With over 100,000 photos, the Hudson's Bay Company Archives photo collection is accessed regularly by researchers, writers, film companies and genealogists. The photo archives, maintained by senior archivist Debra Moore, is a treasure trove documenting the business activities of the HBC: life in northern communities, the evolution of trading posts, retail in the 20th century, and everything in-between.
The archive was brought about by The Beaver magazine in 1920. The magazine would commission photos from different photographers for their publication, as well as receive photo submissions from HBC employees and their families, missionaries, scientists, military and RCMP personnel.
More from the HBC Archives
Archivist Bronwen Quarry shares story of Gertrude Perrin and the importance of private records within the Hudson's Bay Company Archives.
Maureen Dolyniuk, Manager of the Hudson's Bay Company Archives at the Archives of Manitoba in Winnipeg, explains the importance of Post Journals and the story of Francis Heron.
Archives Keeper Maureen Dolyniuk gives an expert overview of the history and mandate of the Hudson's Bay Company Archives.
Senior archivist Denise Jones shows us how to uncover layers of information by researching multiple records.