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Title proper
Bertha Lawrence Fonds
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- Textual record
- Graphic material
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- Source of title proper: Title based on name of creator.
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Fonds
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Physical description
1 m of textual records. - 12 photographs
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Archival description area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Bertha Lawrence was a dedicated internationalist, who advocated for the ideals and mission of the United Nations in Edmonton.
Born in Britain in 1901, Ms. Lawrence immigrated to the city with her parents as a child. She later returned to England to attend high school but was interrupted by the First World War.
Encouraged by a professor at the University of Alberta while undertaking her Honours History degree, Bertha Lawrence joined the League of Nations Association - Edmonton Chapter. After she completed her undergraduate degree, Ms. Lawrence began a teaching career and continued her education. In the late 1930s, she pursued a graduate degree with a scholarship from London University but was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. Bertha Lawrence joined the British Army's Auxiliary Territorial Service, and served in London during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
When the United Nations emerged during the post-war period, she became an active member of the UN Association of Canada - Edmonton Branch. Continuing as a teacher until her retirement in 1964, Ms. Lawrence worked with the other members of the association to keep the people of the city informed on the activities of the world body, such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. They addressed clubs, distributed information, and held forums on the United Nations and its operation in order to create a well-informed public opinion about the international organization. The Edmonton Branch also organized UN Week, UNICEF campaigns, the Miles for Millions march, UNESCO seminars, model UN debates and other educational and fundraising activities. Bertha Lawrence was also a member of the Edmonton & District International Aid Society.
Bertha Lawrence continued her activities with the UN association well into her nineties, and remained interested in educating people about the role of the UN in a constantly changing world. Bertha Lawrence died on November 21st, 2002.
Custodial history
R.T.E. McLaughlin held the positions of Vice-President and President of the UN Association Edmonton Branch and was a close friend of Bertha Lawrence.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of records created or collected by Bertha Lawrence through her involvement in various organizations and subcommittees related to the operation of the United Nations Association in Canada, specifically those of the Edmonton Branch. The organizations represented in the records include the United Nations in Canada - Edmonton Branch, The Miles for Millions UN Association subcommittee, the Edmonton & District International Aid Society, UNICEF, the Public Education Committee, as well as the League of Nations.
The records themselves consist of correspondence, minutes, receipts, financial documents, publications of both the United Nations and the UN Association, fundraising information, handbooks, a history of the United Nations Association in Canada - Edmonton Branch transcript written by Bertha Lawrence, and photographs.
The photographs consist of the activities of the United Nations In Canada - Edmonton Branch and are all described under File 15 and 50 of the file list.
Notes area
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
This fonds was donated to the City of Edmonton Archives by Bertha Lawrence via R.T.E. McLaughlin in 1998.
Arrangement
The material was arranged according to the filing system of the creator.
Language of material
- English
- French
Script of material
Location of originals
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Restrictions on access
There are no restrictions on access.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Copyright may apply.
Finding aids
File list available online.
Associated materials
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
General note
Accession number: A98-39
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