the prairies, and while the collection does feature a few wonderful examples of these, this exhibit focuses on the lesser known works. Here you will find his pen and pencil sketches of landscapes, people, flora and fauna; colourful abstract pieces, which he called “Hurleyniks”; as well as photos and other biographical memorabilia. As a fun addition, Amy has set up the ipad with an interactive art program — an opportunity to share your own landscapes and art! Highly suggest you check it out.

In sadder news, this month we will be seeing Beth Richert leave our ranks to pursue new opportunities and adventures across the water — in Scotland! She has been a valuable member of our team, endlessly patient with our quirks and foibles, and tirelessly working on projects that would have been impossible to even begin without her help. She will be greatly missed.

Keep an eye on our facebook and twitter pages for ongoing updates from Olympics past!