Explore unique highlights from UBC’s Open Collections, as well as insights into the work of the Digitization Centre. From announcements of new projects and collections to behind-the-scenes looks at our digitization process, we share the stories and hidden gems that inspire us in our efforts to preserve and make accessible diverse materials.
The Klondike Gold Rush: Stories Behind the Search for Gold
Posted on Apr 24, 2025 by Tianyi Fei
In August 1896, on the banks of a quiet creek in the remote Yukon territory, the promise of unimaginable fortune shimmered beneath the surface. Skookum Jim (Keish), Tagish Charlie (K̲áa Goox̱), and George Carmack discovered gold in Bonanza Creek. Their find set into motion one of the most legendary gold rushes in North American history: […]
Nüshu: China’s Secret Language of Women in Our Open Collection
Posted on Apr 10, 2025 by Tianyi Fei
In the rich tapestry of cultural expressions, few narratives are as quietly impactful as that of Nüshu (女書, meaning “women’s writing” in Chinese). Nüshu is a syllabic script that was primarily used by Yao women in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province, China. For generations, this unique writing system allowed women to express their thoughts, emotions, and […]
Introducing the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection!
Posted on Mar 25, 2025 by Elizabeth Edgerton
We are excited to announce the launch of a long-awaited addition to our Open Collection: the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection! Donated to the UBC Library in 2020 by UBC alumnus Philip B. Lind, the collection is an extraordinary collection of photographs, maps, books, artifacts, and other unique materials that document the events and […]
Exploring Tang Quatrains, Part 2: Poetry on History and Myths
Posted on Feb 18, 2025 by Tianyi Fei
What can poetry reveal about history, mythology, and cultural memory? In the Tang dynasty, poets not only expressed personal emotions but also engaged with historical events, folklore, and timeless legends. In our previous blog post, we explored themes of frontier life, parting, and nostalgia in Tang quatrains (read Part 1 here). This week, we continue […]
Exploring Tang Quatrains, Part 1: Frontier, Farewell, and Nostalgia
Posted on Jan 24, 2025 by Tianyi Fei
The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is often regarded as the golden age of classical Chinese poetry, celebrated for its exceptional cultural and literary achievements. Tang poetry remains a cornerstone of Chinese literature, attracting both scholars and enthusiasts for centuries. Among the many poetic forms of the era, the Chinese quatrain holds a special place for […]
The Negatives 5396 Larch Photo Album: Family Life in Early 20th-Century Vancouver
Posted on Nov 25, 2024 by Tianyi Fei
The Negatives 5396 Larch Photo Album offers a warm and intimate look into family life in the early 20th century, capturing moments from a family residing at 5396 Larch St., Vancouver, B.C. At this time, the city’s communities were evolving amid social and economic changes, marking an era of growth and adaptation. As part of […]
Reeling in the Past: Game Fishing in Canada
Posted on Oct 25, 2024 by Tianyi Fei
One of the most charming aspects of game fishing is the thrill of the unknown—what lies beneath the surface, whether the day’s efforts will yield a prize catch, or if luck will be on the angler’s side. This unpredictability adds to the excitement for all anglers, from seasoned fishing enthusiasts to weekend hobbyists. But as […]
Stanley Park: A Journey Through History and Today
Posted on Sep 25, 2024 by Tianyi Fei
Land Acknowledgement: We gratefully acknowledge that Stanley Park is on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As Vancouver’s first and largest urban park, Stanley Park stands as a cherished green oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. Originally a site of deep cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, Stanley Park […]
Japan in Focus: Part 3 – Exploring materials related to Meiji Restoration
Posted on Aug 20, 2024 by Lauren Wong
In Part 3 of our Japan in Focus series, we will explore materials in our open collections related to one of the most significant events in Japan: the Meiji Restoration 明治維新 (Meiji Ishin). Feel free to click on the images to enlarge them for a better view! What caused the Meiji Restoration? In 1853, Commodore […]
Japan in Focus: Part 2 – Exploring materials related to Japanese Canadian during World War II
Posted on Aug 06, 2024 by Lauren Wong
Content Warning: This blog post features items that contain some outdated, racist, and derogatory language. This blog post follows the language guidelines set forth by Japanese Canadian Legacies, which can be found at this link. In this second part of our series “Japan in Focus”, we will delve into the materials within our open collections […]
