Visit a student-curated display on the fast-paced silk train era!
Learn about Leon J. Eekman, a notable Belgian-Canadian in Victoria BC.
The RBSC reading room is closed Tuesday, February 4, due to winter weather conditions.
Happy Lunar New Year! Read about the connections between this holiday and the role of the “Chinese Lily” in it’s celebration.
The history of Chinese sailors in Canada’s reveals a complex web of resilience, discrimination, and global interconnectedness. From the galleys of trans-Pacific steamships to the corridors of Ottawa, Chinese above and below deck were pivotal in the evolution of Canadian shipping, especially through 1880-1950. Often relegated to the most arduous and undervalued positions, they formed tight-knit communities, facilitated global trade, and faced systemic racism both onboard and ashore. This narrative ties their struggles and contributions to broader global trends, highlighting Vancouver as a critical hub in the network of Chinese seafarers across the British Empire and beyond.
Journey with the opulent Empress of Britain in 1932, where New Year’s Day was celebrated with a lavish ten-course feast near the pyramids of Egypt. Explore this culinary journey through the Chung and Lind Collections at UBC’s Rare Books and Special Collections.