Alexander Johnston fonds

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of biographical information, diplomas, correspondence, publications, histories, minutes, and research materials of Alexander Johnston pertaining to his activities as a historian and heritage activist. Includes original and photocopied research materials pertaining to irrigation,…

Physical Condition: Includes ca. 3.6 m. of textual records, ca. 210 photographs, 11 sound recordings, 2 videorecordings.

History Biographical: Alexander Johnston was born in Webb, Saskatchewan in 1920. He graduated with a BSA at the University of Saskatchewan in 1941 and received his MS from the University of Montana in 1954. He worked at the Lethbridge Experimental Station from 1946-1961 as the Research Officer before being seconded to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations from 1961-1962. He returned to the Lethbridge Research Station in 1962 to serve as its Research Scientist (Range Management) until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of numerous agricultural associations but also had an abiding interest in the history of Southern Alberta. He was president of the Lethbridge Historical Society, a founding member of the Alberta Museums Association, a member of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Board of Governors, and a member of the City of Lethbridge Museum Advisory Committee. He researched and wrote extensively on the history of southern Alberta and, in particular, the City of Lethbridge, including its industries, social life and culture, first nations, ethnic groups, and individual and family life. For his efforts, he received a 1967 Canada Centennial Medal, honourary members and an honourary degree from the University of Lethbridge. He died in 1989.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of biographical information, diplomas, correspondence, publications, histories, minutes, and research materials of Alexander Johnston pertaining to his activities as a historian and heritage activist. Includes original and photocopied research materials pertaining to irrigation, agriculture, natural history, ranching, coal mining, ethnic and religious groups, local medical history, Fort Whoop-Up, as well as Lethbridge individuals, families, events, community organizations and buildings. Also includes oral history interviews with Lethbridge citizens.

Category: Agriculture; Family and personal life; Religions; Exploration, discovery and travel