Fonds MS-688 - Bertha Lawrence Fonds

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.