A Wonderful Obsession: Morris Norman’s Passionate Search for Canadiana

Morris Norman, avid collector of all things Canada, has over several years donated significant collections to the Archives and Research Collections, McMaster University Library.  The latest exhibition in the Archives provides a window into Mr. Norman’s fascinating, eclectic collecting habits. At first glance his collections appear to be helter skelter–a dizzying array of materials on many topics and events lost in the blur of Canadian history. A closer scrutiny reveals discernible patterns and a deeper sensibility of connected experiences about our country’s culture. Mr. Norman’s extraordinary, diverse collections illustrate the complexity of Canada’s social, political and business past. We thank him for his generous donations. We invite scholars and the educated to explore this exhibition and to enjoy its many byways, highlighting Mr. Norman’s astuteness, diligence, and collecting forays into Canadian history.  Read more about the donations highlighted in the exhibit.

Explore the exhibit in the lower level of Mills Memorial Library

from October 1- December 24, 2010

Text by Morris Norman, Carl Spadoni and Renu Barrett

Materials for exhibit chosen and displayed by Renu Barrett

Online exhibit by Kim Kerr