“LIVING HISTORY” IN CANADA: Representing Victorian Culture In The Multicultural Present by ANDREA TERRY A thesis submitted to the Department of Art in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Queen's University Kingston, Ontario, Canada August, 2010 Copyright © Andrea Terry, 2010 Abstract In this study, I investigate the institutional relationship between heritage, living history, and memory in Canadian living history museums, specifically, historic homes that represent Victorian material culture in the contemporary multicultural context. I consider how historic homes in Canada have been preserved, restored, and constructed as evidentiary – as artefacts for use as civic instruments in the practice and performance of history. My study connects the artefact to the performance of history at three living history museums which, like so many heritage sites in Canada, taken together deploy “founding nations” mythologies: Dundurn Castle in Hamilton and William Lyon Mackenzie House in Toronto, Ontario, and the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. To make this connection, I examine the “Victorian Christmas” program offered annually at each site; the Christmas programs are examples of “living history” in action – period rooms are decorated to represent a historical seasonal celebration, interpreters discuss traditions and activities associated with the occasion, and visitors sing carols and eat festive treats. I explore the implications of institutional interpretations of the past that privilege bi-national mythologies, despite the fact that each site I have chosen is located in the midst of a large urban centre’s ethnically diverse (multicultural) population – and, in the case of the Cartier Houses in Montreal, a constituency informed by contemporary souverainiste issues. ii Acknowledgements If it takes a village to raise a child, I would suggest that it also takes a village – a community of valued, trusted, loving supporters – to support a graduate student who wants to finish her thesis. First and foremost, I want to thank my supervisor, Lynda Jessup who believed in me even when, at times, I did not necessarily believe in myself. Lynda, without you I honestly can say I do not know if I would be where I am today – I appreciate everything you have done for and with me. You consistently offered valuable insights, and you gave much needed support and encouragement at crucial times throughout this entire process. I find mere words insufficient to fully express the depth of my gratitude, so please know I consider you to be one of the most inspiring and kind people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My research methods required me to work directly with intelligent, capable and dedicated people. Without their willingness and subsequent agreement to participate in my study and help me as they saw fit, this project would not have been possible. I would like to thank Bill Nesbitt and Ken Heaman of Dundurn Castle, Fiona Lucas and Rita Russell of Mackenzie House, and Isabelle Chalifoux and David Ledoyen of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada. Each of these people graciously took time out of their busy schedules, particularly during the Christmas season, to answer my questions and point me in directions that I might not have pursued on my own, directions that were of great benefit during the research process. I am also grateful to all the unnamed interpreters who permitted me to attend and record their tours. These individuals are enthusiastic and highly skilled museum workers who imbue the tours with both energy and insight. In respecting your choice for and right to privacy, I hope you know who you are. I must also thank both Jessica Wurster and Sharon Murray who hosted me while I conducted research in Montreal, your homes are as lovely as your personalities. As teachers, mentors and colleagues, Jeffrey Brison, Una D’Elia Michele George, Janice Helland, Eva Mackey, Hayden Maginnis, Alison McQueen, John Osborne, Clive Robertson, Joan iii Schwartz and the late Warren Tressider have all helped me to get to this point in my academic career, each person contributing in different yet vital ways. As my undergraduate instructors at McMaster University, Hayden and Alison encouraged me to push the boundaries of my understanding. What is more, Alison’s continued efforts to keep the Art History program at McMaster running despite some significant odds demonstrates her level of dedication to not only the discipline but also her students. Michele helped me to realize my potential in her undergraduate seminar course on Roman art and supported me when I applied to graduate school – I will never forget her kind words. Dr. Warren Tressider was the person who first sat me down (immediately following my presentation in his seminar course on Titian) and explicitly told me that I had to go to graduate school; interestingly, it was he who first suggested that I consider Queen’s. I kept the notes I made in that meeting for years afterward as a constant reminder of his belief in me. When I first came to Queen’s, Janice Helland kindly showed me the ropes and has been one of the most constant and stalwart sources of support a grad student could ask for, from beginning to end. Clive Robertson’s keen insight forced me to delve below the surface of topics I chose to study so as to explore their inherent complexity. Jeffrey Brison, like Lynda, believed in me when I did not completely believe in myself; his encouragement and enthusiasm for my studies are greatly appreciated. Joan Schwartz’s ability to motivate her students drove me to delve into archival studies in ways I did not know were possible and subsequently allowed me to work with John Osborne so as to further cultivate my knowledge of and awareness of Canadian studies, photography and art. Eva Mackey’s work and support prompted me to conceive of my doctoral research in a highly sophisticated way, if I do say so myself, and I look forward to working with her as a postdoctoral fellow. Finally, I must thank Una D’Elia who, as the 2010- 2011 graduate supervisor, graciously dropped everything on her plate to come in and help me sort out administrative issues so that I could submit my thesis on time. Una, the graduate student body in the Department of Art is lucky to have you. Also, thank you to Blaine Allen and Peter iv Hodgins for being on my defense committee, your comments were both enlightening and thought-provoking. A graduate student is oftentimes hard pressed to make a go of things as far as finances go, but I was fortunate to have secured employment with a variety of people throughout my doctoral studies. Karen Dubinsky, Jane Errington, Scott Kennedy, Shelley King, Jason Laker, James Low, John Osborne and Paul Robertson offered me work during crucial periods. I learned a great many things working for and with these people. As John Osborne’s research assistant, I had no idea that my work would lead to my first co-authored professional article, but it did and I am grateful to him for that most valuable opportunity. Working with Jason Laker as a teaching assistant in the Department of Gender Studies at Queen’s allowed me to hone my interactions and dealings with students. Scott Kennedy provided me with a teaching assistant position for three years in Queen’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Scott, thank you for your kindness, trust, humour and unwavering support. I have loved being able to tell people that I’m studying Art History and working in the Engineering faculty; more specifically, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing multiple brows furrow over the years. Working with Dr. Low, Paul Robertson and Jane Errington as the Margaret Angus Research Fellow at the Museum of Health Care at Kingston gave me great insight into the interesting field of medical history and the connections between medicine and art, connections that are far more pronounced than one might initially suspect. I have been a graduate student in the Department of Art at Queen’s University for seven years, having completed first my Master’s and now my PhD, and in that time I have come into contact with a great many intelligent, supportive and wonderful people. Each one has contributed to not only my work but also my person in varied but vital ways. I met Erin Morton, Taryn Sirove and Kristy Holmes when I began my studies as a Master’s student, and each one (thankfully) has remained my friend to this day, Erin touching base with me and offering insight and advice at every turn, showing me how to advocate for myself and broaden my scope of understanding – Erin, I consider myself most fortunate to call you my friend. I have had the v pleasure of seeing Taryn flourish in Toronto. Kristy I watched move from Kingston to Sackville and, finally, to Thunder Bay, and I have never once stopped admiring her strength, determination, kindness and humour. As the years progressed, other people entered the scene, each person adding a new dynamic to my enjoyment and appreciation of my work as a graduate student. Krista Bennett (my travelling compatriot), Amanda Morhart and Riva Symko (my beach buddies) all showed me that a sharp wit, laughter and relaxation are essential elements for a happy life. Living with Susan Cahill allowed me to better understand the importance of having kind, generous people around you wherever whenever for whatever good reason you want to make up. As the years progressed, I went on to live on my own but had the good insight to invite Alena Buis to be my housemate, one of the best decisions ever – always good times at 82 Wellington; not only could I just walk away from my computer and head downstairs to have good talks whenever I wanted, I also had the privilege of hanging out with one of the most socially and intellectually adept people I know.